A Ravenswood ceramics studio that is made for its members. No classes, no drop ins, just an intentional community of clay minded folks with 2 kilns and plenty of equipment to get creative.
On the wheel · Claymore studio
About
Claymore is built around independent study. We don't run classes, workshops, or drop ins. The whole space goes to our members and the work they make. It's a small, tight knit community of people who already have some experience and want somewhere personal to keep it going.
Some members make for their own homes and as gifts. Others are prepping for markets and selling their work. Everyone shares the space, the kilns, and the joy of creating. The studio sits in a quiet pocket of Ravenswood, a short walk from the CTA Brown Line between the Addison and Irving Park stops, with tall windows, two Cone 6 kilns, a slab roller, and a wedging table. For throwing, members have four Brent Model C wheels, a Speedball, a Shimpo Whisper, and one more large wheel.
Tour
Come see the space before you commit. We'll walk you through the floor, the kilns, and the shelves you'd be working from.
Request a tour →
Work
Members throw, trim, glaze, and fire under one roof. Studio clay and glazes are included, and both kilns run every week, so a piece can go from the wheel to the finished shelf without leaving the building.
Membership
Membership includes two personal shelves, and full access to the studio. It's billed monthly, with studio clay billed separately at $1-2 per pound depending on type. Clay prices may change as needed, with notice to members. All clay is provided by Claymore Chicago, please do not use outside clay. Use of outside clay will result in immediate membership termination.
2 shelves
Two personal shelves, each 18" x 36", that's all yours. Plenty of room whether you're making for your home or prepping for a market.
A small, tight knit community
We keep things intimate and can only take on so many members, so the studio stays calm and there's always room to work. The space is for continuous members only.
A note on selling: members are welcome to make for markets and sell their work. If someone starts producing at a rate closer to production pottery, we may need to talk about a different membership type or recommend a dedicated space, so the studio stays fairly shared by everyone.
Hoping to try clay just once? Email us at claymorechicago@gmail.com for one time class options outside of this space.
Apply
Submit an application and we'll be in touch about getting you a spot. Tell us a little about your practice and how you like to work.
All members read and sign the studio rules and member agreement.
FAQ
No, Claymore is an independent study space for people who already have some experience. If you're hoping to try clay for the first time, email us about one time class options outside of this space.
We provide all studio clay, Cone 6 stoneware. For glazes, we stock a variety from different reputable brands, which you can view on our glaze wall. Clay is billed at $1-2 per pound depending on type, and we don't allow outside clay. Clay prices may change as needed, with notice to members. Use of outside clay will result in immediate membership termination. Outside glazes may be used with written pre-approval.
Firings happen every week: bisque every Monday and glaze every Friday. Leave your work on the to-fire shelf with a tag and we'll load it on the next firing of the right type.
Yes, please do. Request a tour and we'll set up a visit before you apply.
Before you join
Studio rules and the Independent Study Member Agreement. Every member reads and signs these before moving in.
Read rules & sign the agreement →Firing
Every week, like clockwork. Cone 6.
Gallery
A look at the practice: members at the wheel, hands in the clay, and the quiet hum of a working studio.
Come see the space first. Request a tour, then send us an application.
Contact
Questions about the studio, membership, or a one time class? Send us a note and we'll get back to you by email.
Prefer email? Reach us at claymorechicago@gmail.com.