Saratoga Clay Arts Center
Saratoga Clay Arts Center (SCAC) is a personable and vibrant arts center housed within a single building that truly supports ceramic artists at various stages. The second floor offers housing for two resident artists, while the main floor hosts a bustling community studio where classes and workshops are regularly held. As you walk down the main hall, you’ll find a sunlit lounge, a cozy studio kitchen, and a small pottery shop. Beyond that are multiple personal studios rented by local ceramic artists. The community studio also connects to a glaze lab, kiln room, and a welcoming gallery space.
The lower level, currently under renovation, houses resident studios, raw material storage, and a photo setup, with plans to add another kiln room and a dedicated kids’ studio by summer. These improvements promise to further enhance the creative environment.
SCAC offers residencies of either three months during the summer or a full year. The studio supports firing at mid to high temperatures with gas, salt, soda, raku, and electric kilns. Although the facility does not accommodate mixing your own clay, the clay provided has received positive feedback. Residents are expected to commit 15 hours per week to studio work and 15 hours to their own practice, with some teaching experience required, as residents help lead classes. This makes SCAC an excellent opportunity for emerging artists fresh out of undergrad looking for a supportive space to grow their work.
Residents receive modest housing, a semi-private studio, free firings, and a $200/month stipend. They also have open access to all classes and workshops and can teach adult and youth classes or private lessons for additional compensation. Each residency culminates with a solo exhibition in the gallery. For residents within driving distance of NCECA, SCAC generously covers travel and lodging expenses to attend the conference.
Overall, my visit to SCAC was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed meeting the community, witnessing the classes in action, and exploring Saratoga—a city with charming horse statues and a lively atmosphere. SCAC is a solid residency program for emerging ceramic artists ready to develop their practice.
