A Place for Everyone

Our studio is open  24/7, ensuring that ceramics-making is easily accessible for people from all walks of life.

• For Children & Teens:  In-school and after-school programs, activities for homeschoolers and families, and summer camps.

• For Young Adults: Evening and weekend ceramics classes that are attended by 18- to 21-year-olds.

• For Older Adults:  Classes throughout the day for those who work full-time or are retired.

• For People Affected by Trauma & Addiction:  Therapeutic opportunities for those with mental health challenges, including trauma and substance-use.

• For People with Disabilities: Class adaptations for those with cognitive, developmental, physical, and learning disabilities. 

• For People in Continual Care Residences: Outreach to individuals in a variety of settings, from independent living, assisted living, and memory care.  

• For People who are Marginalized:  Ceramic arts instruction and studio time for LGBTQIA+, migrants, immigrants, and veterans with more tailored programs to come.

Community Partners:
A Way Out
Access AfterSchool
Alpine Bank
Ascendigo
Aspen Art Museum
Basalt Education Foundation
Challenge Aspen
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
Cook Inclusive
English In Action
Gay for Good
HeadQuarters

Jaywalker Lodge
Momenta Recovery Women's Treatment
National Young Farmers Coalition
Ready for the World
Roaring Fork Club
Roaring Fork Senior Living
Sopris Lodge at Carbondale Senior Living
The Buddy Program
WindWalkers
Youth Recovery Center
Youthentity

Beyond the Studio: Education & Outreach

Through partnerships with 19 schools and counting across the Roaring Fork Valley, from preK-12th grade, CCC brings clay into the curriculum, making hands-on learning an essential part of a child’s education. As an approved provider for the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment Program, we help to ensure that every child has access to extracurricular opportunities in the arts.

Strengthening Our Community

CCC goes beyond the arts, playing a vital role in professional and economic development. We support young professionals, educators, and artists through scholarships, mentorships, and continuing education opportunities. By collaborating with local nonprofits, businesses, and arts organizations, we contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the Roaring Fork Valley.

If you or your organization are interested in getting involved with the Carbondale Clay Center, please reach out to us at programs@carbondaleclay.org

Art as Connection & Healing

Clay is more than just a material—it is a tactile tool for empowerment and self-discovery. Our programs support individuals and groups by providing a safe space to explore the therapeutic effects of clay. With over 20 local partnerships, CCC facilitates meaningful experiences for participating organizations across arts & recreation, community advocacy, disability services, education & literacy, rehabilitation & support services, and youth empowerment.

As we grow, we are committed to expanding accessibility, cultural vitality, and sustainability initiatives. Our goals include:

Broadened Community Outreach

• Increasing social accessibility through Spanish-language offerings, ASL interpretation, and bilingual materials.

• Accessibility-Focused Classes: Programs designed specifically for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, with adaptive tools, like wheelchair accessible throwing wheels and specialized instruction.

• Programs for Underserved Communities: Sliding-scale or scholarship supported classes for low-income families, immigrant communities, and others who may not typically have access to arts education.

• Community Clay Days: Open-studio events with hands-on activities, artist demos, designed to foster intergenerational and cross-cultural connections.

• Strengthened School & Family Engagement

• Mobile Clay Studio: Bringing clay experiences directly into schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley.

• School Partnerships Expansion: Collaborating with more local and regional schools to provide clay residencies, in-school workshops, and teacher training.

• Family Membership Programs: Providing incentives for families to regularly participate together in classes and events, building community and creative bonds.

• Art + Wellness Initiatives: Integrating ceramics into social-emotional learning for children and therapeutic art practices for families and individuals facing trauma or stress.

Artist Support and Creative Development

• Advanced Masterclasses: Hosting nationally and internationally recognized ceramic artists for intensive, technique-driven workshops for advanced students and professionals.

• Interdisciplinary Arts Integration: Offering cross-medium workshops combining ceramics with painting, sculpture, printmaking, or digital media.

• Expanded Residency Program: Growing the number of resident artists and offering new types of residencies, such as short-term, international exchange, or community-based projects.

• Mentorship Opportunities: Pairing emerging artists with seasoned professionals to foster long-term artistic and career development.

• Collaborative Studio Models: Creating co-working ceramics spaces with shared tools and kilns for local artists, hobbyists, and educators.

Increased Exhibition & Event Capacity

• Larger Gallery Spaces: Enabling more robust, rotating contemporary ceramic exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international ceramic artists.

• Public Art & Installation Projects: Supporting large-scale, community-driven ceramic installations throughout Carbondale and surrounding areas.