Baltimore Clayworks

Baltimore Clayworks was founded in 1980 by nine potters and ceramic sculptors who sought to establish a community center for artist, students, and the public to experience and learn about clay. Located in a former Enoch Pratt Library, we provide artists studios, two classrooms, a gallery, equipment and professional opportunities to artist. We began with one paid staff member and a lot of additional labor from the studio artist in exchange for a reduced rate on their firing fees. This year Baltimore Clayworks purchased the building from the founders and our staff has grown to 5 full-time and 4 part-time employees. We also employ a teaching staff, and keep plenty of work exchange busy. Yet, the cooperative aspect is still vital to Clayworks. Our studio now consists of 13 resident artists, as well as 30 member/exhibiting artists. The exhibitions we offer range from student work to the work of national and internationally recognized ceramist. In 2001 we added a new classroom and we teach approximately 300 adults and children per week. As we grow we have begun to reach off site to bring clay into underserved communities. As Clayworks continues to grow and offer more programs we have begun planning an expansion to help us fulfill our mission.

Our mission:
Baltimore Clayworks exists to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community that provides outstanding artistic, educational, and collaborative programs in ceramic arts.

To fulfil its mission, Baltimore Clayworks strives to achieve the following goals:

To provide affordable studio space, state of the art equipment, and professional development opportunities that will encourage participation by national and international ceramic artist who produce work of the highest quality
To develop sensitively conceived and collaboratively designed programs with artists and community organizations that bring clay experiences of authenticity and meaning into the lives of children and adults in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Baltimore City.
To offer hand-on studio classes in all aspects of pottery, clay sculpture, and ceramic processes for children and adults taught by working artist, and to provide scholarship and work-study opportunities for students enrolling in classes
To present on and off-site exhibitions of the work of national and international ceramic artist free and open to the public
To allow access to gas, electric, and wood-fired kilns and other specialized equipment for area artist, schools and community area organizations.
To provide artist/teacher referral services and ceramic technical and safety information to individuals and intuitions at no charge