THE LATEST FROM THE CLAY CENTER
VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP, April 5 - 6, 2025
Paper Clay Figurative Sculpture with C.A. Traen
We are thrilled to host Memphis-based artist C.A. "Cat" Traen for a Visiting Artist weekend workshop! Students will learn Cat’s approach to sculpting hollow figures using paper clay. Instruction and demonstrations will cover how Cat uses paper clay slabs to create simple hollow forms that coordinate with photographic and drawn references to anchor her process in naturalism. Participants of ALL skill levels will be able to engage with Cat’s techniques using minimal equipment and materials. Spots are limited; don't wait to sign up!
Learn more and register
Paper Clay Figurative Sculpture with C.A. Traen
We are thrilled to host Memphis-based artist C.A. "Cat" Traen for a Visiting Artist weekend workshop! Students will learn Cat’s approach to sculpting hollow figures using paper clay. Instruction and demonstrations will cover how Cat uses paper clay slabs to create simple hollow forms that coordinate with photographic and drawn references to anchor her process in naturalism. Participants of ALL skill levels will be able to engage with Cat’s techniques using minimal equipment and materials. Spots are limited; don't wait to sign up!
Learn more and register
SPRING GLAZE WORKSHOPS
with Clay Center founder Michelle Swafford
March 22: GLAZED & CONFUSED
In this beginner-level workshop, Michelle will explain the fundamentals of glazes and glazing application, and will demonstrate a number of specific techniques that you can use to improve your glaze results right away. Perfect for glazing newbies and anyone who wants better glaze results! Learn more and register
April 19: GLAZE MIXING & MATERIALS
This intermediate-level workshop is designed for clay artists ready to take a deep dive into the science of glazes. We recommend taking Glazed & Confused before Glaze Mixing & Materials, but it is not required.
Learn more and register
with Clay Center founder Michelle Swafford
March 22: GLAZED & CONFUSED
In this beginner-level workshop, Michelle will explain the fundamentals of glazes and glazing application, and will demonstrate a number of specific techniques that you can use to improve your glaze results right away. Perfect for glazing newbies and anyone who wants better glaze results! Learn more and register
April 19: GLAZE MIXING & MATERIALS
This intermediate-level workshop is designed for clay artists ready to take a deep dive into the science of glazes. We recommend taking Glazed & Confused before Glaze Mixing & Materials, but it is not required.
Learn more and register
Workshop with Clay Center founder Michelle Swafford
CERAMICS CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
We offer ceramics classes and workshops for all levels of clay artists, from total newbies to those with years of experience! Our 1,000-square-foot studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and cone 6 glazes.
Browse Upcoming Classes & Workshops
We offer ceramics classes and workshops for all levels of clay artists, from total newbies to those with years of experience! Our 1,000-square-foot studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and cone 6 glazes.
Browse Upcoming Classes & Workshops
GET CREATIVE IN OPEN STUDIO!
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? Sign up for Open Studio at the Clay Center! Open studio hours are for individuals who already have some experience in clay and can work without direction or instruction. We recommend taking at least two beginner-level clay classes (with us or elsewhere) before signing up for Open Studio.
Check out our different Open Studio options:
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? Sign up for Open Studio at the Clay Center! Open studio hours are for individuals who already have some experience in clay and can work without direction or instruction. We recommend taking at least two beginner-level clay classes (with us or elsewhere) before signing up for Open Studio.
Check out our different Open Studio options:
KILN FIRING SERVICE & MEMBERSHIPS
Do you have workspace at home but no kiln? We offer drop-off cone 06 bisque firings and cone 6 glaze firings to everyone in the community! Choose one of our firing service options:
Do you have workspace at home but no kiln? We offer drop-off cone 06 bisque firings and cone 6 glaze firings to everyone in the community! Choose one of our firing service options:
- NEW! Firing Memberships: For a flat rate of $60/month, fire as many pieces as you want!
- "Pay As You Go" Firing: We weigh your pieces and charge $2/lb for either bisque or glaze firing.
CLAY AND SUPPLIES AVAILABLE IN PERSON AND ONLINE
We stock several different Alligator Clay Company moist clay bodies in a variety of colors and firing ranges, as well as 50-lb bags of No. 1 pottery plaster and other supplies.
Check out our online supply shop for our in-stock items, purchase whatever you need, and we'll email you with pickup instructions when your order is ready! You can also purchase clay and other supplies in person during our open hours.
We stock several different Alligator Clay Company moist clay bodies in a variety of colors and firing ranges, as well as 50-lb bags of No. 1 pottery plaster and other supplies.
Check out our online supply shop for our in-stock items, purchase whatever you need, and we'll email you with pickup instructions when your order is ready! You can also purchase clay and other supplies in person during our open hours.