Core Clay

At Core Clay I met with their Gallery Director, Ben Buganski. He was enthusiastic and welcoming as soon as I walked through the door. Ben walked me through the building, which was quite large, as he told me all about what Core Clay has going on and what they are working on. The space they are in currently is fairly new to them and with NCECA being in Cincinnati this past spring, they were still getting some of the spaces set up they way they want long term. With so much potential and space to work with, one can very much see the great use of the large rooms that are getting situated.

The wheel throwing and handbuilding studios are well stocked and set up well. Core Clay’s glaze lab is also large and well organized. They have gender neutral bathrooms and a diverse community of makers. The resident and staff cohort seem close and welcoming to newcomers.

There are a few staff members there that were artist residents in the past and stuck around because they were happy there, which is a good sign that it is a comfortable place to create and work.

After checking out the studio spaces at Core Clay, I went down the road to check out the apartment building they have for long term residents and what the location was like. At the time I went, there seemed to be a large, nice building being built across the street. I’m assuming they are to be apartments as well. The outside of the resident apartments was nice with a secure looking fence and gate at the front and back. From my view from the street it looked well maintained and care for. Residents are welcome to bring their partners, children or pets to live with them in the apartment. Ben also mentioned a good quality and LGBTQ friendly health center that is within walking distance from the building.

All in all, looks like a good program and community with potential to grow more and more in the future!