Queen City Clay
My first impression of Queen City Clay? It’s huge! Not just in terms of physical space, but in the scale and diversity of its programs. After spending time with members, staff, and current residents, it became clear that every aspect of the organization is designed to support and uplift everyone who walks through the doors. The facility is not only expansive but also impressively well-organized and meticulously maintained.
You first enter through a well-laid-out retail shop offering clay tools, equipment, supplies, and ceramic artwork. Beyond that is a large, open teaching studio filled with pottery wheels, work tables, and shelving—everything needed to host dynamic and engaging classes.
I was welcomed by Jon Stein, who gave me a full tour of the facility. He was generous with his time and knowledge, walking me through each space and explaining its purpose, the programs that take place there, and the community it supports.
We began in the handbuilding studio, followed by the wheel-throwing studio, where 40 wheels were neatly arranged, ready for class. Just beyond, separated by shelves, were private rental studios for local ceramic artists. The materials storage room was large and well-stocked with clay and raw materials.
Downstairs, we visited the staff studios—a dedicated area where employees can focus on their personal studio practices. Further on, we reached the children’s studio, a vibrant, colorful space thoughtfully designed for kids’ classes in wheel throwing, handbuilding, and other creative media. The children’s programs have their own dedicated coordinator, and it's obvious a great deal of care and energy has been poured into making this space fun, functional, and inspiring.
Back upstairs, we toured the glazing studio, which can comfortably accommodate dozens of people glazing at once. Then came my personal favorite stop: the kiln yard. It includes a train wood kiln, a soda kiln, and several raku kilns, all well cared for. A healthy stockpile of wood stood ready for upcoming firings. The atmosphere was relaxed, clean, and full of potential. Nearby, there’s a wood shop they plan to renovate into a woodworking classroom.
We continued through the gallery space, where I had the pleasure of seeing the resident artist exhibition, and then into the electric kiln room, which also houses a large Blaauw kiln and a newly acquired Bailey, which was being installed during my visit. The adjacent kitchen and dining space was spacious and welcoming—a great place for communal meals or events.
Additional facilities included a clay mixing room, a glaze lab, a slipcasting production area, and a repair workshopwhere they restore electric kilns to be sold at low cost to emerging artists, nonprofits, and schools.
Finally, we toured the resident studios upstairs—beautiful spaces with ample room, natural light, and a positive, creative vibe. The residents I spoke with were cheerful and eager to share how happy they were to be part of the program.
Queen City Clay supports an impressive range of activities:
220+ students at a time
K–12 school field trip workshops
One-night “date night” classes
Children's programming
A slipware production line
A ceramic retail shop
Rented studio spaces
A formal residency program
A professional exhibition space
… and more.
They’re even exploring the possibility of providing resident housing in the future. That said, current residents reported no issues finding affordable housing nearby.
Other highlights:
✅ Inclusive bathrooms
✅ Commitment to diversity
✅ Individualized artist support
✅ Pet-friendly and kid-friendly
✅ Supports all firing ranges
This is a thriving, generous, and energized community. Everyone I met was eager to build each other up, share knowledge, and be part of something meaningful. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Queen City Clay—it’s a true hub for ceramic artists at every stage of their journey.
