Our foundational principles

At Hey Clay, all resources will belong to everyone. Resources being workstations, equipment, materials, tools, aprons and even shelf spaces. This is rooted in the belief that sharing and caring for our mutual resources is a way of bringing people together, generating empathy and generally being good neighbors.

Hey Clay believes that the process of making pottery is the great unifier. Regardless of our abilities and tenure, we all have to go through the same process of creation, which is rich in joy and in pain, and which teaches us patience, focus and presence. Focusing on the process (versus the product) also enables creating a nurturing environment in which folks can be vulnerable especially as they are just starting out.

Hey Clay will exist to serve its patrons, the patrons who walk through its doors to bring their creative vision to life or those who enter it as staff. It will amplify the art, creativity and brilliance of all who choose to make Hey Clay its creative home. At Hey Clay, we strongly believe that it is not about the physical space, but about the people who activate that space.

Hey Clay recognizes that learning and inspiration can come from many places. At Hey Clay, we want to embrace an open spirit of learning and knowledge sharing. In practice this means being receptive to learning from our peers, technicians, front desk staff in addition to instructors and seasoned artists. It also means generously sharing one's knowledge to make for a more vibrant, artistic community. 

Hey Clay, as a community studio, aims to provide a no-judgement environment and to be a third space for all. Whether one approaches pottery in community with others, or as a solo journey, the studio will facilitate all creative journeys in a welcoming and inclusive way.