50 Years of Clay Timeline
1974—Our Founding
The Clay Studio’s story begins in Old City with five artists, Ken Vavrek, Jill Bonovitz, Janice Merendino, Betty Parisano, and Kathie Regan. The artists met at Moore College of Art and found a way to continue the camaraderie they built by establishing a new studio for sharing resources and learning from each other.
1979—Our Nonprofit Status
We become a non-profit organization. An increasing interest in promoting ceramic arts, service to artists, and a greater focus on providing education in clay to students in the area motivates this change.
1980–81—A Fire Creates New Growth
After moving to a new location on Arch Street, a major fire destroys the interior of our new home. With the help of patron Bertram Horowitz, the organization relocates to 47–49 N. 2nd Street. At the new location, we codify the Resident Artist program, class offerings are extended, a communal studio program and shop are added, and professional staff is hired.
1983–86—A National Focus
We host a series of major exhibitions featuring some of the most prestigious American artists working in clay. Through a unique partnership, the featured artists offer lectures at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, bringing new stature to The Clay Studio. The artists met at Moore College of Art and found a way to continue the camaraderie they built by establishing a new studio for sharing resources and learning from each other.
1990—New Collaborations
We establish The 2nd Street Art Building at 137-139 N. 2nd Street, where more space, professional studios, a shop, and a gallery serve our ever-growing constituency alongside spaces created for other arts organizations. Sharing space helps position us as a leader within the Philadelphia arts ecosystem.in clay to students in the area motivates this change.
1992—International Engagement
Contemporary East European Ceramics, a major, Pew-funded exhibition, vaults our gallery to international acclaim. Ceramic artists from behind the Iron Curtain travel to The Clay Studio, inaugurating the Guest Artist Program. The exhibition coincides with the 1992 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Conference held in Philadelphia. At the new location, we codify the Resident Artist program, class offerings are extended, a communal studio program and shop are added, and professional staff is hired.
1994—Claymobile Program
The Claymobile program begins to serve students at schools lacking the funds to travel to the building. Teaching artists bring a full ceramic class experience to dozens of schools and organizations around the Philadelphia area.
1994–2007—Expanding Horizons
Further building its international reputation, The Clay Studio hosts a series of exhibitions highlighting works from Israel, England, Puerto Rico, Hungary, and Japan. The exhibitions provide The Clay Studio community with new ideas and inspiration from a global perspective.
2007—Ring of Fire
Our community supports the successful completion of the Ring of Fire Capital Campaign so that the organization can become the sole occupant of 137-139 N 2nd Street, allowing for expanded programs and artistic opportunities.
2010—National and Local Growth
In conjunction with the annual NCECA conference, The Clay Studio organizes a major city-wide exhibition, Ceramic Interactions, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn Museum, and Eastern State Penitentiary, visited by thousands of people from around the country and the world.
2012–2016—The Power of Clay
An increased demand for classes inspires a school redesign that allows twice as many students to participate in classes. It soon becomes obvious the even more space is needed to serve demand in our community.
2018—Claytogether Campaign
With South Kensington chosen as the location of our new home, the ClayTogether capital campaign takes off with incredible support from our Board, Staff, Artists, and Community. We initiate significant projects in the neighborhood to build relationships with our future community.
2020–2022—Building Our Future
Surpassing our original capital campaign goal, we break ground for our new facility in January 2020. In April 2022, we proudly opened the doors of our new home at 1425 N. American Street. Here, we welcome an ever-growing audience of ceramic artists, students, and enthusiasts by doubling the number of students served, expanding free programming, and offering many spaces to come together as a community.
1974–2024—50 Years of Clay!
In 2024, we are celebrating two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of The Clay Studio and the 30th anniversary of the Claymobile. We are thrilled to celebrate our success with each and every one of you. You are a huge part of this moment—your belief and support of our vision and mission is why we have achieved this milestone.
2024+ The Future of Clay
Our 2024 exhibition schedule culminates with an exhibition looking toward the many futures of ceramic art with a 4 person curatorial team and a group of artists who have never before shown at The Clay Studio. Our Digital Technology Studio launches and we continue to honor the past as we strive to embrace what’s next.
