Finding our Home: Carolina Clay Studio's New Space in Cary, NC

When we first dreamed up Carolina Clay Studio, we knew we needed more than just a functional building. We needed a space that could support a vibrant ceramics community: flexible enough for kilns, glazing, and clay-covered artists, yet warm and welcoming enough to feel like home for every maker who walks through our doors — any time of day.

The search wasn't easy.

Over the past year, we toured building after building — some were too small to grow in, others far beyond our budget, and many simply impossible to turn into a functional ceramics studio.

Many landlords couldn’t see past the words pottery studio. To them, clay meant mess, kilns meant fire hazards, and the thought of special zoning permits was too much trouble. More than once, we were turned away before we could even finish explaining our vision for a clean, safe, modern studio.

Then there were the times we came so close. We’d find a promising spot, only to be outbid by bigger businesses or learn too late that the electrical capacity couldn’t handle a proper kiln room. Some properties needed renovations that our budget just couldn’t stretch to cover — and in this competitive market, waiting meant losing out altogether.

Along the way, plenty of well-meaning voices told us to slow down:

“Wait until the market calms down.”

“Give it another year.”

“It’s too risky right now — studios like this are hard to pull off.”

Even mentors we trust weren’t sure we could secure a space so soon. Their caution made sense — but our commitment was stronger than our fear.

Every setback only made us more certain: our community shouldn’t have to wait. Ceramic artists shouldn’t have to squeeze into overcrowded studios or drive miles to find a wheel. We knew local artists deserved a place built for them — and we refused to rest until we made it happen.

Through tight budgets, zoning headaches, rejected lease offers, and unexpected competition, we kept going. Because somewhere out there, we knew the perfect home for Carolina Clay Studio was waiting for us to unlock its doors.

Cary - The home that said "yes."

This spot checked all of our boxes: room for wheels and work tables, ideal warehouse-to-studio ratio, a tucked-away spots for kilns, and room to grow as our community does.

Even better, we’re nestled in a town that truly supports local art and values creative connection. Cary’s thriving arts culture, supportive community, and love for handmade craft make it the perfect home for Carolina Clay Studio. Here, people come to create more than pottery — they build friendships, memories, and a stronger local arts scene, one piece at a time.

Being so close to Research Triangle Park is another bonus. We love knowing that busy professionals can retreat here, slow down, and discover a new craft in a warm, encouraging space. Stepping inside feels like joining a family — and that’s exactly what we want Carolina Clay Studio to be.

What’s Next

Today, standing in our new space, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement. We can finally say: Carolina Clay Studio has a home — and it’s yours, too.

We can’t wait to open our doors in September, fill these walls with laughter, learning, and muddy hands, and watch countless creative dreams take shape right here in Cary.

Whether you’re a beginner, a professional, or just clay-curious, we hope you’ll join us and help write the next chapter of this story together.

Memberships and class sign-ups are now open - come be part of our founding community.

Browse our website and become a member today!

~ Thanks for reading, you keep our wheels spinning and our community centered.

Written by Waleed Kahlil

6.24.25