My Journey as a Pottery Instructor and Tutor at Enanka Art Gallery

For the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as an art tutor and pottery instructor. My journey in graphic design, ceramics, and printmaking has been deeply fulfilling, marked by personal growth, student engagement, and the sheer joy of sharing my passion for the arts. My path eventually crossed with Enanka Art gallery, a cozy art gallery in Nairobi, known for its warm ambiance and creative atmosphere. In addition to my teaching, I work as a freelance artist. Pardon my manners—I didn’t introduce myself. My given name is ‘Lorine’, but as an artist, I go by ‘Ola’.

Discovering a Passion for Ceramics

Ceramics captivated me as early as age five, drawn by the tactile nature of clay and the endless possibilities it offers. There’s something profoundly meditative about working with clay—the way it responds to touch, the transformation it undergoes in the kiln, and the satisfaction of creating something both functional and aesthetic. My initial foray into ceramics was purely exploratory, but it quickly became a significant part of my artistic practice, a passion that was evident even in high school.

Joining Enanka Art Gallery provided the perfect platform to hone my skills and share my passion with others. The gallery’s ethos of nurturing creativity and fostering community aligns perfectly with my own values. As a pottery instructor, I find immense joy in guiding students through the process of transforming raw clay into unique pieces of art. My talkative and social nature thrives in these interactions, adding a lively dynamic to my classes.



The Role of a Tutor and Pottery Instructor

As a tutor, my primary responsibility is to foster a learning environment that is both supportive and challenging. At Enanka Art gallery, we offer a range of classes from beginner to advanced levels. My role involves developing course materials, leading workshops, and providing one-on-one guidance.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the growth and progress of my students. Whether it’s a novice throwing their first pot or a more experienced artist refining their drawing skills, each achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication. I strive to create a space where students feel comfortable exploring their creativity, making mistakes, and learning from them.

Challenges and Triumphs in Teaching

Teaching pottery and art comes with its own set of challenges. Pottery requires patience and precision, and not every project goes according to plan. There are moments of frustration when a carefully crafted piece collapses on the wheel or develops cracks during firing. However, these setbacks are invaluable learning opportunities. I encourage my students to view them as part of the creative process, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in art. Balancing creativity with technical precision is essential but tricky, as students often need extensive practice to master techniques. Additionally, securing and maintaining art materials and equipment can be costly and time-consuming, posing logistical issues for effective teaching.

A memorable triumph was our first-ever Pottery and Sip event, which became a huge success, sparking excitement and engagement in the community. This initial success led to our gallery hosting second and third editions, each growing in popularity and enriching our art offerings. These events not only showcased the joy of pottery but also fostered a welcoming and vibrant art community.

Exploring Printmaking

While ceramics is my primary focus, I have also developed a keen interest in printmaking. The intricate process of transferring ink to paper and the myriad techniques involved—such as etching, screen printing, and lithography—offer a different kind of creative challenge.

Printmaking allows me to experiment with textures, layers, and patterns in ways that compliment my work in ceramics. I often incorporate elements of printmaking into my pottery classes, introducing students to techniques like monoprinting on clay surfaces. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the learning experience and broadens the students’ artistic horizons. I also engage in graphic design, creating posters for our social media marketing platforms.

Building a Creative Community

Enanka Art Gallery is more than just a workspace; it’s a community. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and events that bring together artists, students, and art enthusiasts. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing ideas, showcasing talent, and fostering connections.

Being part of this community has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to collaborate with other artists, exchange knowledge, and continuously evolve as an instructor and creator. The support and camaraderie within the gallery inspire me to push the boundaries of my own practice and explore new artistic avenues.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my journey over the past three years, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my career. Teaching at Enanka Art Gallery has deepened my love for ceramics, graphic design and printmaking and reaffirmed my commitment to nurturing creativity in others.

Moving forward, I am excited to continue exploring new techniques, developing innovative workshops, and supporting my students in their artistic endeavors. The world of ceramics, graphics and printmaking is vast and ever-evolving, and I am eager to see where this journey will take us next.


Lorine aka ‘Ola’
Professional Ceramic Artist based in Kenya

Sometime in 2024, I decided to attend a sip and paint event at Enanka, a cozy art gallery in Nairobi, known for its warm ambiance and creative atmosphere. I had heard rave reviews from friends and colleagues, and the idea of combining art with a glass of wine sounded like a perfect way to unwind. Here’s a glimpse into my colorful evening and why it turned out to be such a memorable experience.

The Inspiration

I have always had a keen interest in art, although my professional life seldom leaves time for creative pursuits. When I stumbled upon an advertisement for Enanka’s sip and paint event, I felt an instant connection. The concept of sipping wine while painting seemed like the perfect blend of relaxation and creativity. Moreover, I was eager to meet new people who shared similar interests. With these thoughts in mind, I decided to take the plunge and signed up for the next available session.

First Impressions

Upon arriving at Enanka, I was immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere. The studio was adorned with beautiful paintings, many of which were created by various artists. The soft lighting and soothing music in the background set the perfect tone for the evening. I was greeted warmly by the host, who offered me a glass of wine and guided me to my easel. The setup was both professional and inviting, with all the necessary materials neatly arranged.

The crowd was a diverse mix of people, from seasoned artists to complete beginner like myself. It was comforting to see that everyone was there to have a good time, without any pressure to create a masterpiece.

The Painting Session

Our instructor for the evening was a talented and enthusiastic artist who made everyone feel at ease. She started by introducing the theme of the evening, which was a serene landscape. Her instructions were clear and encouraging, allowing us to follow along at our own pace.

As we dipped our brushes into the vibrant paints, the room buzzed with excitement. It was fascinating to see how each person’s interpretation of the same theme differed. The instructor frequently walked around, offering tips and gentle corrections, which was incredibly helpful.

For me, the most enjoyable part was the freedom to express myself without any judgment. I experimented with different brush strokes and color combinations, and it was immensely satisfying to see my canvas transform. The process was meditative, and I found myself completely absorbed in the activity.

The Social Aspect

One of the highlights of the evening was the social interaction. The sip and paint event provided a relaxed environment where it was easy to strike up conversations with fellow attendees. We shared laughs, exchanged tips, and even complimented each other’s work. It felt like a mini-community, united by our shared love for art and good company.

I met a lovely couple who were attending the event for their anniversary, as well as a group of friends who had made this a regular outing. It was inspiring to hear their stories and experiences, and by the end of the evening, we were exchanging contact details and planning to meet up again for future events.

The Sip

Of course, no sip and paint event would be complete without the sipping part! Enanka offered a delightful selection of wines and beverages, with something to suit every palate. I opted for a glass of crisp white wine, which perfectly complemented the evening’s relaxed vibe. There were also non-alcoholic options for those who preferred them. The drinks were refilled generously, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

Overall Experience

My experience at Enanka’s sip and paint event exceeded all my expectations. It was the perfect blend of creativity, socializing, and relaxation. I walked away not just with a painting that I was proud of, but also with new friendships and a renewed sense of artistic inspiration.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a brush in years, I highly recommend giving Enanka’s sip and paint a try. It’s a fantastic way to unwind, tap into your creative side, and make some wonderful memories.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit and can’t wait to see what masterpiece awaits!

Margaret J.S

In May 2024, I started my internship at Enanka Art Gallery, a growing Art gallery in Nairobi, I had no idea how enriching and transformative the next couple of weeks would be.
The journey was a blend of creativity, learning, and hands-on experience that has deepened my appreciation for arts and given me invaluable skills for my future endeavors.

Week 1: Getting Oriented

The first week was all about understanding the inner workings of the gallery. I occupied myself by learning about the various products and services offered by Enanka Art Gallery. From stunning paintings to unique pottery pieces, the gallery is a treasure trove of creativity.

With social media playing a crucial role in the gallery’s operations, I was brought up to speed about managing customer engagement on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It was fascinating to see how these platforms are used not just for marketing, but also for building a vibrant art community. The highlight was understanding the intricacies of running exhibitions, events, and classes. Observing how each event was properly planned and executed gave me a newfound respect for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into presenting art to the public.

Week 2: A Dive into the World of Art

The second week marked the beginning of my hands-on art projects. I completed my first woman-themed painting, an exploration of feminine strength and beauty. It was a deeply personal project, and I was proud of the final piece.

Attending an exhibition at Sarit Center was another highlight. It was an eye-opening experience to see how art is presented in a professional setting and to observe the interaction between the artists and the audience. Later, I visited an art studio in Kikuyu, where I gained insights into the processes and challenges faced by professional artists.

I also had the pleasure of helping organize and run a sip-and-paint event. This event combined art with a social atmosphere, and it was rewarding to see participants, many of whom were new to painting, creating their masterpieces while enjoying a relaxed evening.

Week 3: Balancing Art and Community

In the third week, I worked on my second woman-themed painting and applied textured finishing to my first painting. Experimenting with texture added a new dimension to my artwork and pushed me to think outside the box.

I assisted in running an art class, which was a fantastic opportunity to interact with art students and share my passion for art. Collecting and documenting feedback from the gallery’s community was also a critical task that week. It allowed me to understand the audience’s preferences and helped in reworking the gallery’s activity schedule to better meet their needs. We also started planning for a kick-off online art exhibition, which taught me a lot about the logistics and creative considerations required for a virtual art exhibition.

Week 4: Deepening Engagement

The fourth week was about refining my approach based on community feedback. I reworked the activity schedule for the gallery, ensuring it was more engaging and aligned with the interests of our audience.

I completed my third woman-themed painting, focusing on depicting various aspects of femininity. This week also saw me assisting in another art class and a pottery event. Although pottery was not a new experience for me, I enjoyed the tactile nature of working with clay.

I attended another exhibition at Village market, gaining further exposure to the professional art world. Each exhibition was a learning experience, providing me with insights into how art can be curated and displayed to captivate audiences.

Week 5: Climax of Learning

In the final week, I completed my fourth woman-themed painting, which was a portrayal of the skills and techniques I had learned during my internship.
Assisting in an art class and an art event, I felt more confident and capable in my role. I also attended a pottery training session, which solidified my artistic interest in exploring
different art forms.

Reflection

My time at Enanka Art Gallery was a rich experience that allowed me to grow both as an artist and a professional. Each task, from creating art to engaging with the community, contributed to a deeper understanding of the art world. I leave this internship with a heart full of gratitude and a mind buzzing with creative ideas for the future.

Julia Shisia

Professional Visual Artist based in Kenya