About Claymakers

Our Vision: Growing community rooted in clay

Our mission: To nurture a thriving ceramics community by connecting people through education, resources, and support.

Claymakers History

Claymakers was founded by arts visionary Leonora Coleman in 2000, in an old awning shop near downtown Durham. For 20 years on Foster St, Claymakers was an anchor in the revitalization of Durham’s Central Park district and grew into a large community of dedicated clay artists and enthusiasts. In 2021, Claymakers moved into a larger space in East Durham.

Operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 2013, Claymakers depends on donations to continue serving our community.

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Staff

  • Emily Lassiter

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Tim Mead

    GENERAL MANAGER

Claymakers’ Mission

A hub for the clay community in North Carolina and beyond, Claymakers serves students, professionals, hobbyists, and collectors alike by providing:

  • a myriad of classes to help beginning to advanced students find creative expression in clay;

  • access to a studio for students to work independently;

  • studio assistantships for burgeoning professionals learn the craft of running a studio;

  • studio rental space for independent clay artists;

  • frequent workshops with nationally renowned artists that are attended by both local and regional artists and students;

  • a supply store that supports arts programs at multiple local schools, arts centers and independent artists' home studios;

  • and a place for artists and students to share their ideas and promote excellence in their work.

Claymakers gives back to the community through donation of pottery to area Empty Bowls fundraisers to fight hunger. Claymakers studio and community of artists also participate in many Triangle arts festivals and shows.

Community Partners

Our programs are supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, and the Durham Arts Council’s Annual Arts Fund.

Board of Directors

Interested in joining the Board of Directors?

Claymakers Board of Directors Application

 

Anna Schroeder, Chair

Michelle Heavener, Secretary

Bob Feth, Treasurer

Angela Cheek

Tom Holt

Caleb Parker

Jessica Sandford

Susan Trabka

Support Claymakers

Community support ensures Claymakers’ financial well-being and donations enable us to keep fees for classes and workshops, the price of supplies, and rental rates, as low as possible. Your donations help keep Claymakers an affordable local resource for the Triangle ceramics community.

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