What does it mean to create an inclusive artistic community?
For Baltimore Clayworks in Mt. Washington, it means providing more than just studio space and classes. Here, it means nurturing a sanctuary where voices can find expression through clay, where healing happens through creative connection, and where art becomes a catalyst for community transformation.
As part of our annual Changemakers calendar, Full Sail Media is proud to highlight the extraordinary work of this vital cultural organization that has been nurturing artistic excellence and community engagement for over 45 years.
We sat down with Executive Director Matt Hyleck, a studio potter with 24 years of experience who started as an intern with the organization, and Claire Carberry, Director of Development, whose passion for art’s transformative power drives her work in fundraising and community engagement.
A Vision Built on Inclusivity
“Baltimore Clayworks was created when some Towson University students who were local to Baltimore just weren’t getting an opportunity to have their voices in clay heard. It was a very exclusive community at the time, so Baltimore Clayworks has always emphasized inclusivity and bringing new voices into the spotlight—a non-dominant narrative,” explains Claire Carberry, Director of Development.
From its founding by nine artists in 1980, Baltimore Clayworks has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized ceramic arts center.
Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Matt Hyleck, the organization serves thousands through its Mount Washington campus while extending its reach throughout Greater Baltimore through innovative community programs.
More Than Just a Studio
What sets Baltimore Clayworks apart is its comprehensive approach to ceramic arts education and community engagement. Their programming rests on four essential pillars:
“We provide adult and youth education at the Mount Washington campus, offer an international artist residency program, provide exhibition opportunities, and conduct educational outreach through our Community Arts department,” Hyleck explains. “Everything we do is always based on clay. It’s our gateway to doing anything else, and it’s about allowing individuals to experience joy through the creative process.”
The impact of their work extends far beyond teaching pottery techniques. As Carberry notes, “As simple as it might seem, it’s actually really healing to an individual and to a community. That’s one of the beautiful things about our organization—you will find every strata of humanity within our walls, and everyone is learning from everyone else.”
Innovation in Action
Baltimore Clayworks continues to evolve and innovate, particularly through its Community Arts programming. Recent initiatives include:
- Partnerships with the Maryland Veterans Health Administration, providing workshops for veterans in recovery
- Collaboration with the Enoch Pratt Free Library, offering hands-on experiences and educational programs
- Work with neurodivergent adults through partnerships with Make Studio and Arc Baltimore
- Creation of public art installations throughout Baltimore, with over 24 pieces involving community participation
Their unique facilities also set them apart. “We have the only Noborigama kilns in the city,” Hyleck shares. “It is one of the only a few urban wood kilns in the country.”
Growing Impact, Growing Need
The organization’s growth reflects the community’s increasing desire for meaningful creative engagement. “We’re growing every year, and it’s pretty mind-blowing in a way,” Hyleck notes. “In 2018, our budget was around $1 million. We’re now up to over $1.7 million, and each year we’ve added $100,000 to our budget.”
Last year alone, they served 2,900 individuals through their Mount Washington campus and an additional 1,200 students through community programs. Yet the demand continues to outpace their capacity, with waiting lists of up to 50 people for basic wheel classes that can only accommodate 12 students.
How You Can Get Involved with Baltimore Clayworks
Want to be part of this transformative work? Here’s how you can support Baltimore Clayworks:
- Take a Class: From “Try It” workshops to comprehensive courses, there are options for all skill levels
- Volunteer: Opportunities include studio maintenance, event support, and community arts assistance
- Visit: Their galleries are free and open to the public seven days a week
- Join: Become a member to support their mission and enjoy benefits like early class registration
- Donate: Support their programs through financial contributions
As Carberry says: “Everyone is learning from everyone else. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been sitting at the wheel for an hour or for ten years. Those two people will learn from each other…that is the intangible magic in this community.”
At Full Sail Media, we’re honored to highlight organizations like Baltimore Clayworks that demonstrate how art can transform lives and build community.
Their blend of artistic excellence, innovative programming, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity shows that when we come together through creativity, positive change happens every day, one piece of clay at a time.
Visit Baltimore Clayworks spring exhibition here:
