The Kiln Ceramics Studio opens in Downtown Belleville
The Kiln Ceramics studio celebrated its Grand Opening on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 at 15 Market St. in the Memorial Market Place in Downtown Belleville.
Councillors Garnet Thompson, Margaret Seu and Barbara Enright-Miller on behalf of the City of Belleville, Danielle Letersky on behalf of MPP Tyler Allsopp, Nicole Kleinsteuber on behalf of MP Chris Malette, Jill Raycroft from the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Lochan from City of Belleville Economic Development, Luc Fournier from Small Business Centre and Danielle Hanoman, Executive Director of the DBIA were present at the ribbon-cutting.
The Kiln is owned by Kris Keiller and offers a space for families, schools, and individuals of all ages to explore pottery painting, create “forever memories,” and connect with their creative side in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
Although Keiller always had a passion for the arts, she spent years as a general manager and project manager before finally pursuing ceramics.
“I came from an artistic family. I took the arts all through high school and I thought about being an art teacher,” Keiller said. “Ceramics was just a hobby at the time, and then I started researching the market.”
Keiller found that there was a gap in services. “There is a clear need for accessible art programming here in Belleville. Opportunities for creative expression bring vibrancy to the community and provide meaningful outlets for people of all ages.”
She began small, running events out of local businesses, schools, and even her garage, where she housed her first kiln. Demand quickly grew.
Soon she was working with hundreds of students across the region, hosting sold-out seasonal events, and partnering with businesses like Benji’s Coffee Bar, Creative Junction, Signal Brewery, and Dahlia May Flower Farm.
When she was scouting for a store location, Keiller always had her eye on the Memorial Market Place downtown. “This space brings an energy that I know the community truly needs. I have personal memories here, and I believe it is a key piece of the entire downtown area, an important place with the power to connect people and enrich our community.”
With her new studio, Keiller is excited to offer a permanent home for her vision. The Kiln will feature shelves of ceramic pieces at a range of price points—starting under $15—ensuring accessibility for families, students, and gift-givers alike.
Guests can select a piece, paint it in the studio’s cozy, welcoming space, and return later to pick it up after it’s been fired in the studio’s namesake kiln.
For Keiller, opening The Kiln downtown was a deliberate choice. “It’s important to me that there are safe, creative spaces for women, children and families, and that we’re supporting other local businesses,” she said.
