Make Something Downtown: November & December Workshops at 16 State

Our next round of creative programming at the Makerspace at 16 State Street is open for registration, with an expanded lineup for November and December 2026.

Alongside returning handbuilding workshops, we’re introducing new opportunities to explore sculptural clay, learn screen printing and spend time making with young children. Seasonal workshops offer a chance to create ornaments and serving pieces for your home or gifts for someone else. Open Studio gives returning clay participants time to follow their own ideas.

Whether you’re curious about a new material or looking for a creative routine as the days get shorter, there’s a way to join in.

Find your starting point with clay

Our clay offerings with Jade Thayer give participants several ways to work with their hands and develop their skills.

Handbuilding I begins Wednesday, Nov. 11, with six projects that include textured wall pockets, tea-light houses, drinking vessels, sgraffito platters, slab mugs and teapots. Each workshop stands on its own, so you can choose a project that interests you or register for the full series. Beginners and returning makers are welcome, and materials are included. Pieces will be fired and available for later pickup.

Handbuilding II: Sculptural Clay runs Tuesday evenings, Nov. 10–Dec. 15. This series offers time to develop a sculpture through guided instruction, experimentation and feedback from fellow makers. Some clay experience is helpful, but not required, and materials are included.

Both series meet from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Register by Nov. 2 for early pricing: $275 for Handbuilding I and $315 for Handbuilding II. Afterward, full-series prices are $300 and $340, respectively. Individual Handbuilding I workshops are $60.

Make time for your own ideas

For people who have already completed a clay workshop or class at the Makerspace, Thursday evening Open Studio offers independent work time from 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Bring a project you want to finish, practice a technique or see where a new idea takes you. Studio tools, underglazes and aprons are available to use. Sessions are $30, with clay and shelf rental available separately. Open Studio is independent workspace rather than an instructor-led class.

Try your hand at screen printing

In Screen Printing 101: From First Prints to Multicolor Designs, Ronan Dwyer will guide participants from their first single-color prints to layered, multicolor work.

Bring ideas from your own photographs, sketches or designs and learn how to prepare a screen, work with ink and create original prints. The workshop meets Nov. 16 and 23 and Dec. 7 and 14, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Registration is $280, including materials, and no prior experience is necessary.

Bring your little maker along

Little Clay Makers: Fall Clay Adventures welcomes children ages 3–5 and an accompanying adult for playful exploration through rolling, pinching, pressing, stamping and building.

Sessions take place Thursday, Nov. 12 and 19, from 10–11:30 a.m. Register for one morning for $40 or both for $75. Materials are included, and an adult must remain and participate throughout each session.

Add something handmade to the season

On Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1–4 p.m., From Clay to Table invites participants to design and build a ceramic serving tray. Explore texture, pattern and form while creating something for future gatherings or a handmade gift. Registration is $80.

On Saturday, Nov. 28, from 1–3:30 p.m., Clay & Cheer: Holiday Ornament Making offers an afternoon of festive shapes, botanical patterns and textured decorations. Registration is $30.

Both workshops welcome beginners and include materials.

You don’t need to arrive with a practiced technique or a finished vision. Choose something you’d like to try and spend a little time making with us downtown.