News

January 22, 2023 Updates

We are in our space!!!

Over the coming weeks, we're going to be pretty busy -- moving in all the shelving and other equipment we've had in storage, building furniture, getting kilns and wheels delivered, figuring out what goes where, and putting together our first classes. If you've sent me an email offering to help us with set up, I think you'll be hearing from me soon :).

Here's an idea of what's coming:

• Late January: Start moving things in. Send out a request for class proposals (if you're interested in teaching, please fill out our interest form here).

• Early-to-mid February: Continue setting up. Get kilns and wheels delivered. Start planning our first round of classes and looking for Studio Assistants.

• Late February: Finish setting up the space and start registration for classes.

• End of February: Grand opening!

• March: Have our first classes, and start welcoming Members and Studio Renters into the space.

Now comes the fun part, you guys! Look for more email updates from us over the coming months as things begin in earnest (subscribe here).

January 9, 2023 Updates

Construction continues on schedule. Plumbing is done, and electrical is in the works. We are still expecting to be able to get into the space sometime in January, to set up the space in February, and to have a grand opening late February/early March.

December 11, 2023 Updates

Construction continues! Walls are up, windows and doors are in, painting and trim is underway. We are looking forward to getting into our space in January, and opening in February or March.

November 27, 2023 Updates

The Manufactory Collective has reached their funding goals and construction continues! We anticipate being able to get into our space sometime early in the new year. In the meantime, keep an eye out for monthly handbuilding pop ups around town!

October 17, 2023 Updates

We continue to remain hopeful that we can open in the Manufactory Collective later this year (see my last update for details). I will add more information as it becomes available! In the meantime, we are holding monthly pop ups in different locations around town, as well as popping up with free clay projects at various events throughout the next couple of months. Subscribe to our email list to learn how to join these activities!

September 25, 2023 Updates

I have some unfortunate news to share about the renovation of our space. Last week, we learned that our landlords have lost their main investor, and have paused construction on our space (and the building in general) until they can find the funds to complete the project. They have until November 1st to raise the money, or they lose the space.⁠
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This has obviously been very upsetting news for us, as I’m sure it is for many of you. This space has been where we’ve envisioned Friendly City Clay & Art Center for the past 9 months, and we sincerely hope they can meet their funding goal and construction can continue.⁠
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That said, I want to assure you that our art center isn’t dependent on a specific space. If our plan to open in the Manufactory Collective doesn’t turn out to be possible, we will look for a different space in town. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s to be flexible and resilient, and what a chance to put that resiliency into practice.⁠
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We will continue to update you as the situation develops! In the meantime, if you are interested in supporting the Manufactory Collective, or learning more about the situation, you can see this post from my landlord Debbie.

As always, thank you for your support and kind words of encouragement, they are very much appreciated!
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Ros and the Friendly City Clay & Art Center Team

August 28, 2023 Updates

Pop up classes are now open for registration! We’re offering three pop ups at Great.Full Goods in the Shops at Agora, all around the theme of Sustainable Ceramics. Hope to see you there!

August 7, 2023 Updates

Construction is underway in our space—the walls are framed, and our custom ventilation system is in the works. We’ll be announcing a series of pop up classes soon, so stay tuned via our email list and social media. We still expect to be able to move into our space in early October, with classes beginning late October or November. Please subscribe to our email list to stay up-to-date on how it’s going!

July 21, 2023 Updates

We’ve been asked a lot about when our next set of classes will be starting — we are so happy you are as excited as we are about this project!! Currently, we’re finishing our Summer classes at the EMU studio, which we were able to use since it wasn’t being used for students in the Summer. For our next round of classes, we’ll need to wait until our permanent space is finished with its renovation. We expect to be able to move into our space in early October, with classes beginning late October or November. Please subscribe to our email list to stay up-to-date on how it’s going!

July 14, 2023 Updates

Summer classes are in full swing! We are waiting on our permanent space to finish its renovation before we announce Fall classes. We are hoping to be up and running in October of this year. Stay tuned for updates on our progress, and you can always subscribe to make sure you hear from us.

June 2, 2023 Updates

Summer classes are filling up! Our adult clay classes are both sold out (they sold out within a day, wow), but there is still space in Beginning Drawing, Plein Air Painting, and our Teen Wheel Throwing Camp. Learn more and register on our classes page. And if you missed our first round of clay classes and want to find out as soon as we have more spots open, subscribe here.

May 24, 2023 Updates

Summer classes are open! Check them out here.

We will be holding our Summer classes at the EMU ceramic studio this Summer, while our space undergoes construction. A HUGE thank you to EMU for their generosity. A few classes have had date changes, so be sure you read the details through carefully before signing up!

May 1, 2023 Updates

Summer Classes, Pop-Up Style! (dates updated as of May 23)

We are planning to hold our first Summer classes pop-up style, while construction on our permanent home is underway. Here is a list of our planned classes. Please note that these dates are tentative at the moment, as we work on firming up our plans. Once we have a registration date and class details, we will send you an email and blast it all over social media.

• Plein Air Painting with Erin Murray - Saturday, June 24th, 3-7PM (4 hour workshop, includes a 30 minute break)

• Summer High School Throwing Intensive with Malea - rising 8th-12th graders and just-graduated seniors || July 3-14 || M-F 9am-12pm (10 sessions)

• Adult Beginning Wheel Throwing with LP - June 28 - Aug 2 || Wednesdays 6-8pm (6 evenings)

• Adult Beginning Handbuilding with Ros - June 29 - Aug 3 || Thursdays 6-8 pm (6 evenings)

• Adult Beginning Drawing with Erin Murray - July 11 - August 15 || Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm (6 evenings)

Please keep in mind that these dates are tentative, as we work out the details!