Summer Classes began July 5th and will continue through August 29.

Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for The Clay Studio employees, artists, students, and contractors. More details here.

DATE NIGHTS are back! Register here

The Clay Studio
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  • Classes

    • Classes

      We offer classes year round in handbuilding, wheel-throwing, casting and glazing, for people of all ages, from beginner to advanced. Our classes are taught by top practitioners.

      • View and register for classes
      • Registration Info & Policies
    • Workshops

      We offer workshops for a variety of skill levels, ages, and interests, including family workshops and master artist workshops.

      • View and register for workshops
      • Registration Info & Policies
    • Summer Camps

      With half-day and full-day programs throughout the summer, kids ages 6 and up can explore the exciting world of clay.

      • View and register for summer camps
      • Registration Info & Policies
  • Events

    • Events

      Explore all events at The Clay Studio

      • View Events
    • Date Nights

      Friday nights are free-wheeling as couples, singles & friends get together and try to become potters!

      • View and register
    • Public Programs

      Free and open to the public — Hands on Clay, Clay Fest, and more. Drop by, bring family and friends.

      • Plan to be with us
    • Talks & Receptions

      Be informed and inspired while meeting thinkers and makers in ceramic art and craft.

      • Plan to be with us
    • Private Events

      Planning a birthday? Throwing a reception? Let's Talk!

      • Learn more
  • Exhibitions

    • Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

      Check out what’s on view and what’s coming soon at The Clay Studio.

      • View Exhibitions
    • Past Exhibitions

      Our exhibitions have featured the work of renowned artists from around the country and the world.

      • View Past Exhibitions
    • Permanent Collection

      Our permanent collection features notable works by The Clay Studio’s resident artists.

      • Explore Collection
  • Artists

    • Artists

      Explore the full index of Artists

      • View all Artists
    • Resident & Guest Artists

      Our reputation as a world class art center attracts a diverse range of artists, who in turn enhance the entire creative enterprise

      • Meet our Resident and Guest Artists
    • In-House Artists

      Above our gallery and shop is a lively atelier of Associate Artists, Work Exchange Artists, Student and Staff Artists — a welcoming family of makers and mentors.

      • Meet our in-house artists
  • Claymobile

    • Claymobile

      Our Claymobile brings a "popup" ceramics studio to your school, neighborhood organization, or social service agency anywhere in the Philadelphia region. We believe that creativity for all is a critical force for good.

      • Learn more and request a claymobile
    • Our Neighbors & Friends

      Community engagement — it's about being a good neighbor, but also a strong neighbor. The Clay Studio believes that creativity helps empower people, who in turn empower their community.

      • Our growing community
    • Our Partners & Peers

      Our partnerships run deep — with our city, and with regional and national organizations dedicated to ceramics, art, design, and craft. We think it's important to recognize our supporting partners, whose collaborative work makes it all possible.

      • Our partners and peers
  • Shop

    • Shop

      Shop all handmade ceramics at the Clay Studio.

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    • Shop Specials & Collections

      Shop Specials & Collections at the Clay Studio.

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    • Shop By Artist

      Shop by Artist at the Clay Studio.

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Events

There's always something to do at The Clay Studio — whether it's trying your hand at the potter's wheel, crafting a handmade gift, attending a slideshow talk, or feeling the intimacy of an artist's touch in our Shop's gallery. Explore our Calendar and plan to be with us!

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Clay & Conversations

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An exciting series of informal conversations and get-togethers with ceramic artists, curators, scholars and friends — now in its fourth season! Come in person to our fourth floor Conference Room or tune in on Zoom.

view playlists

Public Events

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There are many ways to experience The Clay Studio! Clay Fest, Pottery Sales, Clay & Conversations, Hands On Clay, CraftNow, public festivals -- these are just some of our family-friendly public events throughout the year. FREE.

plan to be with us

Making Place Matter

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Making Place Matter will lead by listening, using clay as a metaphor for place, and place as a metaphor to examine the relationship between The Clay Studio and our new neighborhood.

Learn more

Private Events

private events

Planning a birthday? Throwing a reception? Honoring a special person? Make it an unique and memorable experience by working with us to plan a hands on, art making event.

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Clay at Home

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An exciting new series of clay tutorials, Lunch & Learn artist talks and tours, kid-friendly activities, and live conversations, all created by Clay Studio artists, teachers, and staff. There's something for everyone!

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Family Workshops

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Choose any Saturday family workshop and have fun learning basic wheel throwing or handbuilding projects with different creative themes. For kids ages 4+ and at least one adult.

sign up now

Hand Crafted Events

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Are you excited to learn how ceramics intersect with other crafts? We've got just the thing. You'll also discover more about the robust craft community flourishing in Philadelphia.

learn more & sign up

Discovery Grant Workshops: Clay & Conversation

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In this series of workshops, we asked our new neighbors in South Kensington to engage with us and artists Roberto Lugo​ and Jennie Shanker​ in ceramic art activities and conversations around the theme “Making Place Matter.”

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Hands On Clay

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We invite people of all ages to use their hands and imaginations in “Hands On Clay,” funded by PNC Arts Alive. With the pandemic we still want to make clay accessible to all through virtual events with FREE clay kits available for pick-up.

learn more

Mud Ball • September 16, 2022

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Mud Ball, our signature fundraising event of the year, is a festive evening with fabulous friends and fine art, including collectible ceramics. Mud Ball 2022 happens on September 16, in person at our new building.

Learn more

Date Nights

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Couples, singles, and friends are welcome to join us Friday evenings for fun, romance, and throwing on the potter's wheel. We provide instruction and refreshments, and will ship you your finished work.

gift certificates

Kiln & Wheel Rentals

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The Clay Studio is providing kiln & wheel rentals to anyone who needs firings at cone 06 bisque and cone 6 glaze firings.

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Artist Workshops

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We offer workshops given by our Resident, Guest, and Visiting Artists -- masters in clay who have refined their technique, and whose vision can inspire anyone to take their clay-making to the next level.

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Farewell to Old City * October 2, 2021

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Join us to celebrate and say goodbye to 137-139 N. 2nd Street with tours of the building, photos, and a place to record your memories.

More Info

Let's Make!

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Come to one of these Saturday workshops and try your hand at the potter's wheel. It's a great way for a beginner to try things out before enrolling in a class!

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Community Maker Days

community maker days

Community Maker Days are free, fun, hands-on clay workshops focused in the Greater Kensington neighborhood from May - September 2018. These events culminate in a Community Dinner bringing together everyone who participated in making the plates.

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Artist Talks and Receptions

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Want to stay inspired and informed about clay's storied traditions and current cutting-edge practices? We're your go-to place to see ceramic art and meet the artists. These free events celebrate critical thinking and thoughtful dialogue all year round.

view what's coming up

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Visit Us
The Clay Studio
1425 N American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
  • 215-925-3453
  • info@theclaystudio.org

Gallery & Shop Hours

Monday–Friday 11am – 6pm
Saturday–Sunday 11am – 5pm

Second Thursday Hours

Second Thursday of each month,
5pm – 8pm

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