Summer of Clay Launches at the Makerspace at 16 State

Creative programming is growing at the Makerspace at 16 State, and this summer, we are especially excited to introduce Summer of Clay.

The series marks an exciting next step for the Makerspace at 16 State as we continue building regular programming that gives people more opportunities to gather, learn, create and connect through the arts.

The Makerspace at 16 State, a program of Heart of Ellsworth, has long been envisioned as a shared creative space for artists, residents, students, families and visitors. Through community engagement and planning, ceramic arts consistently came forward as one of the most requested areas of programming. This new series begins to bring that vision to life in a tangible way.

The inaugural Summer of Clay program begins with The Handbuilding Series, a six-week experience designed for beginners and returning makers alike. Participants will explore a new handbuilding technique and project each week while creating functional and decorative ceramic pieces.

Each session is designed to stand on its own, giving participants the flexibility to register for one class, selected workshops or the full six-week series. The same weekly project will be offered twice each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, making it easier for community members to choose the schedule that works best for them.

“During the community engagement process, ceramic arts consistently emerged as one of the most requested programs,” said Karin Otto, president of the Heart of Ellsworth Board of Directors. “This series represents the power of collaboration and our commitment to expanding meaningful creative opportunities for people of all ages. We hope it’s the first step in building a vibrant, lasting ceramics program for our community.”

The launch of Summer of Clay also reflects a broader goal for the Makerspace at 16 State. Continuous creative programming has been a long-standing priority for the space, and clay was chosen as a starting point because of the strong community interest identified during Heart of Ellsworth’s Makerspace planning process.

“All of this stems from our Makerspace Feasibility Study Report released in 2022 after a process that asked artists, residents and local partners what they wanted to see in a shared creative space,” said Cara Romano, executive director of Heart of Ellsworth. “Summer of Clay is exciting because it shows what the Makerspace can become when community input, creative leadership and thoughtful planning come together. This series is the first step toward building the kind of regular, accessible programming people told us they wanted to see in downtown Ellsworth.”

The Handbuilding Series is open to ages 12 and up. All levels are welcome, and materials and firing are included.

Community members can learn more about Summer of Clay and register for upcoming workshops at www.makerspaceat16state.org.

The Makerspace at 16 State is part of Heart of Ellsworth’s broader efforts to strengthen downtown Ellsworth through arts, culture, entrepreneurship, historic preservation and community engagement.