Claymakers

Claymakers Claymakers is a nonprofit ceramics studio, building community in Durham NC since 2000 through clay education.

We offer 100+ weekly classes per year, a supply store, firing services, and studio spaces for artists of all levels to grow and create. Claymakers is a nonprofit community ceramics studio serving Durham since 2000. Our mission is to foster a thriving ceramics community by connecting individuals through education, resources, and support. We’re committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive space where

people can explore and deepen their passion for ceramics. Each year, we offer over 100 classes and workshops for adult learners of all skill levels in wheel-throwing, sculpture, and handbuilding, decorating, and firing. Our supply store equips artists and schools with the materials they need to create and arranges firing services, while our private studios provide independent artists with the space to advance their work.

Our Session 7 Scholarship applications are OPEN, through Sunday, September 20th at midnight! If you're a Durham resident...
09/02/2026

Our Session 7 Scholarship applications are OPEN, through Sunday, September 20th at midnight! If you're a Durham resident who identifies as BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ andyou're interested in taking a beginner-level clay class, we'd love to hear from you.
https://www.claymakers.org/scholarships

Can't get enough of 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦? You're in luck! Our raffles are live through Friday, September 25 at 9 PM.Choose from fou...
08/27/2026

Can't get enough of 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦? You're in luck! Our raffles are live through Friday, September 25 at 9 PM.

Choose from four great prizes: tattoo credits with participating artists Samantha Castrovinci, Sofia Sparklez, and Ari, or two spots in a 2026 Claymakers one-time workshop.

You don't have to be present at our September 25 closing reception to win—but it'll be a blast, so mark your calendars 🗓

Best of all, 100% of proceeds from Indelible raffle ticket sales support the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. So take a chance, support a great cause, and maybe win some very cool art--win, win, win!

To enter, visit claymakers.rallyup.com.

We can't believe we're saying this, but…we have a ton of open spaces in Beginning Wheel 🤯Usually one of our most popular...
08/26/2026

We can't believe we're saying this, but…we have a ton of open spaces in Beginning Wheel 🤯

Usually one of our most popular classes, Wednesday and Saturday mornings are both wide open right now. So if you'd given up on your dream of learning how to throw, maybe it's time to think again.

Get in there and grab your spot—classes start next week!

We’re excited to be participating in this year’s Centerfest on September 19-20! Claymakers will have a nonprofit booth w...
08/25/2026

We’re excited to be participating in this year’s Centerfest on September 19-20! Claymakers will have a nonprofit booth where we’ll share what we do and invite festival-goers to get their hands in some clay.

Want to be part of it? We’re looking for enthusiastic community members to volunteer at our booth and help us connect with visitors. We’ll have a hands-on community clay project, so we’re especially looking for folks who are comfortable with coil building and/or interacting with visitors of all ages.

To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/cmcenterfest

This is your reminder: Saturdays are a great day for ceramic art.Claymakers Gallery is open today from 1–6 pm--stop by a...
08/22/2026

This is your reminder: Saturdays are a great day for ceramic art.

Claymakers Gallery is open today from 1–6 pm--stop by and check out 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦!

Session 6 classes begin next Sunday, August 30, but there’s still time to join us!We have plenty of spaces across our sc...
08/21/2026

Session 6 classes begin next Sunday, August 30, but there’s still time to join us!

We have plenty of spaces across our schedule, including some popular classes like Beginning Wheel on Wednesday and Saturday mornings and shinos withGeekPots.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a class, now’s the time to grab a spot!

Belly Planters: Your Body is Art is a special workshop is geared towards folks who identify as plus size. ✨Learn to thro...
08/20/2026

Belly Planters: Your Body is Art is a special workshop is geared towards folks who identify as plus size. ✨

Learn to throw & alter a belly planter using your own body as reference. With instructor Kaylin Tsukayama, this class will provide a safe space to explore your body from the perspective of body neutrality. ✨

This is a wheel class, and participants must be comfortable throwing a 2-4 pound cylinder. Students are invited to bring their own reference photos or Kaylin, who is a professional photographer, can assist participants in taking a reference photo during class. ✨

Kaylin has the following to share about making belly pots:

“As a self-identified fat person, I have a particular interest in working with fat folks as this exact technique has made a huge difference in my own attitude towards my body. However, I think this kind of work could be beneficial not just to fat folks, but to anyone who has body image issues…the internal work of analyzing your own body and providing a safe space for folks to do that is important.”✨

Sign up today at www.claymakers.org/classes

08/17/2026

Are you interested in trying out wheel throwing? It's your lucky day--- there are still a handful of spots left in the Intro to Wheel Workshop on Friday, August 28th! It's a perfect way to get your hands a little messy, have some fun, and make a handmade object that you get to keep. Check out www.claymakers.org/classes to nab

🧪 Glaze chem in action!🧪In Part 2 of 'sGlaze Chemistry class, students put what they learned in Part 1 to work, creating...
08/12/2026

🧪 Glaze chem in action!🧪

In Part 2 of 'sGlaze Chemistry class, students put what they learned in Part 1 to work, creating mosaics with self-formulated glazes ranging from glossy greens to matte, lichen-textured surfaces. This past weekend, they assembled their pieces with Marie’s guidance—and just look at how good they turned out!

Are you ready to fall in love with clay? Session 6 classes are almost here! Registration opens this Friday, August 14th ...
08/11/2026

Are you ready to fall in love with clay? Session 6 classes are almost here! Registration opens this Friday, August 14th at 12 pm sharp.

Choose from 18 classes in wheel throwing, handbuilding, and sculpture at all levels, including special topics like:

• Sculpting scary monsters with Anna
• ~Spooky intermediate wheel~ with Katie
• Carbon trapping with shinos with Liz

Check out the full lineup at claymakers.org/classes, and set your alarm—classes fill fast! We can’t wait to welcome you back into the studio 🍂

Address

470 Salem Street
Durham, NC
27703

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 6pm
Wednesday 1pm - 6pm
Thursday 1pm - 6pm
Friday 1pm - 6pm
Saturday 1pm - 6pm

Telephone

+19195308355

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