1) Tell us about Settings, what does this fundraiser support at the Clay Center?
“Settings is our largest fundraiser of the year, it benefits all CCC’s programs! Settings is a truly unique event, featuring a locally sourced, family style meal prepared by local superstar chef Philip Kendzior, and served on handmade ceramic dishes! Over the past 4 months, over 40 local makers have been hard at work to create 200+ plates and cups for the event. Ticket holders can pick out their plate and cup, use them during the event and then take them home at the end of the evening! This event is our way of helping people incorporate handmade wares into their homes!

2) What are you most excited about for CCC's upcoming projects?
All of us at CCC are most excited about our facilities expansion project! CCC has been diligently working behind the scenes and has quietly raised almost $2 million towards the project! We are honored to announce that we will be working with 2 Forks Ventures and CCY Architects for an expansion of our facilities, to better meet the needs of our growing community! This project has been years in the making, and with genuine community support and passion, we are ready to start making this dream a reality!

3) Congrats to Matt Eames for 10 years at CCC! You've also recently bid adieu to two residents (Gabby Gawreluk and Brian Chen), and welcomed a new resident, Molly Altman. Tell us about some of the CCC crew and how they contribute to the organization.
“CCC is led by executive director, Angela Bruno, who works closely with a passionate and dedicated board of directors. Matt Eames manages the Exhibition Gallery and all studio operations, and after 10 years, knows the Clay Center better than anyone! Emma Martin is our very passionate Program Manager, with a strong focus on inclusivity, she is responsible for all the fantastic programs that take place in our studio, and in various pop-up locations around the Valley. Elise Hillbrand is our talented Marketing Coordinator, she manages our online shop, website and social media accounts and creates all our great marketing materials! Our crew collaborates on everything. Although we all have individual positions, we work communally to assist and support each other in everyday tasks. We are a small but mighty organization, and we rely on our camaraderie and cohesiveness to achieve all of our successes. We all feel truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization.”

4) How has the ceramics community become so prevalent in Carbondale?
“There is something truly special about Clay!! It brings people and generations and cultures together. In Carbondale and at the Clay Center, clay has made an impact on countless individuals. From the casually curious to the dedicated maker, from art collectors to event patrons, CCC has something for everyone and is welcome to all!”

*Settings, 2021 photo courtesy of Carbondale Clay Center*

5) Is there anything on the CCC horizon we should keep our eyes and ears on?
“The CCC Gallery will be hosting two more exhibitions this year, including the return of our Holiday Invitational! We are excited to move our Annual Cup Auction to the Third Street Center on Friday, December 8th!”

6) How can the community continue to support the Clay Center?
“We aim to serve our community and provide consistent exposure to all the possibilities of clay. The easiest way to support CCC is to become a member, join the newsletter and get involved!! Attend any of our free First Friday events, or sign up for a class. As we gear up for our much anticipated expansion project, we will need our community's support more than ever! Visit our website at www.carbondaleclay.org to sign up for our newsletter and keep up to date on all CCC events as well as updates on our expansion project!”

Clay: A Carbondale Staple