The Smithy Clay Studio
The Clay Studio is a non-profit arts organization in Cooperstown, New York. We offer ceramic classes for all ages and abilities as well as open studio hours for adults with clay experience.
Classes meet once a week and run in sessions of 4, 6, and 8-weeks. We also host special events like raku firings, independent studies, and visiting artists.
Most classes and open studio registrations include a 25lb bag of clay, and access to our large shared studio tools, glazes, and firing.
The studio is located behind the Smithy Gallery and shares the gallery's shaded courtyard. Access to the studio is through the alley on Pioneer Street just south of Coolies Tavern
Open Studio
Open Studio is open to experienced potters and clay artists for work on personal projects. No instruction is provided. Students must have studio experience at our studio to join. Adults only, please!
Pricing: when offered
- 8 Week Session: $180 includes a bag of clay
- 6 Week Session: $140 includes a bag of clay
- 4 Week Session: $90 includes a bag of clay
- Drop-in Open Studio Fee: $30 clay not included
Open Studio Schedule:
Participants will have full access to the studio for the duration of the session at any of the times listed below.
Monday ................ 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Wednesday ........ 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Thursday ............. 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday ................... 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Bags of clay are available for purchase at the studio - Laguna $35/bag!
Glazing and firing fees are included in this price.
Kiln Rentals
We will be offering whole kiln rentals for people who do not wish to create work in the studio at this time.
If you wish to use clay or glaze not available from the studio, both must be approved by the studio manager before firing. We ask that you bring receipts or recipes for review and approval. We reserve the right to deny firing if we deem it a risk to the equipment.
Please contact us at [email protected] to arrange the time-frame for your kiln rental.
Rent a Kiln
Small Kiln
Bisque Firing Cone 05 - $35
Glaze Firing Cone 6 - $45
Large Kiln
Bisque Firing Cone 05 - $45
Glaze Firing Cone 6 - $55
Receive updates about classes & events:
Contact us at [email protected] to be added to the email list(s) of your choice.
Please include your email and full name. Also, let us know if you want the gallery and studio emails or just the studio.
We ask that everyone work together to keep our studio healthy and safe. Anyone who is experiencing Covid or flu-like symptoms should not attend class or open studio. Please feel free to email the studio if you are unsure about attending class or open studio. Thank you for your cooperation!