THE LATEST FROM THE CLAY CENTER
Artwork images (clockwise from upper left): Glori Woods, Maranda Powers, Taylor Berry, Ed Murphy
SUMMER STUDIO EXHIBITION
On display June 11 - July 31, 2026
Drop off work for consideration May 18-24!
Every summer, we showcase some of the incredible work being made by Clay Center artists!
Eligibility and application process
Join us for an opening reception!
Thursday, June 11th, 5-8 pm
Complimentary drinks and snacks, including a free wine tasting from Backline Wine & Spirits
On display June 11 - July 31, 2026
Drop off work for consideration May 18-24!
Every summer, we showcase some of the incredible work being made by Clay Center artists!
Eligibility and application process
- Drop off up to 3 pieces to our gallery during open hours between May 18th and 24th.
- A set of objects may count as one piece.
- Everyone who wants to participate will have at least one piece chosen for this exhibition.
- All current studio members, monitors, firing members, and staff members are eligible to participate, as are students from our 2026 classes.
Join us for an opening reception!
Thursday, June 11th, 5-8 pm
Complimentary drinks and snacks, including a free wine tasting from Backline Wine & Spirits
CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS!
We are excited to offer several half-day summer camps in 2026 for kids ages 7-12. These fun half-day camps join imagination and creativity with building real clay skills.
Camps are $199 each. Register now with a $100 deposit, and pay the balance due two weeks prior to the start date of the camp!
We're proud to welcome Jane Hill as our summer camp instructor! Jane is a local ceramic sculptor and retired art teacher who has taught clay to kids professionally for over thirty years, including through the St Tammany Talented Art Program, at Baltimore Clayworks in Maryland, and through numerous other venues and camps around New Orleans. Camp spots are limited so register now!
Before registering your child for a camp, please carefully review our Summer Camp Policies. Registration constitutes your agreement to abide by and honor all policies. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions regarding our camp program.
We are excited to offer several half-day summer camps in 2026 for kids ages 7-12. These fun half-day camps join imagination and creativity with building real clay skills.
Camps are $199 each. Register now with a $100 deposit, and pay the balance due two weeks prior to the start date of the camp!
- June 15-19: Sculpting Monsters
- June 22-26: Sculpting Dragons & Castles
- July 13-17: Sculpting Fantastical Figures
- July 20-25: Sculpting Musical Instruments
We're proud to welcome Jane Hill as our summer camp instructor! Jane is a local ceramic sculptor and retired art teacher who has taught clay to kids professionally for over thirty years, including through the St Tammany Talented Art Program, at Baltimore Clayworks in Maryland, and through numerous other venues and camps around New Orleans. Camp spots are limited so register now!
Before registering your child for a camp, please carefully review our Summer Camp Policies. Registration constitutes your agreement to abide by and honor all policies. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions regarding our camp program.
Artwork: Eric Botbyl, Pilsner, 2026
"GEAUX CUPS VII" on display through May 15, 2026
Juried by Mike Cinelli
The Clay Center of New Orleans is proud to present “Geaux Cups VII,” the 2026 installment of our popular juried exhibition devoted to ceramic drinking vessels. The title is a spoof on New Orleans’ infamous plastic “go cup,” the portable container that allows adults to imbibe alcohol while wandering the city’s 300-year-old streets. Open to all manner of ceramic drinking vessels, this exhibition will be on display in the Clay Center gallery April 9 – May 15, 2026.
Join us for an opening reception!
Thursday, April 9th, 5-8 pm
Complimentary wine tasting by Backline Wine & Spirits
Learn more
Juried by Mike Cinelli
The Clay Center of New Orleans is proud to present “Geaux Cups VII,” the 2026 installment of our popular juried exhibition devoted to ceramic drinking vessels. The title is a spoof on New Orleans’ infamous plastic “go cup,” the portable container that allows adults to imbibe alcohol while wandering the city’s 300-year-old streets. Open to all manner of ceramic drinking vessels, this exhibition will be on display in the Clay Center gallery April 9 – May 15, 2026.
Join us for an opening reception!
Thursday, April 9th, 5-8 pm
Complimentary wine tasting by Backline Wine & Spirits
Learn more
Image: Faye Kennelly's throwing 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 OUR STUDIO!
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? We have drop-in Open Studio hours and 24/7 access studio membership options 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 dropping into Open Studio or signing up for a studio membership.
Learn more about our different options:
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? We have drop-in Open Studio hours and 24/7 access studio membership options 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 dropping into Open Studio or signing up for a studio membership.
Learn more about our different 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.