WE’re building a community clay studio in portugal!

 I’ve been dreaming of opening a community clay center for over twenty years, and now it’s becoming a reality… in Portugal! Over the next year, Mariana Sampaio and I are building a community studio, gallery, and art residency space for artists from all over the world. We have a small studio space and residency facilities to start, but we need your help raising funds to acquire studio equipment, and a few month’s rent on a larger community studio space.

Since we’re striving to create a community clay center, we’re leaning on our community to help us grow. Over the next few months, I’ll be collaborating with artists from all over the world to create one of a kind ceramic art. Most of the pieces will be my Plant Shelfie Bookends, but there will be some surprises as well. These collaborations will be used to raise money for the community studio. Read more about the Community Studio.

Confirmed Artist Collabs:

Alexis Mixter, Adrienne Oates, Cori Jacobs, Ryan Rakhshan, Mariana Sampaio, Diana Adams, Tony Young, and Delvin Goode. I have several more collabs to announce, but you’ll have to stay tuned.

Each piece will be posted as it’s completed and you’ll have a chance to be gifted one as a thank you for your donation. Donations can be made directly on the art page. You can also make a donation, even if you don’t want art. At the conclusion of our fundraising, I’ll randomly choose 3 names from all donors. Those three people will be gifted a 7-10 day stay for two in Portugal at our artist residency house and a one day, Portuguese tile painting workshop with Mariana (food, airfare/transportation not included).

Fundraising Goals:

$50,000

This gets us: 6-8 potters wheels, a large electric kiln, slab roller, clay sink, shelves + carts, work tables, and administrative items (computer/printer, office supplies).

Stretch Goal

$75,000

Additional funds raised will support the artist residency program, including an additional kiln, 2-3 pottery wheels, basic studio equipment (tools, clay, tables) and beds/dressers for resident living spaces.

Current Funds Raised

$2,278 (as of April 24, 2024)

*Note: funds raised does not include taxes, or fees that will be deducted later. Our goals account for taxes and fees that will need to be paid.