Grant will support critical equipment improvements to serve growing ceramics community
Baltimore Clayworks has the opportunity to receive an additional $10,000 matching grant to support the purchase of a new Bailey Gas Kiln from the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund. With funds released in $2,500 increments, we, together, can make the new kiln a reality in the coming months. During this fundraiser, you, the Baker Fund, and your fellow community members can help raise $30,000 for these essential improvements.
Your donation will help Baltimore Clayworks replace inefficient, outdated equipment that has served the organization’s growing community for over two decades. The centerpiece of the upgrade is a new Bailey Gas Kiln, which will replace a kiln that was acquired, used, in 2001 and has well-surpassed its expected lifespan. The new kiln will provide dramatic fuel savings, dependable firing results, and superior technical support for the organization’s extensive programming.
“This grant from the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund comes at a critical time as we work to meet the growing needs of our clay community,” said Matthew Hyleck, Executive Director of Baltimore Clayworks. “These essential equipment upgrades will ensure we can continue providing outstanding educational, artistic, and collaborative programs for the next 15 years.”
Make Your Mark Brick Campaign
Set your legacy in clay.
Help us unlock a $10,000 matching grant for a new kiln from the William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund by purchasing a personalized paver brick. The bricks will line the gravel path of the Gathering Ground to inspire future generations of creative makers.
The new kiln will continue our 45-year legacy of welcoming all people to access and experience joy through clay. It will help us uphold our national and international reputation for artistic excellence, artist support, and community involvement. It will also allow us to continue our creative services for youth, adults, and seniors primarily from Baltimore City, including individuals with developmental delays, low-vision and blindness, those with unique learning styles, and special populations such as Veterans and Active-Duty military personnel.
The new kiln will help us grow! In 2024, Baltimore Clayworks served approximately 2,300 students, including studio and resident artists who spent over 135,000 hours working independently in the studios and produced an estimated 50,000 pieces of art and pottery. The organization hosted 14 individual exhibitions in its Mt. Washington galleries and welcomed 9 short and long-term resident artists from across the United States, Canada, and Japan.
The kiln upgrade is part of a larger equipment enhancement investment totaling between $65,000 and $80,000. In addition to the new Bailey Gas Kiln, improvements will include gas pressure gauges and plumbing modifications to the reduction gas and soda kilns, which will regulate natural gas usage and provide measurable pressure standards.
About the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund supports Baltimore’s arts community and is the creator of the Baker Artist Portfolios. BakerArtist.org.
