Artspace Greenfield Unveils Renovated Clay Studio with Open House

Artspace Greenfield has completed renovations to its clay studio and is inviting the community to celebrate with an open house on November 16, 2025. The event will take place from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 15 Mill St. in Greenfield, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the revamped space and learn about ongoing programs.

Madeline Miller, the director of Artspace Greenfield, expressed enthusiasm for the open house. “We’ll be offering tours of the studio and the other renovated parts of the building,” Miller said. “We’ll have some snacks, and it’s just a time for people to come in and celebrate everything that the community did to help make this happen.”

The renovations, which included significant upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, were funded through community support. Artspace successfully raised $112,905, surpassing its goal of $100,000, to establish the new clay studio. The completed studio features a kiln room and an upstairs art studio, enhancing the center’s capacity to serve local artists.

Since reopening in mid-September, the clay studio has attracted approximately 50 students each week for a variety of art classes. Miller noted that during a typical six- to seven-week class session, the studio can utilize up to 1,000 pounds of clay. The center has also brought on seven new instructors and a kiln technician to facilitate handbuilding and wheel throwing classes tailored for children, teens, and adults.

As Artspace Greenfield settles into its new routine, Miller shared plans for expanding the clay program. “We’re really wanting to explore two-day workshops, drop-ins, or something that’s just one Saturday afternoon for accessibility,” she explained. Collaborative efforts with local organizations are also underway to bring different community groups into the studio for artistic enrichment.

Artspace, which initially focused on youth music education, has shifted its mission following the migration of its music program to the Pioneer Valley Symphony. Miller sees the clay studio as a new avenue for community engagement. “There’s a lot of interest in the community and a longing to be with other people, making art, getting dirty and learning something new and challenging,” she stated.

Danielle Lucier, a clay instructor at Artspace, highlighted the therapeutic aspects of working with clay. “I think clay is portrayed as very calming and serene, and so it draws people in that need to relax, but they don’t realize that it’s also something that you have to keep coming back and practicing,” Lucier said. She noted that students are already showing excitement and creativity, with a variety of projects, including pumpkins and mugs, populating the studio.

In addition to the clay classes, Artspace Greenfield will continue its non-clay programming, including the After School Art Program and the monthly Felting Club. The center is also planning a class on November 19 focused on linocut stamp making, providing diverse opportunities for creative expression.

The clay studio has transformed the downstairs workroom, prompting other visual arts programs to relocate to a newly renovated upstairs studio. Miller expressed gratitude for the community support that made these upgrades possible. “Thanks to donated materials and volunteer labor, we were able to upgrade wiring and lighting, replace drywall and paint, and install new windows and fire alarms,” she explained.

The open house is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to register in advance. For more information or to secure a spot, visit artspacegreenfield.org. This event not only celebrates the completion of renovations but also marks a significant step in Artspace’s ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement in Greenfield.