It’s that time of year when our studio kitchen kettle is filling up handmade mugs full of hot tea, the studio pups are leaving wet pawprints on the concrete floors, and you can find “Skullptor”, our turquoise skeleton, moving around the studio set up in different poses depending on who was up working the latest the night before. We’ve been buzzing around Radius this week hanging work, vacuuming up clay dust from the corners, and cueing up the fall playlist, because this Friday we get to do one of our favorite things: throw open the doors and fill the space with familiar faces and new friends for Haunted Hues, our annual Halloween-themed gallery show and pop-up market.

We picked the name “Haunted Hues” because at Radius, we love color! Of course, that includes endless glaze and firing combinations, but you’ll also see it reflected in everything from the Alex Proba mural on our exterior to the “casual clown” outfits you might see our studio owner, Rin, wearing around any given day. Our community is bright, playful, and fun! At this event, you can expect 40+ Portland artists and vendors in every medium, from moody paintings and prints to ceramics and fiber. Come find pieces that make you smile, raise an eyebrow, or make you want to take a tiny ghost mug home for cocoa season.

Check out Skullptor hiding out behind our shop mirror, giving a sneak peek at our retail shop full of handmade gifts and goodies.

Tori Moon / @she.and.the.moon / Hand-crafted ceramic platter with deer and celestial details.

Tori Moon (@she.and.the.moon) makes work with a witchy, lunar glow. Her hand built and wheel thrown pieces feel like talismans for the gentler side of spooky season. Torre is also a Radius member, which means we get to see ideas move from sketchbook to shelf. Membership is one of our favorite ways to watch people grow into their own voice. If you’ve been thinking, “I want more art in my life,” a Radius membership might be the way to make that daydream come true.

Q. What does being part of Radius as a member mean to you?

A. For me, becoming a member has solidified my place in this beautiful art space that has been created. I was a student for about 2 years and loved it, but as a member, the sense of community has felt stronger, and to be honest, it’s fun being around and getting to see a little of the “behind the scenes” at the studio! An added benefit for me as well has been the ability to stay as long as needed once I hit the groove of creativity. The joy and inspiration that flows through Radius is one of the biggest perks of my life, and of witchcraft and magic, and I love that this business is a way to share it with you! “ -Tori Moon

Kari (@mythandmilagro) brings folklore, myth, and a wink of mischief into richly illustrated worlds. Kari is also a Radius member, and we’re constantly inspired by her attention to detail, her calm and dedicated work ethic, and her sweet friendship and working relationship with Tori Moon. If you’ve ever wished for a creative routine and a place where people are genuinely rooting for you, that’s exactly what our members have built here at Radius.

Q. Any “spooky-sweet” studio ritual you’re loving this season?

A. I’m all about rituals, and as we enter the fall season and especially my favorite holiday of all, Halloween, I like to add a little more “spooky-sweet” to my work day. I feel a lot of people are prone to listening to music or books and podcasts, but you can always count on me to have a show or movie playing in the background while I’m drawing up new ideas or underglazing my greenware.

Kari Smith / @mythandmilagro /  Ceramic wheel-thrown lidded moth jar

Lela Blyler / @nowwhatpotteryworks / Pumpkin mugs getting glazed up for Haunted Hues

Lela Blyler (@nowwhatpotteryworks)- If you’ve been dreaming about learning the wheel, Lela is the person you want in your corner. Her ceramics are refined, joyful, and pattern-rich (and yes, there will be adorable Halloween pieces again this year). Lela is a beloved Radius instructor and one of the folks who helps fire our Cone 10 gas kiln we named Shirley (after Radius owner Rin’s late grandmother).

*Maker’s Note* Our Cone 10 gas reduction kiln is open to the public for firing! Ask us about reserving space the next time you stop in, or find out more here.

Q. What vibe are your fall ceramics bringing to Haunted Hues?

A. I’m bringing cosy fall fairytale vibes to the market! Pumpkin mugs galore. I really love the fall cosy cute vibes, with just a hint of scary! I’ll have jack o lantern mugs, pumpkin mugs, teapots and pitchers.

We’re a ceramics studio, yes, and we adore clay, of course…but we’re also a neighborhood art space. Our retail shop features over 50 local makers year-round, our gallery shows a mix of 2D and 3D work, and our open-call group shows invite new artists to take up room on the walls next to long-time Radius folks. We do it because art is better when everyone has a way in, whether that’s buying a print, taking a one-night workshop with a friend, or deciding to finally commit to a weekly class.

If you’re curious about how to be part of what you’re seeing on Friday night, the path is simple: come hang out! Ask artists about their process. Say hi to our staff. Peek into the classrooms. Tell us what you want to make. We’ll point you toward a class, show you the membership shelves, or add you to the list for our next open call. Speaking of—our next open call goes live in January for the February “Selfies & Self Care” show. Stay in the loop

A candid from Haunted Hues 2024 where we convinced Studio Assistant Mariella to let us turn her hair into a giant spider!