We are so excited to introduce you to our newest Smarty partner, Clayworks, a non-profit organization that’s been around since 1977 doing some incredible things for the arts in our community. We’ll get to more about Clayworks in a minute, but first, we want you to mark your calendars for their big Holiday Sale and Open House coming up on December 6 and 7. The Holiday Sale and Open House feature a diverse selection of handmade pottery and ceramic sculpture created by Clayworks instructors and studio artists. Feel free to bring a friend!
Event Details
Clayworks Holiday Sale and Open House @ Clayworks
Friday, December 6, 6 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
A little bit about Clayworks
Mission
Clayworks is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of ceramic arts, advancement of artists and students, and enrichment of the communities it serves.
Vision
Clayworks engages, enriches, and inspires diverse populations in the discovery, creation, and celebration of the ceramic arts.
Impact Statement
Clayworks is a leader in the field of ceramic arts, providing its students and artist’s unparalleled access to top-quality facilities, equipment, and instruction. It provides robust arts education programming, centered on hands-on experiences with clay, to diverse populations across Mecklenburg County with many programs at low cost, or no cost, to the participant. Clayworks enriches its community by helping individuals reach their potential for creativity and personal growth and connecting people from a variety of backgrounds through shared values.
Clayworks Programs
Clayworks is an educational organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the ceramic arts through classes, workshops, and community engagement. The organization provides studio space to more advanced ceramicists and has a gallery where the work of studio artists and instructors is sold. Adult ceramic classes are offered for three 10-week sessions, six 6-week sessions and one 8-week session each year. Independent study, a program designed for students to work independently during open studio hours, is offered once a year when classes are not in session. In all of our class offerings, students have a unique opportunity to work alongside professional artists. The interaction creates an environment of artistic exchange resulting in a unique program unduplicated in our community. Master classes are available for the more advanced artists and led by nationally known ceramic artists. Clayworks offers seven weeks summer camps for children age’s five to eleven and youth pottery wheel camps for ages 11 – 15. While we consider clay to be an artistic element, many organizations use Clayworks for teambuilding exercises. The Clayworks community impact program is dedicated to bringing clay art education to diverse populations in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. The community impact program partners with schools and community-based organizations, integrating arts into their curriculum and programs. Clayworks has partnered with the YWCA, Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department, Charlotte Mecklenburg County Libraries and InReach to name a few. Clayworks provides affordable studio space to 31 artists, state of the art equipment, and professional development opportunities and workshops. To further support the artists Clayworks hosts two studio sales per year. These sales feature handmade ceramic sculpture and functional pottery created by Clayworks studio artists and faculty.
History
For nearly five decades, Clayworks, one of the largest nonprofit teaching facilities in the U.S., has promoted ceramic art and art education in the Charlotte community. Established in 1977 under the auspices of Spirit Square Center for Arts & Education, the studio offered courses at the center’s original North Tryon Street location. From 1996 to 1997, Clayworks operated in the same location under the Arts & Science Council. In 1998 the organization was absorbed under the McColl Center for Visual Art and relocated to studio space on East 9th Street. In 2004, Clayworks became an independent organization, maintaining its same location, but establishing its own 501(c)3 status. Clayworks moved to its current Monroe Road location and purchased its buildings in 2011, creating a permanent home for the organization.
Throughout its history, Clayworks has strategically expanded its offerings beyond ceramics classes to include specialized workshops, studio space rental for individual ceramic artists, community-based education, and a gallery to promote and sell the work of both faculty and professional artists.
Today, Clayworks’ reach into the Charlotte community is a significant part of its day-to-day operations. Through its Mudmobiles, Monroe Road studio, and relationships with community partners, libraries, and schools, Clayworks brings self-confidence, motivation, and creative skills to the many participants in its programs, including those in under-served communities and those with cognitive/developmental disabilities.
Clayworks’ Offerings
Winter Classes
Kids Pottery Classes
This 10-week class will introduce students ages 6 – 10 to the wonderful potential of clay, with each class session teaching a new hand building technique for creating and finishing artworks in clay. Students will dive into their imaginations to make fun, seasonal-themed pottery and pots that can be used and treasured. Students will also gain experience on the potter’s wheel.
Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, January 8 – March 11, 2020
Instructor: Nannette Spencer • Tuition: $185
Saturdays, 9:00am – 10:30am, January 11- March 14, 2020
Instructor: Molly Bloomer • Tuition: $185
Youth Wheel Throwing
This 10-week youth pottery class is designed for ages 11- 15. Students will learn basic wheel-throwing skills and a variety of handle techniques such as coils, sculpted handles, and traditional pulled handles. They will learn techniques using the wheel to make pots with different styles of handles-mugs, pitchers, casseroles, and a jar with a lid. Students will also learn basic glazing techniques to make their projects truly one of a kind.
Tuesdays, 4:30pm – 6:00pm, January 7 – March 10, 2020
Instructor: Molly Bloomer • Tuition: $185
Saturdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm, January 11- March 14, 2020
Instructor: Molly Bloomer • Tuition: $185
Birthday Parties:
Looking for a creative, hands-on birthday party? We’ve got you covered! Clayworks is a fun, creative party space.
Clayworks will help you design a fun-filled, creative experience that will include the wheel or a hand-building project. Led by an experienced instructor, students ages 6-16 work in clay to create a piece of art.
Looking for an adult party? Check out our Group Lessons.
– Cost: $240 initial cost allows for 8 participants; $30 for each additional participant. Includes 1 1/2 hour workshop, 1/2 hour party time, materials, firing fees and packing of finished projects.
– Ages & Group Size: Handbuilding classes are for 6+ years old with a maximum of 15 participants. Potter’s wheel classes are for 10+ years old with a maximum of 10 participants.
– Party: Party food and goods are not included. You will supply all party goods including the table covers, cups, napkins, and food such as pizza, birthday cake and drinks.
– Payment: $100 deposit is required to hold the scheduled date. Balance is due at the date of the party.
– Finished Projects: Drying, firing, and glazing takes approximately three weeks. We will call you when the projects are ready for a pick up.
To schedule a party email Susan Hughes or call 704-344-4842.
We have 18 weekly adult pottery classes that will run from January 6 – March 26, 2020
Clayworks
4506 Monroe Road
Charlotte, NC
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