Arts & Culture: Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio is Philadelphia's only nonprofit organization whose sole focus is on education and promotion of the ceramic arts, and is one of the leading international institutions in the field. Through artist residencies, studio space, a gallery, and school, educational and community outreach programs, The Clay Studio fulfills its mission as both a local arts institution deeply rooted in its immediate neighborhood and a member of the international ceramic arts community.

Originally organized as a small artists' collective, The Clay Studio has blossomed into an internationally renowned learning center for the ceramic arts, and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational institution. Four distinct residency programs are available in Old City Philadelphia, with studio space for up to 35 artists. In addition to hundreds of members and individual donators, The Clay Studio enjoys the support of such organizations as the Bank of America Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Boeing Company, the Campbell Soup Foundation, and the Advanta Foundation.

The Studio's educational and community programs are designed to promote access to and instill a love of the ceramic arts within as many people as possible. Programs are available for adults and children at all skill and interest levels, from professional artists to art enthusiasts to underprivileged inner-city kids, and the Studio is a participant in the national First Fridays program. The Studio's award-winning Claymobile program, which provides hands-on arts education in some of Philadelphia's most needy communities, has become a national model for art-education outreach.

To find out about upcoming exhibitions, classes and workshops, sign up for the Studio's email list, read about its artist opportunities, make a donation, or browse an online store offering original works by the Studio's artists, see the Studio's Web site.

For JustLuxe Teresa Rothaar