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’ Mission
At Claymakers, we advance the ceramic arts in Durham by offering a range of programs and services:
100+ weekly classes per year to help students of all skill levels find creative expression in clay;
workshops led by nationally renowned artists, giving participants the chance to learn new techniques;
studio assistantships that enable community members develop their artistic talents and gain hands-on studio management experience;
private studio spaces for independent ceramic artists, providing them with a dedicated environment to nurture atheir creative practice.
a supply store stocked with essential materials for artists, students, and schools to support their creative projects;
and a welcoming community space where artists and students can learn together, collaborate, and exchange ideas.
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 over 25 independent artists in our affordable private studio spaces.
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.