Two sides of one cauldron - painting and pottery from the same mischievous minds.
Foxes with crowns, wolves with secrets, ducks in top hats. My art conjures a world of whimsy, queer myth, and Southern sparkle. Come in - the council is waiting.
Mike Lasley Art
(An arm of Mike Lasley Art)
Step into a queer little cauldron of clay and chaos, where cups are cast, spells are whispered, and every piece tells a story. The Kiln of Cups & Chaos is a witchy, southern ceramics studio conjuring handmade magic for your everyday rituals.
Ceramics: The Kiln of Cups & Chaos
Upcoming Experiences
The weather outside may be frightful in an entirely different way, but inside the studio, we can make Christmas magic.
Join me for a festive guided open studio where you can choose your own ceramic Christmas project and finish it in a style that feels completely yours. Go classic, retro, woodland, pastel, sparkly, or wonderfully weird.
Unlike a traditional step-by-step class, everyone may be working on a different piece. Mike will begin with general instructions and painting tips (focusing on drybrushing technique), then circulate throughout the studio to help with color choices, techniques, details, and any tiny ceramic emergencies that arise. Per request, he will do a demo on eyes.
Choose Your Project
A curated menu of Christmas ceramic pieces is available at several price points. Participants will select and pay for their piece when registering.
This Experience Includes
Your fired bisque piece + accessories as listed
All acrylic paints & studio supplies (no experience needed)
Any individual assistance from Mike that you might need
A quick tutorial on how Mike paints eyes
Color palette inspos
Gloss or matte spray varnish finish
Light snacks & a mocktail
A cheerful evening of making Christmas decorations while the air conditioner does its sacred work
How varnish + pickup works
Your piece needs time to fully dry before the gloss is applied.
You can either:
Take it home the same night (unvarnished) and seal it yourself later, or
Leave it with me and I’ll apply the gloss spray once dry (unless I can make it happen the day of-weather permitting).
Pickup window: typically 3–7 days after the event. I’ll message you when it’s ready.
Class Format
This is a guided open studio rather than a synchronized step-by-step class. You may work at your own pace and choose your own colors and design - but I will be here to assist you.
No ceramic painting experience is necessary. Beginners are welcome, and adventurous creative decisions are encouraged.
Event Details
Date: July 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 until you’re ready to go home
Location: The Kiln of Cups & Chaos, Reidsville, North Carolina
Length: Approximately 3 hours, but I’ll free up my whole day so you don’t have to rush
Price: Varies by ceramic selection
Capacity: Limited seating available (~15 max)
Advance registration and project selection will be required so each piece can be prepared before the event. Registration will close on July 1 to ensure everyone’s pieces are ready.
Come make something merry, bright, and possibly a little strange.
What you’ll paint (choose one)
Sitting Reindeer (9" x 4.75") - $25
The Snowman Behind Sack Dish (5.5" x 6.5") - $25
One Tree Gnomie (4.25" x 8.25" - includes bulbs and battery-operated light) - $30
Yuletide Waltzers (6.25" x 4.5" each - you get both Santa & Mrs. Claus) - $38
Frostford Hollow (7.5" x 8.5" - includes electric light kit and star) - $45
The Santa Moon (11" x 9") - $45
The Frosted Optimist (13.25" x 6.25") - $50
Sprucy Ent (19” x 9" - includes bulbs and electric light kit) - $65
What to bring
Clothes you don’t mind possibly getting paint on (aprons welcome)
If you’d like an adult beverage: BYOB is welcome. I’ll provide cups/ice/water.
House rules
This is a home studio space. By registering, you agree to be respectful of the space and others, watch your step (we’ll have cords/paint water/ceramics around), and follow basic studio safety. Acrylic paint is non-toxic, but please keep food away from paint palettes and wash hands before eating. Spray varnish is applied by me only in a ventilated area.
🐾 Studio Assistant On Duty:
Bonnie (our very friendly dog) will be around during class. She may wander through for pets and moral support. If you have severe allergies or don’t love dogs, this might not be the best class for you.
Cancellation policy
Because pieces are reserved and supplies are prepped in advance:
Cancellations 7+ days before: refund minus processing fees
Cancellations under 7 days: credit toward a future class (you can also transfer your seat to a friend)
Shipping (don’t pay extra for this because we won’t be shipping anything)
At checkout, choose “More payment options.” You will be able to choose pickup to avoid shipping charges.
Meet the makers behind the magic.
Mike, Wilson, & Bonnie
At the heart of The Kiln of Cups & Chaos are three creators bound by love, laughter, and a mutual disregard for staying clean while making art.
Mike is the primary maker and dreamer - a southern queer artist who stirs equal parts color, clay, and chaos into everything he creates. His visual art and ceramics share one mission: to find the magic hiding in everyday life (and give it a little sparkle).
Wilson brings gentle humor, endless curiosity, and a healthy dose of Gemini energy to the studio. From tiny frogs to floral vases, his work leans playful, whimsical, and a bit mischievous…much like him.
Bonnie, our four-legged sparkle princess, supervises every project with unbothered grace. She’s the muse, mascot, and occasional model for new pieces - proof that chaos is best balanced with naps and snacks.
Together, we conjure a space where art, clay, and magic blend into one ongoing creative spell.
