Grant will support critical equipment improvements to serve our growing ceramics community
On May 8, 2025, Baltimore Clayworks was awarded a $10,000 grant from the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund and an additional $10,000 community-funded matching grant to support the purchase of a new Bailey Gas Kiln. During this campaign, donors and the Baker Fund will, together, raise $30,000 to make these critical improvements a reality.
The funding will help Baltimore Clayworks replace aging 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 the current kiln acquired in 2001, which has 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.”
Baltimore Clayworks has been serving the Baltimore community for 45 years, welcoming all people to access and experience joy through clay. Founded in 1980 by nine artists, the organization has built a national and international reputation for artistic excellence, artist support, and community involvement. The organization serves 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.
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.
The grant was approved by the Fund’s Board of Governors on May 8, 2025.
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.
