About Manna Pottery
At Manna Pottery, we believe clay is more than a material. it's a bridge between past and present, between hands and heart. Our studio is a sanctuary where ancient craft meets modern creativity, and where the simple act of shaping clay becomes a journey of self-expression. Every visitor becomes an artist.
Rezgar Mamandi (Founder)
Rezgar Mamandi’s relationship with clay began in the mountainous landscapes of Kurdistan, where pottery traditions stretch back millennia. Growing up surrounded by artisans who shaped vessels for daily life and ceremony alike, he learned that pottery is never merely functional—it carries stories, memories, and the spirit of its maker.
After years of formal training and personal exploration across three continents, Rezgar brought his unique vision to Northern Virginia. His work blends ancient Mesopotamian aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities, creating pieces that feel both timeless and urgently alive.
“Every piece of clay remembers the hands that shaped it,” Rezgar often says. “My goal is to help others discover that same magic— the quiet meditation of the wheel, the surprise of the kiln, the joy of creation.”
Why Manna Pottery Became a Physical Space
For years, Rezgar dreamed of more than a studio—he envisioned a gathering place. A space where families could create together, where friends could celebrate with clay, and where complete beginners could discover talents they never knew they had.
In 2019, that dream took root at 36 Pidgeon Hill Drive in Sterling, Virginia. What began as a modest workspace has grown into a beloved community hub, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. From birthday parties to corporate team-building events, from quiet solo sessions to bustling weekend workshops—Manna Pottery has become a canvas for countless creative journeys.
The studio sits at the heart of Northern Virginia’s vibrant arts community, serving Loudoun County, Fairfax, and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area with accessible, joyful creative experiences.
What We Offer
From your first brushstroke to mastering the wheel, we have an experience waiting for you.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Choose from hundreds of bisque pieces and create your masterpiece with our premium glazes.
Pottery Wheel Classes
Learn the ancient art of wheel-throwing in our hands-on beginner and advanced sessions.
Group Workshops
Perfect for team events, birthday parties, and creative gatherings of all sizes.
Private Sessions
Book the studio for an intimate creative experience with personalized instruction.
The Origins of "Manna"
Our name honors the Mannaean civilization (c. 850–616 BCE), an ancient people who flourished in what is now northwestern Iran and Kurdistan. The Mannaeans were renowned for their sophisticated metalwork and, significantly, their distinctive pottery traditions.
These artisans created vessels that traveled the ancient trade routes, connecting cultures across Mesopotamia. Their geometric patterns and organic forms reflected a deep understanding of both function and beauty— principles that continue to inspire our work today.
By naming our studio “Manna,” we honor this lineage while inviting visitors to become part of a story that spans three thousand years. Every pot thrown, every glaze brushed, adds another chapter to this enduring human tradition.
Visit Our Studio
Ready to create with clay? We’d love to welcome you to Manna Pottery.
Location
36 Pidgeon Hill Dr Sterling, VA 20165
Hours
Mon-Fri: 11 A.M - 6 P.M. Sat-Sun: 11 A.M - 7 P.M
Contact
(703) 956-9872