The Clay Pit: Accessible clay for Minneapolis

Hi there! My name is Soren, and I use they/them pronouns. I'm a queer ceramic artist from Minneapolis, and I own a studio called The Clay Pit. Recently, I was given the amazing opportunity to work with a local clay studio that is closing down so that I can re-open it and make it a resource for the people of Minneapolis! Currently, I'm in the funding stage and would greatly appreciate any support.

I'm passionate about community and clay. I've loved working with clay and creating art from a young age. I also have a passion for teaching, which led me to study art and education after high school. In 2021, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics, intending to teach at a studio someday. While working with local artists, studios, and craft fairs, I noticed that Minneapolis lacked an accessible clay studio. Not everyone can afford art school, so I want to create a space that is inclusive, affordable, and welcoming to all. I'm fortunate to have been able to study ceramics, and I'm excited to share my knowledge with others.

I know it might sound cliché, but what we're creating here at The Clay Pit is unlike any other clay studio in Minneapolis. We're going to offer a wide range of services and amenities, including workshops, in-depth classes, firing services, critique clinics, supplies, scholarships for classes and workshops, open studio time, access for local artists to sell their work, kits to create projects, events with other local businesses, and much more.

My vision for this studio is to create a space that fosters play, learning, growth, community, and safety. As human beings, we need play and community to thrive, and that's precisely what I hope to cultivate at The Clay Pit. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this studio is designed to be a space where you can let your creativity flourish, connect with others, and find support and inspiration along the way.

I believe that accessibility is a crucial goal everyone should strive to achieve. I want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and knowledge they need. To achieve this, I plan to establish scholarships for underprivileged members of our community, enabling them to attend workshops and classes at a reduced cost or free of charge. Additionally, I intend to introduce a sign-out system for high-quality books and tools, similar to a clay tool library, making these tools and resources readily available to the community. My ultimate goal is to provide the community with top-quality tools and knowledge!

Now, while I am applying for loans and credit and searching for any funding I can get, it is a complex process. I truly believe in this community and what this business will become for all of us. While I've been collecting supplies over the years in preparation for this business, there are still a lot of expenses that I'm going to need funding for, such as;

Renting a commercial space ..................................................... $1700-2200

A reliable kiln .................................................................................$3000-3800

Inventory such as clay, glaze materials, and tools..................$5000-6500

Payment for teachers....................................................................$1100-1400

Shelving...........................................................................................$1000-1200

Work tables.....................................................................................$1500-2000

Utilities.............................................................................................$1700

Signage.............................................................................................$2500

Etc.

My initial fundraising goal is $10,000. This amount will help me cover the costs of the items I have listed earlier and other miscellaneous expenses such as insurance, filing paperwork with the government, licenses, permits, payment for my time, and more. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will bring me closer to the goal of opening day!

With your help, The Clay Pit studio can open on April 5th, 2024, for all Minneapolis residents to enjoy!

100% of funds received will go directly into The Clay Pit's business bank account, run by Soren DiStefano, and will only go towards business expenses.