Sterling City Studio homepage hero image at sunset

A studio shaped by practice in Lyme, Connecticut.

Sterling City Studio is a working studio for artists and residents seeking time, structure, and a place to stay with their work.

Through small-group workshops, month-long residencies, and shared making, the studio supports serious learning and a growing, intergenerational community of artists.

Founded by artist and educator Leah Grear, the studio grows out of more than twenty-five years teaching painting, drawing, and printmaking. Today she directs the workshops and residency, working alongside visiting artists.

Workshops are small and hands-on, focused on learning through doing. Offerings change seasonally and reflect the materials and practices active in the studio.

EXPLORE WORKSHOPS

  • Painting Classes at Sterling City Studio

    Painting

    Foundations of surface, color, and composition.

  • Drawing Class at Sterling City Studio

    Drawing

    Gesture, form, space, and mark-making.

  • Hand printing at Sterling City Studio

    Hand Printing + Letterpress

    Monoprinting, block printing, and press techniques.

  • Wheel Throwing at Sterling City Studio

    Wheel Throwing

    Clay bodies, centering, and form.

  • Hand Building Classes at Sterling City Studio

    Hand Building

    Pinch, slab, coil, and glaze.

  • Weaving Workshop at Sterling City Studio

    Natural Fibers

    Working with natural materials and form.

  • Silk Screening at Sterling City Studio

    Silk Screening

    Multi-layered print design and production.

  • Relief Printing at Sterling City Studio

    Relief Printing

    Image development and color printing.

  • Seasonal Ceramics at Sterling City Studio

    Seasonal Ceramics

    Ornaments, texture, and glaze.

  • Design at Sterling City Studio

    Design

    Two-dimensional design principles.

JOIN A WORKSHOP

What People Are Saying

  • “I LOVED doing pottery with other people in a supportive and connected space! Can't wait to continue classes and get more involved.”

    — Heather I.

  • “The studio has been such a nice, welcoming place and a really great environment to learn a new skill.”

    — Pearl L.

  • “I really enjoyed the wheel-throwing class, and I’m excited to continue.”

    — Casey O.

  • "I find the studio to be an extraordinary creative space that fosters discovery."

    Jean L.

Throughout the year the studio hosts open studios, small events, and gatherings that bring artists together.

Girl on horse for silkscreen Sterling City Studio