Tucked behind the trees and falling leaves that surround the Chapel Hill Community Center Park is the Town’s Community Clay Studio. Rows of ceramic works are displayed outside the studio, inviting visitors to tap into their creativity as they enter the space.
The Chapel Hill Community Clay Studio, which is attached to the town’s Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices, offers classes in techniques such as wheel throwing, hand building and wheel building to adults, teenagers and children of all ceramic-making skill levels.
The studio also has an abundance of equipment for participants to use, including three electric kilns, nine electric wheels, one kick wheel, atmospheric kilns and a variety of tools for hand building such as extruders and slab rollers.
Participants can learn how to master the wheel and develop valuable life skills that serve them on a daily basis.
“The kid that figures out how to put together two pieces of clay, have it stand right, have it stand and make it through and it doesn't break, is learning how to think creatively, they're learning how to problem solve,” Robena Meek, the recreation specialist and Community Clay Studio coordinator said.
Moreover, the studio helps people explore their creativity in a safe, inclusive environment that fosters learning as part of the creative process.
“I think that a lot of people come here who are adults because they've never really had an opportunity to make stuff for themselves. And then once they do, they're hooked, it's like, wow, it is so much fun and you get stuff to take home,” Elliott said.
The classes are open to everyone, and because the studio is sponsored by the Town of Chapel Hill, they are able to maintain affordable rates and a commitment to accessibility.
Meek said that extracurricular art activities are often inaccessible to the general public, so she prides the Parks and Recreation Department on their ability to reach everyone with the studio.
