It all begins with an idea
There’s nothing better than seeing a kid walk out of a building with this object they created and saw through the whole process […]They imagined it, they crafted it, they finished it, they fired it they glazed it and there it is for them not just to admire… but to really engage with and use in their daily life.
- Madeline Miller, Director at Artspace
Madeline Miller in one of the art rooms at Artspace on Mill Street in Greenfield. Greenfield Recorder Staff Photo by Paul Franz.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Cavanaugh. Find more of Matthew’s work on his website, Instagram, & Facebook
Photo of artist Lucas May
We got input from nearly 200 Greenfield and Franklin County residents, and after a year of research, analysis, and preparation, we now have a plan to build a small but fully-equipped clay studio at our Mill Street location!
In November 2024 we launched a campaign to raise $100,000 to build and equip the studio.
On Saturday, November 16th & Sunday, November 17th we launched our fundraiser campaign with an open-house weekend full of community, clay, and so much joy.
Photos courtesy of Matthew Cavanaugh. You can find more of Matthew’s work on his website, Instagram, and Facebook
Featuring Artists Lucay May, Zoe Gardner, Olivia Brooks, and musician Eveline MacDougall
Over these 2 days, we saw:
300 attendees
29 supporting ceramic artists
over 200 pieces of artwork created
$5643.50 raised directly from our community
$12,947 in total raised with our 1:1 donor match
Our Community Clay Progress + Plans
In 2023 Artspace Greenfield received support from the Mass Cultural Council/Mass Development and several private funders to explore the creation of a community clay studio in Greenfield.
We partnered with UMass Arts Extension, studio potter Ben Eberle, and Noble Home Designs to determine whether there was interest/need for a clay studio in Greenfield (there is!) and whether our building can accommodate a studio (it can!
WHY CLAY?
“Ceramics.” “Pottery.” “Clay.” These are all terms that refer to working with a natural earthy material that is moldable when wet but becomes hard and durable when fired. Clay is a particularly empowering art form, and one of humanity’s oldest inventions. Working with clay helps with fine and gross motor skill development, and many clay students find the process deeply meditative and calming. Even at the earliest stages of skill development, clay students can make functional objects that they can then use in everyday life. Kids love to create with clay, teens and adults can grow artistically with clay, and older folks benefit physically and cognitively from exploring a new, highly tactile art form. Working with clay offers an opportunity to experience "flow,” with benefits that extend much beyond the art form itself.
Photo provided by artist and teacher Lucas May
WHY GREENFIELD?
Franklin County has a rich ecosystem of ceramic artists, including many teaching artists. However, there is nowhere in Greenfield to take a clay class, and teaching studios in neighboring communities like Northampton and Brattleboro are often full with long waiting lists. Traveling to take a class or work independently in a clay studio is challenging for people with busy work and family schedules, and for folks with transportation barriers.
Artspace is located in Greenfield’s Crossroads Cultural District. Cultural Districts drive economic growth, strengthen our distinctive local character, and improve the quality of life of families across Massachusetts. A community clay studio has the potential to positively impact youth development, community development, and sustainable economic development in downtown Greenfield.
September 2023 Clay Day - Photo provided by the Greenfield Marker's Market
Key Findings of the
Marketing & Feasibility Study
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There is an exceptionally high degree of enthusiasm for a community clay studio across a wide spectrum of potential participants: youth, adults, students, teachers, professional potters, community leaders
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Funding for arts-related community development projects in Franklin County and Greenfield in particular is limited, as is discretionary income for art and recreation
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An incremental approach, both in terms of scale and program offerings, is strongly recommended
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Plan for long-term growth in order to facilitate the greatest inclusivity and meet dema
“I'm so excited about this! I took 3 pottery classes this fall/winter, and really wished there was an option here in Greenfield! I am happy to be involved at any level, but I'm definitely a hobbyist and don't know anything about setting up a studio, etc. But any other stuff you need people for, I'm in”
What kinds of programs will the studio offer?
We plan to start with a suite of classes for youth and adults, including beginner and intermediate wheel, handbuilding, and sculpture. We are currently seeking funding in particular to support affordable after-school and summer youth programs for ages 7 - 13.
How can I help?
Make a donation
Whether you can give $5, $50, or $500,
we need your support to bring
community clay to Greenfield!
Donate online HERE
Volunteer
If you have time to help us prepare for renovations, paint and clean afterward, help move equipment, et cetera, please email us at info@artspacegreenfield.org or call us at 413-772-6811.
So that you don’t miss any updates or opportunities to participate!
Tell your friends!
This is a big project for Artspace, and we are depending on community support–financial, moral, and practical. Help spread the word!
Artspace's previous ceramics studio
Greenfield Recorder Staff Photo by Paul Franz.
“I'm a disabled adult in greenfield, i loved ceramics as a teen when i had access to the studio at my high school, and I've been looking for an affordable and accessible place to get back into ceramics for years. my hope is for a space to take classes and, ideally, a work space to produce my own pieces independently/outside of a class. i was excited to learn about this project when searching for a ceramics program and would love to help however I can.”
Community Clay Events:
Be the first to know about clay events and classes by signing up for our newsletter
Upcoming Events:
Free Art Saturdays
Saturday, May 31st: Handbuilt Jewelry Holders with Danielle Lucier
Ages 12+, Registration is required
Our “Free Art Saturdays” program is made possible through generous donations and community support. If you’d like to support our free community art programs, we invite you to attend our programs, help spread the word among your community, or make a modest donation.
Past Events:
Artspace Market - Community Clay Studio Fundraiser
The Artspace Market is an annual fundraising event for Artspace Community Arts Center, a non-profit organization that offers visual arts education, community gallery exhibits, and event space. Join us for our annual artisan market and fundraiser. There will be over 20 vendors, all selling handmade goods in support of our Community Clay Studio Campaign.
March 2025 Clay Day
Free Art Saturday! Saturday, March 15th: Handbuilt Candle Stick Holders with Danielle Lucier
FIRED UP! November 2024 Fundraising Launch
A Community Clay Fundraising Launch - open house
Saturday, November 16th, 2024, 1pm-4pm
Sunday November 17th, 2024, 10am-1pm
Create a pot, see architectural plans for our new studio spaces, explore our Clay Exhibit, and donate!
Free and open to the community
October 2024 Clay Day
Come create pinch pots with Lucas May and Sam Staas of Eight Eyes Ceramics!
Learn how to create a sweet little vessel with two local potters. They will let your pieces dry, glaze them, and fire them! Participants can pick up their artwork at Artspace in November.
The Artspace Backyard - October 29th, 1-4pm, 2023
September 2024 Clay Day
Join us at the Greenfield Farmer’s Market for a wheel throwing demonstration by Ben Eberle + a chance to play with some clay!
Greenfield Farmer's Market, Saturday, September 16th
8am- 12:30pm in Court Square, Downtown Greenfield, MA
Deep Thanks to our Community Supporters
We’re deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Cultural Council/Mass Development, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Greenfield Savings Bank, the Callahan-Dee Family Foundation, and others who are supporting our planning process! If you’d like to make a donation to community clay planning, click this button: