THE LATEST FROM THE CLAY CENTER
Mug by Mike Cinelli
GEAUX CUPS VII
Juried by Mike Cinelli
Applications due February 15, 2026
The Clay Center of New Orleans seeks applicants for “Geaux Cups VII,” the 2025 installment of our popular biennial exhibition devoted to ceramic drinking vessels.
The title is a spoof on New Orleans’ infamous plastic “go cup,” the portable vessel that allows adults to imbibe alcohol while wandering the city’s 300-year-old streets. Open to all manner of ceramic drinking vessels, "Geaux Cups VII" will be on display in the Clay Center gallery April 9 – May 15, 2026.
Learn more
Juried by Mike Cinelli
Applications due February 15, 2026
The Clay Center of New Orleans seeks applicants for “Geaux Cups VII,” the 2025 installment of our popular biennial exhibition devoted to ceramic drinking vessels.
The title is a spoof on New Orleans’ infamous plastic “go cup,” the portable vessel that allows adults to imbibe alcohol while wandering the city’s 300-year-old streets. Open to all manner of ceramic drinking vessels, "Geaux Cups VII" will be on display in the Clay Center gallery April 9 – May 15, 2026.
Learn more
NEW YEAR, NEW SKILLS!
Pushing the Clay workshop with Lora Rust
February 28 - March 1, 2026
In conjunction with her solo exhibition at the Clay Center, join us for a 2-day hands-on workshop with nationally-recognized artist Lora Rust! In this 2-day hands-on workshop, you'll learn and practice Lora’s signature technique of “pushing the clay,” either on provided sample tiles or on soft leather-hard pieces that you bring along. You'll also watch Lora throw, alter, and decorate a variety of porcelain forms using her distinct techniques and personally designed tools.
$125 deposit to register | $100 balance due February 14th
Learn more and register
Pushing the Clay workshop with Lora Rust
February 28 - March 1, 2026
In conjunction with her solo exhibition at the Clay Center, join us for a 2-day hands-on workshop with nationally-recognized artist Lora Rust! In this 2-day hands-on workshop, you'll learn and practice Lora’s signature technique of “pushing the clay,” either on provided sample tiles or on soft leather-hard pieces that you bring along. You'll also watch Lora throw, alter, and decorate a variety of porcelain forms using her distinct techniques and personally designed tools.
$125 deposit to register | $100 balance due February 14th
Learn more and register
Image: Lora Rust, Quilt Square-Roses, 2025
Missing Memories: Quilts in Clay
A Solo Exhibition by Lora Rust
January 15 – February 27, 2026
Taking inspiration from experiences and the creative work of her mother, this exhibition features wall hangings made of textured and shaped porcelain squares which are folded, fired, and sewn together
with wire. Also on display will be a small selection of Lora’s intricately textured functional soda-fired pieces that showcase her unique technique of “pushing the clay” with her personally designed tools. Learn more
A Solo Exhibition by Lora Rust
January 15 – February 27, 2026
Taking inspiration from experiences and the creative work of her mother, this exhibition features wall hangings made of textured and shaped porcelain squares which are folded, fired, and sewn together
with wire. Also on display will be a small selection of Lora’s intricately textured functional soda-fired pieces that showcase her unique technique of “pushing the clay” with her personally designed tools. Learn more
Image: Christian Dinh's mold-making and slip-casting class
TAKE A CLASS OR WORKSHOP WITH US!
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 main studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, an extruder, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and glazes for firing to cone 6.
Learn more
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 main studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, an extruder, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and glazes for firing to cone 6.
Learn more
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.