Queen City Clay
First impression of Queen City Clay, it’s so big! Not only physically, but the size diversity of its programs is large as well! After talking with several different members, staff and residents, it is clear that all their programs are structured to benefit and support all who walk through their doors. Every space was also incredibly organized and well maintained.
I first walk in to a nicely laid out and organized shop in the front where they sell clay tools, equipment and supplies as well as ceramic pots and art. Further in is a large open room full of large shelves and pottery wheels and tables and anything a place might need to host successful classes. I met with Jon Stein who was extremely helpful and welcoming. He walked me through the whole building which was huge and talked to me about each space and all the functions and aspects of each room and program.
We walked through the large hand-building space first. Then the wheel-throwing space where 40 wheels sat in lines ready for class to begin. On the other side of the wheel area, separated by large shelves were studio spaces for local ceramic artists to rent and use. We then took a look in the large storage space for their clays and raw material storage.
We then walked downstairs to a space designated for staff personal studios. This is so each staff has a space away to focus solely on their own studio practice. Further down on the lower floor was an excellent children’s area for wheel throwing classes, handbuilding and a space for various other media as well. Queen City Clay has a person solely dedicated to structuring and running their children’s programs and, from seeing the space, has put a lot of time and dedication into it. It was colorful, playful and bright. Jon told me about some of the classes they were getting ready to do and it was all very exciting.
We then went up to the main floor once again into the glazing studio which could accommodate dozens of people glazing at a time. Then we walked outside to my personal favorite part of the tour, the kiln yard.
Queen City Clay has a train wood kiln, a soda kiln and a couple raku kilns. They had a great stock of wood for woodfiring and the space had a relaxed, organized and comfortable atmosphere. The kilns looked maintained well and looked after with care. Next to the raku kilns, there’s a wood shop they plan to clean up to make into a more open space for woodworking classes.
Next we walked through the gallery space, where I had the pleasure to check out the resident artist exhibition. In the next room was the electric kilns they use for student work and the big Blaauw kiln. They just received a good looking Bailey right before I arrived so they were in the process of installing that. They had a huge kitchen and dining space on the other side of the room.
We then checked out the clay mixing room, glaze lab, slip casting production room, and the workshop they keep a bunch of electric kilns waiting to be fixed up and sold at a low cost to upstarting nonprofits, upstarting artists and schools.
We then walked up the stairs to the resident studios which were large, well spaced out and bursting with natural light. Everyone was cheerful and excited to shared how happy they were there.
They have about 220 students at a time, host workshop field trips for schools, a small slipware business, one night “date nights” and kids classes, a well stocked ceramic tools and equipment shop, an ceramic resident program, rented studio spaces, exhibition space and much more.
Jon also let me know they are looking into being able to offer housing to their residents in the future. That being said, when I talked to the current residents there, they said it was not difficult for them to find affordable housing.
Inclusive bathrooms ✔️ Diversity ✔️ Individual support ✔️ Pet friendly. Kid friendly. All firing temp friendly.
This abundant community seems to be thriving and supportive. Everyone seemed very excited build each other up. I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Queen City Clay.
