Tucson Clay Co-Op
Community workspace and school offering classes and camps in pottery and clay.
About Tucson Clay Co-Op
Tucson Clay Co-Op is a community based cooperative in Tucson offering a workspace, school, gallery, and gathering place centered on clay and ceramic arts. Created to provide a professional working environment for artists of all experience levels, the co-op welcomes beginners, practicing artists, families, and community groups. Its programs include pottery and clay classes, workshops, camps, private opportunities, and paint your own pottery. With studios on North Dodge Boulevard and East 23rd Street, Tucson Clay Co-Op connects learning, making, exhibiting, and community participation under one roof, or rather, across two Tucson locations.
The school offers a variety of ways to work with clay. Multi week indoor and outdoor classes cover wheel throwing, hand building, and sculpture for all skill levels. Private lessons are available for different levels of experience, while specialty workshops include Raku. Other offerings include "Play With Clay," kids classes, summer camp, and paint your own pottery. Private gatherings are also available, with minimum participant requirements potentially applying. The co-op describes its classes and workshops as opportunities for all ages, making the studios suitable for people looking for structured instruction as well as those interested in a creative group activity.
For artists who want an ongoing place to work, Tucson Clay Co-Op offers memberships at both locations. Members can work at their own pace without the long term commitment and expense of a private studio. Options include outdoor membership at the Dodge location, indoor membership at the 23rd Street location, and a private studio at 23rd Street. The co-op also has studio monitor positions, allowing approved members with prior work study or studio experience to trade volunteer time for membership dues. Work study students can trade volunteer time for free tuition and practice hours, and beginners are welcomed and trained for those positions. The work varies according to the needs and experience of the studio.
The co-op's mission extends beyond providing studio access. It supports local and visiting potters by renting studio space, maintaining a gallery where members can sell their work, and operating a school with a diverse selection of clay classes. The gallery features stoneware pottery and collaborative ceramic works called "Chickens," displayed at both studios. Community outreach includes guest artist workshops and classes for groups with unique needs. The website describes Tucson Clay Co-Op as a space where the broader community can learn about and develop an appreciation for ceramic arts, while its membership base and instructor team contribute to an active shared environment.
The co-op's shop supports both artists and people beginning their clay practice. Members can purchase different clay options on site, with firing and glazes included, and outside clay is not allowed. The shop also offers tool kits, gift certificates, merchandise, glazes in several quantities, and firing services based on individual needs. Visitors can explore classes, workshops, and private gatherings through the Book Now section, while the Contact section is available for additional questions. The Dodge studio is on North Dodge Boulevard, and the 23rd Street studio is on East 23rd Street. Gallery access at 23rd Street is by appointment, and offerings and locations can vary by activity.