Baltimore Clayworks

Baltimore Clayworks Baltimore Clayworks' mission is to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community.
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Since 1980 Baltimore Clayworks has grown to include 12 resident artists and 20 or so associate artists. We've been blessed to have 23 to 26 trustees at any given time and 15 full time, part time, and contractual staff members. We engage more than 25 instructors, 20 interns and work-study students, dozens of volunteers and hundreds of donors, all of whom make Clayworks a unique, vibrant and communi

ty-centered institution. Our exhibitions showcase the best of international, national and local ceramic artists working in ceramic sculpture, pottery, installation and conceptual ceramics. Today, our educational programs which began with 40 dedicated individuals, teach the discipline of ceramics to more than 1200 students on our Mt. Washington campus, and through our nationally acclaimed satellite programs, reach 500 children and senior adults in Baltimore’s most challenged neighborhoods. Clayworks' educational program is led by artists who are both locally treasured and retain high national profile in the field of ceramics.

Happy Juneteenth from Baltimore Clayworks! Our offices and studios will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026.
06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth from Baltimore Clayworks! Our offices and studios will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026.

06/18/2026

As National Clay Week comes to a close, we’re celebrating the power of clay to tell stories, build connections, and foster personal growth. Our “Community Arts Summer Showcase: Character Traits” exhibition, on view through August 29, highlights a meaningful partnership between Baltimore Clayworks and the Maryland School for the Blind. Through ceramic art, students explored the values that shape strong communities; traits such as perseverance, empathy, patience, cooperation, and kindness.

Using clay as a tool for self-expression, students transformed abstract ideas into tangible works of art, creating sculptures that reflect their unique experiences, perspectives, and personal growth. Each piece serves as a reminder that creativity can help us better understand ourselves and connect with others. Visit the exhibition this summer and experience how character takes shape through clay.

National Clay Week (June 13–19) celebrates the artistry and versatility of clay, but it also reminds us of clay’s unique ability to bring people together, inspire learning, and create opportunities for meaningful expression. We are honored to share the incredible work of these young artists and the lessons they teach us through their creativity.

06/16/2026

At Baltimore Clayworks, we believe clay should be accessible to everyone, whether you’re in our studios, across the country, or simply exploring ceramics from home. That’s why we’re proud to share our Virtual Library, a free online resource filled with inspiring ceramic content you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. Dive into artist talks, virtual studio tours, exhibition spotlights, demonstrations, and more! With over 100 videos, our virtual offerings are designed to connect you with the incredible joy of clay here at Baltimore Clayworks, and the artists who shape it. Celebrate National Clay Week with us and experience the creativity, craftsmanship, and community that make clay so special.

🔗 Explore the Virtual Library today by clicking the link in our bio or visit baltimoreclayworks.org/virtual-library
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a new release!

This program is supported by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

In honor of National Clay Week, we are proud to highlight one of our Community Arts Partners - SunLife!We’re thrilled to...
06/15/2026

In honor of National Clay Week, we are proud to highlight one of our Community Arts Partners - SunLife!

We’re thrilled to share that SunLife has generously funded and assembled Summer Art Kits for participants in our Community Arts summer programs. Their support ensures that young artists across Baltimore have access to high‑quality materials that spark creativity, confidence, and joy.

Each kit includes 1 lb. of air‑dry clay, a one‑page pottery project guide, assorted clay tools, sketchbooks, crayons, colored pencils, washable watercolors, washable markers, pencil sharpeners, erasers, glue sticks, and scissors — everything a young artist needs to explore clay and mixed‑media projects at home.

Our team visited SunLife’s headquarters, where we partnered with their staff to assemble the kits using bags donated by SunLife. It was a wonderful afternoon of collaboration, creativity, and community building.

“SunLife is a very philanthropic organization,” says health advisor Staci Blas. “Also, this is a nice opportunity for people to volunteer. It’s been a great partnership with Baltimore Clayworks for three years, and we’re pleased to continue.”

We’re deeply grateful for SunLife’s commitment to supporting accessible arts education in Baltimore. Their generosity helps us bring hands‑on creative experiences to hundreds of young people each summer.

Final hours of the Annual Pottery Seconds Sale! Today is your final chance to shop Baltimore Clayworks’ Annual Pottery S...
06/14/2026

Final hours of the Annual Pottery Seconds Sale! Today is your final chance to shop Baltimore Clayworks’ Annual Pottery Seconds Sale - and we’re ending the weekend with a special Box Sale! Purchase a box and fill it with as many remaining ceramic treasures as you can fit. It’s a fun way to discover unique handmade pottery while taking advantage of some of the best deals of the weekend. Whether you’re looking for mugs, bowls, planters, serving pieces, or unexpected finds, now is the time to stock up before the sale ends.

📅 Sunday, June 14, 2026
⏰ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Once the doors close at noon, the sale is over until next year. Bring your friends, test your packing skills, and see just how much pottery you can fit in a box!

Kick off National Clay Week with us! Join us for a weekend of clay, creativity & community! Spend the weekend at Baltimo...
06/13/2026

Kick off National Clay Week with us! Join us for a weekend of clay, creativity & community! Spend the weekend at Baltimore Clayworks and enjoy great deals, hands-on artmaking, and a celebration of our incredible student artists. All events are FREE and open to the public!

National Clay Week is celebrated from June 13 to 19 every year in the U.S. During this week, the pottery and ceramics communities celebrate the multipurpose use of clay. People attend lectures, watch demos, talk to vendors, and sign up for pottery classes. National Clay Week also raises awareness of educational and professional opportunities related to pottery and ceramics. The week also celebrates the beautiful artifacts made with clay — objects that have monetary, cultural, and artistic value. Stop by our campus this weekend for endless opportunities to experience the joy of clay!

📅 Saturday, June 13
Annual Pottery Seconds Sale | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Public Tile-Making Session with Empact Art | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Clay from the Classroom Reception | 2:00 – 4:00 pm

📅 Sunday, June 14
Annual Pottery Seconds Sale | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

🎉 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🎉 The Annual Pottery Seconds Sale Preview Party is happening tonight at Baltimore Clayworks!Get f...
06/12/2026

🎉 TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! 🎉 The Annual Pottery Seconds Sale Preview Party is happening tonight at Baltimore Clayworks!

Get first access to hundreds of ceramic treasures before the public sale begins tomorrow. From functional pottery to unique handmade artwork, this is your chance to shop the best selection while supporting Baltimore Clayworks’ educational programs, artist residencies, and community partnerships. Every purchase helps sustain a welcoming, creative space where artists and community members of all ages can experience the joy of clay.

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 pm
📍 Baltimore Clayworks
🎟️ Online ticket sales close today at 12:00 pm. Additional tickets are available at the door for $50.

06/11/2026

Tomorrow’s the day! Tickets are selling fast for one of our most anticipated events of the year — the Annual Pottery Seconds Sale & Preview Party! Advance ticket sales end Friday at 12:00 pm. Don’t wait! Secure your spot now, or purchase tickets at the door while availability lasts. Every ceramic treasure you take home supports Baltimore Clayworks’ educational programs, artist residencies, and community partnerships. Shop hundreds of beautifully imperfect pieces generously donated by artists from across the region and help us continue making clay accessible to all. Find one-of-a-kind ceramics, support local artists, and help sustain the Baltimore Clayworks community. See you this weekend!

📅 Friday, June 12, 2026
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 pm
🎟️ $45 Members | $50 Non-Members | $50 at the door
Get your tickets now through the link in our bio or at baltimoreclayworks.org.

Your ticket includes:
• First access to the entire Seconds Sale collection
• Craft beer from Union Craft Brewing and a variety of wines
• Complimentary light bites from Corner Pantry

Don’t miss your chance to snag the best selection before the public sale begins!

🛍️ Pottery Seconds Sale
Saturday, June 13 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free and open to the public

🛍️ Final Day + Box Sale
Sunday, June 14 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Free and open to the public

Register today for the Visiting Artist Workshop “Form, Line, Transpire, Refine” with Noel Bailey! Spend an immersive wee...
06/10/2026

Register today for the Visiting Artist Workshop “Form, Line, Transpire, Refine” with Noel Bailey! Spend an immersive weekend exploring how modest wheel-thrown forms can become dynamic, expressive pots through alteration, carving, darting, ovaling, ribbing, stamping, and more. Discover how foot and lip modifications, surface line, rhythm, and movement can transform functional forms beyond the symmetrical limitations of the wheel. Through hands-on demonstrations and guided making, you’ll learn techniques that encourage spontaneity, strengthen design decisions, and help you develop work that reflects your personal aesthetic. Spots are limited — register today and elevate your forms through thoughtful alteration and design.

📅 Saturday & Sunday, November 7–8, 2026
🕙 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
👥 All Levels | Ages 16+
Register via the link in our bio or at canvas.baltimoreclayworks.org/classes/3671

If you’re curious about Noel Bailey’s workshop but haven’t decided whether to sign up, consider attending his Virtual Artist Talk on Tuesday, October 6, from 12:30–1:30 pm. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about his work, process, and teaching approach before the workshop.

06/08/2026

What an incredible afternoon celebrating Baltimore’s vibrant ceramics community! On Saturday, June 6, artists, educators, students, and community members gathered at The Peale to kick off the countdown to Baltimore hosting the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 61st Annual Conference in March 2027.

Guests enjoyed hands-on clay activities, wheel-throwing demonstrations, artist meet-and-greets, and conversations with local studios and organizations that make Baltimore’s ceramics scene so dynamic. We were honored to hear from NCECA leadership and conference organizers as they shared their vision for bringing thousands of ceramic artists from across the country to our city next year. Thank you to everyone who attended, demonstrated, volunteered, and helped showcase the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that define Baltimore ceramics. The excitement for NCECA 2027 is already building, and we can’t wait to welcome the national ceramics community to Baltimore!

A special thank you to Empact Art .life for leading an interactive experience for guests who helped to create ceramic tesserae for the mosaic. The mosaic bench installation will live on Baltimore Clayworks’ campus wwhen complete and is a Guttierez Memorial Fund Legacy Project. Additional support was provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Blue Water Baltimore, the Mount Washington Improvement Association and the Nature Sacred Firesoul Network.

Community Partners:
Baltimore Clayworks, Chesapeake Art Center, Clayworks Supplies, Community College of Baltimore County, Creative Alliance, Empact Art, Maryland Institute College of Art, Mudhouse Pottery Studio, the Peale, Potter’s Guild of Baltimore, Seeing Green Studio, Standard Clay Company, Towson University, The Walters Art Museum

Address

5707 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD
21209

Opening Hours

Monday 12:00 - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm

Telephone

+14105781919

Website

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