The Clay Studio Shop and Gallery will be open on weekends only (Fridays - Sundays) beginning January 2, and will resume normal hours every day on January 16. In accordance with city guidelines, The Clay Studio is resuming fall term classes on January 16, and our winter term begins February 8. Check for general updates here. Meanwhile, explore our virtual classes, talks, and events, and help support our teachers and artists.

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
    • Calendar

      Get a bird's eye view of everything happening in our classrooms, studios, galleries, and shop. Plan your day, your week, or month, all year round.

      • View Calendar
    • Hand Crafted Events

      Do you love craft and want to try your hand at making something beyond the potter's wheel? We've got just the thing.

      • View and register
    • Date Nights

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

      • View and register
    • Public Events

      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
    • 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
    • Artists in Our Shop

      Our shop features the work of many of our in-house artists, as well as artists from across the country and around the world. Only the best in our shop!

      • Shop by artist
  • 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

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 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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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

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

Public Events

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Clay Fest, Pottery Sales, 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

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

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.

learn more

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.”

learn more

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 or is interested in setting up an at home studio.

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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.

sign up now

Mud Ball • September 17, 2020

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Thank you for joining us online at The Clay Studio's virtual Mud Ball, a festive evening with fabulous friends and fine art. It's our signature fundraising event of the year, and we raised over $95,000!

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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

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!

sign up now

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.

sign up now

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

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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Visit Us
The Clay Studio
137-139 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • 215-925-3453
  • info@theclaystudio.org

Gallery & Shop Hours

Monday–Saturday 11am – 6pm
Sunday 12pm – 6pm

First Friday Hours

First Friday of each month,
5pm – 8pm

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