Carbondale Clay Center launches fundraising campaign for new campus
Julie Bielenberg / Aspen Times
Carbondale Clay Center (CCC), a cherished institution dedicated to the ceramic arts, is set for a transformative reinvention that will increase its footprint and elevate its role within the community.
CCY Architects will lead the design of a new 8,000-square-foot facility at CCC’s current historic location on the east end of Main Street in Carbondale. This expansion will triple the size of the center’s existing programs, greatly expanding its capacity to meet the growing demand for ceramic arts and community connectivity.
Fundraising for the project is underway, and more information can be found at https://www.carbondaleclay.org/shaping-the-future.
The new, two-story building will feature a larger gallery, additional classrooms for youth and adults, and a flexible maker space with 24/7 access for members. The expansion will also include three times as many rental studios, five times the number of rental shelves for members, and enhanced outreach programming opportunities. Increased community gathering spaces and improved ADA accessibility will ensure the center is welcoming to all.
The design emphasizes functionality, with spaces thoughtfully arranged to enhance the ceramic-making process, from wet clay to firing while an open layout will encourage collaboration and foster creative synergy. The building will also offer retail and exhibition space for showcasing artwork from local, national, and international artists, and is scheduled to break ground in spring 2026. This expansion builds upon CCC’s already successful residency program, which is widely recognized by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
“Carbondale Clay Center’s residency program has been a cornerstone to our programming since 2000. Having hosted 48 residents and counting, we are proud to assist in the development and growth of so many young artists’ careers,” said Matthew Eames, CCC Operations Manager.
With public access from both Main Street and the Rio Grande Trail, the expanded CCC will welcome more pedestrian and bicycle traffic, fostering greater engagement with the local community. The building’s signature feature will be a saw-toothed clerestory roof with north-facing glazing, flooding the space with natural light and creating an inviting atmosphere for artists and visitors alike. The design will also include large, glazed garage doors, a kiln yard, a pocket park, and a rooftop deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
“This legacy project is two decades in the making, and I couldn’t be more excited and honored to work alongside CCY and all our community partners to bring this collective dream to fruition. Our fundraising campaign will not only support a new ceramic arts center but will also create a lasting impact that serves our local, national, and international communities in the art world and beyond,” said CCC Executive Director Angela Bruno. “This new, inclusive space will allow Carbondale Clay Center to further our mission of enriching lives through the ceramic arts; we’ll be able to reach more people than ever before and look forward to this new era of service and artistic expression.”
Sustainability is central to the design. In alignment with the town of Carbondale’s mission to preserve an environmentally sensitive, culturally diverse, and family-oriented small town, the project incorporates several green features. These include innovative daylighting strategies, and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems powered by rooftop photovoltaic panels. To further mitigate the environmental impact of new construction, the project will prioritize sustainable materials and low-maintenance finishes. By embracing these environmentally conscious practices, CCC reflects the values of both the center and the Carbondale community.
“We designed the new Carbondale Clay Center to be more than just a workspace for artists. It’s a place where the community can gather, learn, and connect through the ceramic arts,” said CCY Partner, Todd Kennedy. “The flow of the building is crafted to reflect the process of creating ceramics, from raw clay to finished art. Our design responds to the local context while simultaneously embracing the eclectic and spirited attitude of the Clay Center. Our goal was to provide an optimized and creative space to allow this tremendous organization to continue to grow and support the amazing artists and the community of the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.”
“New ceramic centers of this size, built from the ground up, are somewhat rare. The ability to remain on their current historic site was very important. The new design is very transparent with an engaging visual connection to Main Street. Passersby will be able to look into the classrooms and galleries and witness the energy and vibrancy which has always existed, but is masked by the solidity of the existing building,” shared Will Young, CCY Project Architect.
For decades, the Carbondale Clay Center has been celebrated for its fun, outgoing character and ability to provide resources to a variety of people. This renovation, blending authenticity with modern design, ensures that the CCC remains an approachable and dynamic space for the community, embodying a fresh yet familiar energy that reflects Carbondale’s spirit.
Soon after moving here 16 years ago, I discovered the Carbondale Clay Center,” said Lori Dresner, Capital Campaign co-chair and Carbondale Clay Center Board advisor.” I fell in love with its friendly vibe and community-centric nature; a facility in the area where everyone — novices, professionals, anyone interested in clay — could have 24-hour access to art-making in a messy setting. I was enchanted by the ‘Keep Carbondale Dirty’ spirit. Demand for more classes is high, and the need for a new, larger space is more than evident. As a result, I have become intimately involved with the expansion project which I truly believe will impact the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. The Clay Center’s new home will accommodate all people, including the elderly and those with special needs.”
