About Claymakers

Our Vision: Growing community rooted in clay

Our mission: To nurture a thriving ceramics community by connecting people through education, resources, and support.

Claymakers History

Since 2000, Claymakers has built community in Durham through ceramic education, resources and support.

Having dreamt about opening a community ceramics studio since 1995, arts visionary Leonora Coleman founded Claymakers in 2000. Leonora knew that the impact of a community studio would go far beyond imparting technical skills:

“A major element of my dream is the community that develops among people working in clay. The process of making art in clay, more than any artistic medium I know, brings people together...The dynamics of working together in a shared space brings out the best in the artistic work being made, and the people who do the making."

Unfortunately, Leonora passed away in 2008. A dedicated group of students was determined to continue the studio in her absence; Analia Howard stepped up as Claymakers’ general manager, then executive director. In 2013, Claymakers transitioned to 501(C)(3) nonprofit status.

Located in an old awning shop on Foster Street for 20 years, Claymakers was an anchor in the revitalization of Durham’s Central Park district, growing into a large community of dedicated ceramic artists and enthusiasts. In late 2020, Claymakers moved into a greatly expanded space in Old East Durham. The 13,500 square foot building allows us to serve more community members: we now have 2 wheel studios, 1 handbuilding/sculpture studio, and we host 25 independent artists in our affordable private studio spaces.

Operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 2013, Claymakers depends on donations to continue serving our community.

Staff

  • Emily Lassiter

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Tim Mead

    GENERAL MANAGER

Claymakers’ Mission

A hub for the clay community in North Carolina and beyond, Claymakers serves students, professionals, hobbyists, and collectors alike by providing:

  • a myriad of classes to help beginning to advanced students find creative expression in clay;

  • access to a studio for students to work independently;

  • studio assistantships for burgeoning professionals learn the craft of running a studio;

  • studio rental space for independent clay artists;

  • frequent workshops with nationally renowned artists that are attended by both local and regional artists and students;

  • a supply store that supports arts programs at multiple local schools, arts centers and independent artists' home studios;

  • and a place for artists and students to share their ideas and promote excellence in their work.

Claymakers gives back to the community through donation of pottery to area Empty Bowls fundraisers to fight hunger. Claymakers studio and community of artists also participate in many Triangle arts festivals and shows.

Community Partners

Our programs are supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, and the Durham Arts Council’s Annual Arts Fund.

Support Claymakers

Community support ensures Claymakers’ financial well-being and donations enable us to keep fees for classes and workshops, the price of supplies, and rental rates, as low as possible. Your donations help keep Claymakers an affordable local resource for the Triangle ceramics community.

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