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.
May 14, 2025
Artspace Greenfield Exceeds $100,000 Campaign Goal to Build a Clay Studio
Artspace Greenfield will build a community clay studio in Greenfield, MA thanks to generous support from nearly 200 local donors as well as businesses, foundations, the state, artists, and volunteers totaling $112,905.
Artspace began exploring the possibility of creating a clay studio in May 2023 with a grant from the Mass Cultural Council. The 18-month planning process included collaboration with UMass Arts Extension, artist/studio consultant Ben Eberle, and architect Noah Grunberg. The process confirmed that there is demand for ceramics education in Greenfield, and determined the type of classes and programs in highest demand. It also considered how the Artspace building at 15 Mill Street can best accommodate a clay studio, how to offer an affordable pricing structure for classes, and the total project cost.
On November 16, 2024, Artspace Greenfield launched the fundraising campaign to create the studio with a goal of $100,000. The campaign was catalyzed by an early pledge from a Massachusetts family foundation that agreed to match every local donation dollar for dollar up to a total of $30,000.
Funds were raised for the campaign online, through the mail, and through personal conversations, as well as at special events: an open house in November; a benefit film showing and silent auction in February; an art supply sale in March; and the Artspace Market in April.
Nearly 200 people donated to the campaign, as well as Greenfield Savings Bank and Greenfield Cooperative Bank. In-kind support came from The Greenfield Garden Cinemas, Deerfield Academy, Hamshaw Lumber, and other local businesses and volunteers. The Greenfield Business Association, the Greenfield Local Cultural Council, the Greenfield Building Department, the Greenfield Community & Economic Development Department, and 50+ local ceramic artists also offered guidance and support during the process.
The campaign goal was officially met on May 8th, when Artspace received notice from the Mass Cultural Council of a Cultural Facilities Implementation grant award of $28,000.
“We are blown away by the community’s generosity and enthusiasm for this project,” says Artspace’s Madeline Miller. “Local support for new arts projects is especially essential given federal cutbacks. We’re especially grateful to supporters like Greenfield Savings Bank for pledging multi-year support.”
Campaign funds will support the purchase of supplies, equipment, and materials. The project requires renovations to several rooms, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades.
In addition to the $112,905 raised in capital funds to create the studio, during the campaign period Artspace also raised an additional $17,500 to underwrite future youth ceramics programming.
Artspace aims to open the studio in September 2025. Program registration will open in late summer. In the meantime, Artspace continues to welcome donations and volunteers to help set up the studio.
YOU DID IT! We did it! Thank you, Franklin County - we love you
Click here if you would like to look back at the fundraising page
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
“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”
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
COMMUNITY TESTIMONIALS
On Saturday, November 16th & Sunday, November 17th 2024, we launched our fundraiser campaign with an open-house weekend full of community, clay, and so much joy.
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
Past Events:
Free Art Saturday - Clay Day
Saturday, May 31st, 2025: Handbuilt Jewelry Holders with Danielle Lucier
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
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
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, 2023
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: