2024
Valley-based artist to lead a ceramic workshop in Carbondale
Aspen Times
Kris Cox will be the first artist to lend his skills during Carbondale Clay Center’s (CCC) new series of Masterclass ceramic workshops.
Local artist Kris Cox leads a two-part ‘masterclass’ in ceramic techniques
Aspen Public Radio, by Kaya Williams
A two-part “masterclass” in ceramic art kicks off at the Carbondale Clay Center this weekend, led by local sculptor, painter and photographer Kris Cox.
February 2024 Evergreen giveaway: Win a private clay class experience at the Carbondale Clay Center
Aspen Public Radio
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at throwing pottery on the wheel? Win a private, two-part wheel throwing clay class for up to 6 participants at the Carbondale Clay Center!
South Korean artist to exhibit at Carbondale Clay Center
The Aspen Times
Carbondale Clay Center’s (CCC) first exhibition of 2024 features the work of South Korean artist Joanne Seongweon Lee. The show, titled “Volume 1: Reshaping Roots,” will be on display in the CCC Gallery from Jan. 16-Feb. 23, with an opening reception on Feb. 2 from 6-8 p.m.
2023
Clay: a Carbondale Staple
Carbondale Creative District Feature
“Settings is our largest fundraiser of the year, it benefits all CCC’s programs. This event is our way of helping people incorporate handmade wares into their homes!”
Clay National XVII displays diversity in clay
Sopris Sun feature by Myki Jones
“It is about each individual’s voice and how our art leaves a mark through the pieces we create, and we each tell our story in some way.”
National clay exhibit featured at Carbondale Clay Center for First Friday
Post Independent Staff Report
Carbondale Clay Center is having their national exhibit of ceramic art, Clay National XVII: The Autobiography of the Object.
Reflecting on Sense of Place with Doug Casebeer
Sopris Sun interview by James Steindler, Aug. 9, 2023
“I think that sense of place is really important,” concluded Casebeer. “As an artist it’s the one thing that distinguishes you from all other artists: who you are, where you’re from and how you were raised … As an artist it’s your job to honor that sense of place.” - Casebeer
Popular Carbondale Clay Center going strong at 26 years
Aspen Times article by Julie Bielenberg, March 27th, 2023
Why is the center so popular? It’s the only year-round dedicated clay studio in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Opened it 1997 and going 26 years strong, the non-profit art enclave houses two resident artists in addition to dozens of adult and children classes.
One of the very last stops as you head out of Carbondale on Main Street is this conglomerate of small buildings, an Airstream trailer, and tent in the warmer months.
Clay Center exhibition, residency, summer camp
Aspen Times article by Julie Bielenberg, March 27th, 2023
The current exhibition at Carbondale Clay Center is a rarity, featuring artists from outside the Carbondale Clay Center network, many showcasing their work for the first time.
Works by local women highlighted in Clay Center show
Sopris Sun article by Myki Jones, February 1st, 2023
An interview with Erin Rigney and Agneta Wettergren about The Way We Are: Women of the Roaring Fork Valley, a mixed media exhibition highlighting the voices of local women artists.
2022
Carbondale Clay Center: A ‘grassroots, community organization’
Sopris Sun article by James Steindler, September 14th, 2022
An interview with founder Diane Kenney, a discussion about the future of CCC, and a reminder about the 25th anniversary party, Settings: Silver Jubilee!
25 Years & Counting
Sopris Sun feature by James Diane Kenney, August 18th, 2022
2022 marks the 25th year for the Carbondale Clay Center. The current CCC team as well as many throwback images are featured on the cover. Read about CCC’s origins in 1997, written by founder Diane Kenney.
Mata Ortiz, the town that went to pots
Sopris Sun article by Dyana Furmansky, August 3rd, 2022
An interview on the history of Mata Ortiz pottery with guest potters Diego Valles and Carla Martinez.
Arts-Based Residencies Influence Rural Communities Both Culturally And Economically
by Kristi Eaton in The Daily Yonder, May 10th, 2022
From hotels in small towns to National Parks, artists are finding ways to hone their crafts while positively affecting their surroundings.
2021
Express Yourself on KDNK
interview by Brian Colley & Amy Kimberly September10th, 2021
This week it's all things Circus…Convergent Circus that is. A check in with the Carbondale Clay Center about their Clay National Show and Settings fundraiser and a quick peek at an upcoming Drawing Club event.
Second Opinion
Sopris Sun feature by James Steindler September 2, 2021
The Carbondale Clay Center (CCC) simply cannot get enough of the Phelps twins, Kyle & Kelly. The duo’s exhibition, '“Race, Class, & the Blue Collar,” composed of a collection of figurines depicting the struggles and realities of the American working class, was on display at CCC through the month of August with a closing reception on August 28th.
Two Rivers Foundation grants $15,000 to area nonprofits
Post Independent Staff Report, August 30th, 2021
Ten area nonprofit human service and arts organizations serving the region from Carbondale to New Castle recently received grant funding from the Two Rivers Unrestricted Endowment Fund (TRUE).
A total of $15,000 was granted.
Phelps twins gallery “Race, Class, & the Blue Collar,” takes final bow at Carbondale Clay Center
Post Independent article by Rich Allen, August 25th, 2021
A laborer sitting on a barrel, jeans torn, face worn and dirty, staring passively into the distance, coffee mug in hand. Two hands presenting a gear over a worn, blue oil can. A white police officer clashing with a Black protester in front of an American flag with a red “Make America Great Again” in the foreground.
These and five similar clay works from identical twin brothers Kelly and Kyle Phelps have been on display in the exhibit “Race, Class, & the Blue Collar,” at the Carbondale Arts Center since July 2 as part of the gallery’s initiative to drive diverse conversations, gallery manager Matt Eames said.
“Our mission of the gallery was to start to have a diverse and inclusive conversation about art but also about social activism,” Eames said.
Classism & Ceramics
Sopris Sun Article by James Steindler, August 19th, 2021
Kyle and Kelly Phelps have been figuratively connected at the hip since birth. “How?” you ask. Well, they’re twins, devoted brothers and share a common life pursuit of spreading socio-economic awareness through art. Their exhibit, “Race, Class, & the Blue Collar,” has been on display at the Carbondale Clay Center (CCC) since July and it will conclude with a reception on Aug. 28.
“We’ve collaborated since day one,” said Kelly. “Pretty much since we were in elementary school we’ve just been working hand in hand — kind of like one person who happens to be in two different bodies.”
Express Yourself on KDNK
Interview by Brian Colley on KDNK, July 9th, 2021
Amy interviews Dave Watts of The Motet. Carley DeBeque and Alta Otto tell us about the pie contest at Mountain Fair. Brian checks in with Kyle and Kelly Phelps about their show at the Carbondale Clay Center.
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) 2021 Honoree
Awards Luncheon, March 9th, 2021
“The 2021 Business for the Arts Awards honored outstanding business and arts partnerships with a virtual event Tuesday, March 9. The annual luncheon hosted by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) celebrates innovative partnerships, generous philanthropy, creative businesses and stellar leadership across the state.”
Colorado Biz article by Ali Longwell
Denver Gazette article by John Moore
Denver Business Journal article by Jonathan Rose
Rocky Mountain PBS article by Joe Davidson
CBCA Award Honoree video highlighting Carbondale Clay Center.
Express Yourself on KDNK
KDNK Interview by Brian Colley, February 19th, 2021
Brian Colley speaks with Carbondale Clay Center's Matt Eames and featured artist Ashley Bevington. Also featured in this episode: Brian Colley of Carbondale Arts and KDNK's Kathleen Shannon take you on a virtual tour through Beyul at the Diamond J and the new Arts Campus at Willits.
Form and Function Unite
Sopris Sun Article by Raleigh Burleigh February 3rd, 2021
“Complexities: From Surface to Form,” an upcoming exhibit at the Carbondale Clay Center, displays the work of five dispersed artists exploring decorative function, or functional decoration, in art. According to Gallery Manager Matthew Eames, the show provides “a small window into the possibilities of decorative pottery” with the goal of eliciting curiosity. The diversity of style in this show accentuates the varied influences of its contributors, residing throughout the continent.
30 years of marriage and mixing mediums, ideas comes to life at Carbondale Clay Center
Post Independent Article by Jessica Peterson January 28th, 2021
Steve and Wewer Keohane met 30 years ago at a dream retreat in Red Feather Lake, Colorado. Steve said dreams play a large part not just in their personal relationship but also when it comes to artistic collaboration. Both Steve and Wewer said their creative process or inspiration is meant to be shared and this is why they ultimately create art. “We just feel the honest sharing of what comes through us is the most we can share with other people,” Steve said.
Carbondale Clay Center’s ‘Parts and pieces coming together’
Mixed Media Marriage exhibit begins Friday in Carbondale
Post Independent Article by Ray K. Erku January 7th, 2021
Local favorite artist couple Wewer and Steve Keohane’s existential mixed media, painted and ceramic pieces will be exhibited today at the Carbondale Clay Center.
The exhibit is open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and runs until Jan. 30
One major piece from Wewer, a European-raised artist whose work can be found in iconic museums all over the U.S. and the world, includes a six-piece series called “Breakfast in Japan.” The collages exemplify the artist’s exploration into the human psyche.
Carbondale Clay Center recognized in 2021 Business for the Arts Awards
Carbondale Clay Center is thrilled to be included as one of the honorees for the 2021 Business for the Arts Awards. A huge thank you to the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts for the recognition and to Jenn Weede for nominating us!
Read CBCA’s press release here.
Join us for the Awards Luncheon on March 9th. Register here.
2020
![Carbondale Clay Center in MOUNTAIN PARENT Winter 2020-21 updated [6].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57169796e32140216bbe3fcb/1617208719991-8KO3839NRD85XAA1E8SR/Carbondale+Clay+Center+in+MOUNTAIN+PARENT+Winter+2020-21+updated+%5B6%5D.jpg)
Partnering with Mountain Parent
November - December 2020
CCC contributed pre-made bisqueware for Mountain Parent’s Locally Sourced Holiday Gift Box. Each Stary Night Julep Cups were painted by Roaring Fork Valley Kids Who Care.
Check out the Mountain Parent feature and collaboration project here.
Local Creative Industries Feeling ‘Cautious, But Optimistic’ About Their Economic Footing
Aspen Public Radio Article & Radio Feature by Kristen Dobroth December 18th, 2020
Angela Bruno, CCC Executive Director, said that between the hands-on nature of working with clay and collective Zoom fatigue, virtual classes were difficult. They spent those 78 days instead focusing on how to safely offer in-person programming once they could reopen. They cut class sizes in half, moved work spaces 6 feet apart, and now every piece of equipment gets sanitized each time it is touched.
Ceramics Monthly Exposure: November 2020
Ceramic Monthly Magazine November 2020
The Exposure Section of Ceramics Monthly magazine features current and upcoming exhibitions. The November 2020 issue includes work from 5 participating artist from CCC’s Durango Potters: Past & Present exhibition.
Clay Center hosts limited-edition ‘Settings’
Sopris Sun Article by Tom Mercer October 21, 2020
You know you’re entering a creative zone the moment you enter the Carbondale Clay Center. There is an aura of creativity that emanates from the building.
This visitor eagerly approached, hoping to learn more about the organization’s upcoming fund-raising auction. In years past, the Clay Center’s auctions have been open-house and well-attended.
A Tale of COVID and Clay
Sopris Sun Article by Tom Mercer August 26, 2020
According to Angela Bruno, Carbondale Clay Center’s Executive Director, “Things are going well,” and considering the impact that COVID-19 has had on businesses and educational entities in Carbondale, that’s remarkable.
Carbondale Clay Center is in its 23rd year of existence, and Bruno says the Clay Center is already serving the second generation of some families in the community: They have adults now that took classes at the Clay Center when they were little kids.
Artists Scott Keating And Nancy Lovendahl Find Freedom In Collaboration For 'Open Juncture'
Aspen Public Radio Interview by Christin Kay February 6, 2020
Nancy Lovendahl and Scott Keating have been partners in work and life for... well, even they can’t agree on how long. "Being two artists married for 45 years," said Keating, "and working together all that time—”
“Well, it’s more like thirty years," said Lovendahl.
A new exhibit at the Carbondale Clay Center showcases collaborative work from Lovendahl and Keating, along with four other local metal and clay artists.
Chris Erickson and Matt Eames Preview "Enter Dimensional"
KDNK interview by Aly Sanguily January 8, 2020
DJ Mamabird, AKA Aly Sanguily, interviews local artist Chris Erickson and CCC Gallery Manager, Matt Eames, about Enter Dimensional, a new exhibit by Chris Erickson and John Cohorst at the Carbondale Clay Center beginning January 10 with a reception from 6 to 8pm.
2019
Ceramics and Local Food Come Together in Carbondale
Aspen Times Article by Chapman Croskell September 20, 2019
Next time you’re eating out, take a look at the plate your food comes on. Wouldn’t life be a little more exciting if the plate was, too? This weekend is the Carbondale Clay Center’s annual fundraiser, and the theme is “Tacos on Plates.” Tickets to the event run at $65 and offer a handmade plate that you get to select and then use to eat tacos from local restaurants, all while enjoying music, performances and local libations…
Clay Center’s Annual Fundraiser to Bring Together Potters, Tacos and Community
Sopris Sun Article by Trina Ortega September 18, 2019
Start with 30 Carbondale clay artists; add 300 one-of-a-kind handmade plates, four chefs, two organic farms, one distillery, one brewmaster, and countless volunteer hours — mix thoroughly. All these ingredients are coming together for the Carbondale Clay Center’s largest fundraiser of the year, a themed event titled Tacos on Plates, which celebrates functional ceramics, community and food. The event takes place from 5–8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Carbondale Clay Center (CCC), 135 Main St…
Carbondale Artists Preview "Linear // Planar" and "Yellow for Frances"
KDNK Interview by Raleigh Burleigh May 24, 2019
Artists Savanna LaBauve, Stephanie Seguin and Eden Keil currently have work on display at The Launchpad's R2 Gallery. Raleigh Burleigh dropped by for another edition of From The Gallery on Express Yourself. Exhibits Linear // Planar and Yellow for Frances run through May 31 at The Launchpad.
Carbondale Clay Center Artists-In-Residence
Open Exhibit at R2 Gallery
Aspen Public Radio Interview by Christin Kay May 2, 2019
Savanna LaBauve and Stephanie Seguin have spent the past two years as artists-in-residence at the Carbondale Clay Center. The fruits of their labor go on display Friday in a new exhibit at the R2 Gallery. The two artists spent their residencies exploring different forms and materials, experimentation that Seguin says is on display in their show “Linear//Planar.”
2018
Carbondale Clay Center Throws Down on Saturday
KDNK Interview by Megan Tackett September 20, 2018
The Carbondale Clay Center's biggest fundraiser of the year is this Saturday, September 22! To learn more, Megan Tackett spoke with executive director Angela Bruno about the Throwdown Hoedown.
Ceramicists’ individual pursuits result in
Paralleled Pastiche
Sopris Sun Article by Megan Tackett Published Jul. 4, 2018
Artists Savanna LaBauve and Stephanie Seguin didn’t know each other when they each arrived in town last September to share a cozy studio space as the Carbondale Clay Center’s newest residents. But after a year of creative cohabitation, each acknowledges the other’s influence.
“I’m really excited to see how our work relates to one another,” Seguin said of their upcoming shared First Friday exhibition. “Each of us have seen the parts that we’re doing, but neither of us have seen it fully realized.”
Read the full article here.
A quartet of ceramic sales fuel the valley’s pottery passion
Aspen Daily News Article by Todd Hartley Published Nov. 29, 2018
“The ceramics community in general is kind of small across the country, so there are a lot of artists we know who have been through the Clay Center or taught workshops there in the past,” said Angela Bruno, Carbondale Clay Center’s executive director.
Diane Kenney Shares Her Passion for Clay on Immigrant Stories
KDNK Interview by Walter Gallacher May 15, 2018
In 1997, Diane Kenney opened the Carbondale Clay Center and invited people of the Valley to come make something with their hands. Listen as Diane talks about community art, growing up in Illinois and her early years in the convent before coming to Colorado. That's Immigrant Stories at 4:30, only on KDNK.
Featured Nonprofit: KDNK Interview
KDNK Interview by Raleigh Burleigh March 17, 2018
KDNK’s Spring Membership Drive is getting oh so close to the goal! For this morning’s featured nonprofit, Raleigh Burleigh interviews Matthew Eames, Studio Manager at the Carbondale Clay Center.
Listen here.
Carbondale Clay Center Resident Artists
KDNK Interview by Luke Nestler March 9, 2018
Stephanie Seguin and Savanna LaBauve are this year's Artists in Residence at the Carbondale Clay Center. They joined Express Yourself to talk about their sculptural ceramic art and their artistic process. They also described what exactly their residencies entail.
2017 and before
Clay Culture: A Growing Community
Ceramics Monthly Article by Jessica Cabe November 3, 2017
Carbondale Clay Center, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is growing and handling the challenges faced by many small community art centers. The Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado is known throughout the clay world as the home of the Anderson Ranch Arts Center. But nestled on the eastern edge of the town of Carbondale, about 30 minutes away, stands a small but mighty clay center…
Flag Goes Up at ‘Stokes Speedway’
Sopris Sun Article by By Will Grandbois February 1, 2017
For the first and potentially only time, the “Stokes Speedway” will be open to the public on Feb. 4 for a special Carbondale Clay Center fundraiser. Sponsored by the Stokes family, Carbondale Clay Center, Amoré Realty and Marble Distillery, the event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at Blue Creek Ranch (3220 CR 100, just down the way from Catherine Store) and gives locals a chance to race slot cars on the track that took Jim Stokes more than two years to build…
Two Carbondale Clay Center Artists
KDNK Interview by Luke Nestler Jan 6, 2017
This Express Yourself is all about ceramics. One artist, Matthew Eames, produces sculptural work for large installations. The other, Frank McGuirk, produces functional work. Both are associated with the Carbondale Clay Center, and both extol the virtues of that bedrock Carbondale arts organization.
Ceramics Exhibition Grows from Japanese Roots
Roaring Fork Lifestyle Article by Nicolette Toussaint December 28, 2016
The diminutive Japanese lady often passed the bearded American guy in the clay studios of the Anderson Ranch Art Center. Soon, the two potters began to acknowledge one another with a smile and a slight bow. Next, they began to talk about their craft, about East/West cultural differences, about hand-made ceramics. Since both artists draw on the legacy of Japanese pottery, a history that reaches back more than 12,000 years, there was much to explore. Many conversations, many cups of tea and several years passed as an artistic partnership began to flower…