OUR VISION
Clay Space is an educational and members based creative studio where ceramic artists of all skill levels can learn, grow, and connect. We endeavor to be an integral part of the greater artistic community within Eugene. As artists, educators, and advocates for the power of art and unity, we are committed to our aim of a diverse community and aspiring to cultivate an inclusive space, while striving to honor our impact on the world around us.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to cultivate a supportive communal working studio with a variety of offerings that provides for and serves our community for all levels of ceramic artists, learners, and ceramic enthusiasts. We aim to maintain affordable access to quality ceramic instruction, member access to aspiring artists and provide our local ceramicists with a comfortable and inspiring place to work and be involved in our community. We strive to foster alliances within the greater community through outreach and networking with other local organizations by fulfilling interest in the health and wellbeing of others within our society.
2008 TO 2021
2008 - 2021
Clay Space was founded by Jim Laub & Sandy Harder as a ceramics studio offering classes, workshops, and studio space for local ceramics artists
2021-2024
Denise & Kevin Railsback continued the operations of Clay Space as a for profit business while implementing upgrades to help the studio better serve the community
2025
Clay Space is embarking on an exciting transformation to develop into a 501c3 nonprofit to ensure the longevity of the studio and expand our ability to offer resources, education, and community. This process will be ongoing throughout the first half of 2025 and will present new volunteer and community engagement opportunities at Clay Space.
LOOKING FORWARD
Transforming Clay Space into a nonprofit organization will secure our future and create new opportunities through grants, donations, and deeper community involvement. Becoming a non profit will cement our core values of serving our community and providing education and artistic exploration to our members.
COMMUNITY
Since we acquired Clay Space in 2021, our overarching goal has been to create community. A place where you can have friends and share skills, techniques and tips. A place for you to feel welcome and safe. We believe we have succeeded in reaching this goal and creating the community we have today.
Our next goal is to make this community sustainable. A community that will survive indefinitely and not be dependent upon any one individual. We believe that the next step to maintain and grow the community of Clay Space is to transition from a for-profit business to a public benefit non-profit organization.
"Kevin and I are excited for the future of Clay Space and are looking forward to building this nonprofit to provide stability at Clay Space for future generations."
DENISE RAILSBACK
OWNER OF CLAY SPACE PBC
BECOMING A
NON PROFIT
Since we acquired Clay Space in 2021, our overarching goal has been to create community. A place where you can have friends and share skills, techniques and tips. A place for you to feel welcome and safe. We believe we have succeeded in reaching this goal and creating the community we have today.
Our next goal is to make this community sustainable. A community that will survive indefinitely and not be dependent upon any one individual. We believe that the next step to maintain and grow the community of Clay Space is to transition from a for-profit business to a public benefit non-profit organization.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MEMBERS?
We anticipate that the transition will be seamless and that you, as a member or student of Clay Space, will not be noticeably impacted. Daily operations will continue as they have been. Classes will continue. You may notice a change in the source of receipts for classes or membership fees. You will likely be asked to sign a new membership agreement at some point. Again, these changes should not affect daily operations. The official transition to 501(c)(3) status has officially occurred and we will now be able to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants, which we believe will significantly increase what Clay Space offers to our existing community and the broader community of Eugene.
COMMUNICATION
EDUCATION
OVERSIGHT
EVENTS
FACILITY
FUTURE FACILITY
RESEARCH
FINANCE
GRANTS
LEGAL
MARKETING
WORKSHOPS
& OUTREACH
WEBSITE
NEXT STEPS
Clay Space has obtained a 501(c)(3) status and is able to seek out grants. Donations made will be tax-deductible and will you receive a receipt for your records. Interested businesses and organizations may request a donation form. We want to be fully transparent in the steps required to achieve our ultimate goal.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
There are many ways to help! The first and most important is to sign up for and complete the member commitment hours located on the Member / Student Reservation webpage. This is a community studio and takes many hands to operate smoothly and maintain clean working areas. If you would like to do more, we have formed several committees, listed here, to address different aspects of this transition. If you would like to join a committee or have additional skills or knowledge that you are willing to contribute, please contact one of our board members or email board@clayspaceeugene.org