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.
We are thrilled to announce that we are a 2023 recipient of a Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund grant!
This funding has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the state of Massachusetts administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment and the Mass Cultural Council. The grant will be dedicated to the planning process of creating an accessible and affordable community ceramics studio and program at Artspace Community Arts Center.
This new, accessible studio will be designed to serve multi-generational audiences in Greenfield and broader Franklin County communities.
Artspace's previous ceramics studio. Greenfield Recorder Staff Photo by Paul Franz.
The Mass Cultural Council works to elevate our rich cultural life in Massachusetts. They serve the Commonwealth and all who live, work, visit, and play here by amplifying creativity, providing resources, expanding relationships, and championing transformational changes that maintain and grow a thriving creative and cultural ecosystem.
Click here to learn more about MCC and to read about their Facilities Fund Grant
About Artspace Greenfield’s
Community Clay Studio Feasibility Study
In May 2023 Artspace was approved for a $14,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to undertake a feasibility study and planning process to design and build a community clay studio at our Mill Street, Greenfield location.The Connecticut River Valley is rich in ceramics arts but at present there is nowhere in the city of Greenfield to take a ceramics class. Studios in neighboring communities are not accessible by public transportation, and their classes are often full to capacity. Artspace has a vision for a fully-equipped, fully accessible community clay studio in downtown Greenfield that will offer classes, workshops, working space, and community-building to all ages, abilities, and demographics.The MCC funds, along with matching funds from other sources, will allow Artspace to partner with the UMass Arts Extension Service, professional potter and consultant Ben Eberle, and a local architectural firm to study all aspects of creating a community ceramics studio, from building and utility questions to class offerings and equipment needs.As we undertake this process starting in Summer, 2023, frequent updates will be posted on this page.
Over the last nine months, we at Artspace have been hard at work on a plan to bring a community clay studio to Greenfield
With support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, last summer and fall Artspace partnered with UMass Arts Extension to study the feasibility of starting a community clay studio. The study affirmed that there is near-universal support for a community studio in Greenfield!
“I’m *very* excited for the possibility of a clay studio. Greenfield has been ready for a space like this for a long time. Community studios in Northampton, Brattleboro, and Shelburne Falls have demonstrated the need and interest (and haven't saturated the market).”
“So excited to get involved with this new community resource! I was traveling to Northampton for classes on weeknights which was enjoyable but I want to be closer to home and build connections within the Greenfield community.”
“I'm so excited about this! I took 3 pottery classes this fall/winter, and really wished there was an option here in Greenfield!”
- Community members from Franklin County
Exciting work lies ahead, and we need your help
Creating a community clay studio will require financial, moral, and practical support from across the community.
We need volunteers, donations of goods and funds, and help thinking through the details of the plan. UMass Arts Extension gathered input from several dozen individuals and community organizations during their process; now we need to hear directly from you!
Get Involved
Share your ideas
During the month of May, you can join a group conversation about how Artspace can best serve Greenfield and Franklin County with clay programming.
Schedule a one-on-one Clay Conversation with Artspace’s Director, Madeline Miller
Fill out our NEW April 2024 survey about specific program offerings that you would be interested in.
Volunteer
Want to help us create the studio and accompanying spaces? We will be seeking volunteers for:
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Minor interior demolition
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Interior painting
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Constructing work tables and benches
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Transporting equipment and supplies
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Plumbing/ sink installation
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Inventory of existing ceramic materials
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Electrical upgrades
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And so much more!
Donate
We are looking for the following donations to our community clay studio:
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Banding wheels
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Hand tools
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Brushes
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Throwing bats
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5-gallon buckets
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1-gallon buckets
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Glazing tongs
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Ware boards
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Reclaim bats
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Programmable electric kiln in new-ish condition
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Electric wheels in good condition
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Monetary donations :)
If you would like to donate large items or large quantities to our studio, please email Madeline Miller to arrange a drop-off or pick-up. If your donations are smaller-scale, stop by during our Office Hours!
Upcoming Public Clay Events:
There are no current clay events on the calendar as of April 2024...but we aim to have something on the books for Fall! Stay up-to-date through newsletter updates
Play in the clay with Clay Days at Artspace!
Clay Days with Artspace are an ongoing series of FREE community clay events in the Valley, getting the community involved in the planning and building of our new Community Clay Studio at Artspace Community Arts Center. Keep an eye out for more ceramic events this Fall!
Upcoming Events:
October 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
Past Events:
September 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: