A local designer and potter is looking to bring a vision to life. Ashanti Hampton is seeking to bring an inclusive ceramics studio called East Atlanta Clay to Atlanta to offer a space for the community to learn and celebrate art and to explore creativity. It will center around people of color, queer creatives and young artists, according to an email from Hampton.
Hampton’s goal is to build a community-centered concept that will be accessible to a wide variety of people. Offerings will include flexible classes for people of all ages, including options for children as young as 4. There will also be sliding-scale memberships and space to host community events.
Hampton launched a kickstarter for the concept and has now exceeded her $23,600 goal to cover costs such as equipment, construction and scholarships. The planned buildout includes a bright, open studio; at least eight pottery wheels and two hand-building stations; a kiln room; and a workshop space for classes, events and artists.
“This isn’t just a studio, it’s a space for slowing down, getting our hands dirty and reconnecting with ourselves and each other,” Hampton states in the kickstarter description. “I want to create a place where neighbors become artists, artists become teachers and everyone has access to the therapeutic joy of making with clay.”
Offerings will include Try Nights — time set aside for people to experiment with clay — as well as interdisciplinary workshops that will allow people to learn about a variety of artistic mediums.
An exact address has not been revealed yet. However, it is expected to open in 2026, according to East Atlanta Clay’s Instagram page.
