Midwest Clay Project & Studios is a fully-equipped community clay studio, conveniently located on Madison’s east side.
Our 4800 square foot ceramics studio is ready for your creative ideas with worktables, 18 electric wheels, a slab roller, two extruders, a glaze spray booth and electric kilns. Mid-range clay bodies are available for purchase and we offer a rich palette of cone 6 oxidation studio glazes. You may use the space with a studio membership, a private studio space, enrolling in a class, scheduling a lesson, or using open studio times. We also host parties, field trips, and other odd shin-digs!
Contact us below with questions on how you can get involved.
Locally sourced pottery for sale!
Shop our changing inventory.
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE.
Our Staff & Instructors
Brian Kluge (he/him) owns and operates Midwest Clay Project & Studios. He received a BS in Art Education (2002) from UW – Madison and an MFA (2011) from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Brian exhibits ceramics nationally and has completed artist residencies at the LUX Center for the Arts and at the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program. In addition to his studio practice, Brian has taught ceramics to students of all ages in public schools, workshops, and University settings.
Shandra Bjyrd (she/her) is the studio manager and an instructor at MCP. She is currently honing her skills as an independent potter. As a Madison native, she studied ceramics at Madison College before moving her studio practice to Midwest Clay Project. Since that time, Shandra has amassed a wealth of teaching experiences leading both private lessons and community classes. She also does production work for some of MCP’s clients. We are very fortunate to have this emerging talent in our studio!
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Melissa Wendt (she/her) is a Studio Assistant and Teaching Artist at MCP. She lives with her 3 cats Puck, Merry, and Pippin and is an avid reader with over 1,000 books in her collection. Melissa has strong inter-personal skills and is all-in on ceramics! She has been creating eclectic teapots with a focus on surface texture since 2006 and participates in many local fairs and markets. Check her out on Insta @emoe_pottery
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Leo Rohn Capellaro (he/him) is a Teaching Artist at MCP. In addition to making pots since 2004, Leo is studying Art Education at Edgewood College. When not throwing pots you’ll probably find Leo at the skate park. His pots are ever-evolving, but we love his faceted twisting cups and teapots the best! See his work on social media and try to get a spot in his classes.
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John Way (he/him) is a Studio Assistant at MCP. He is an avid ceramic artist and collector. His collection focuses on vintage fat lava pottery and unusual hand-made pieces. John uses his own unique hand-building style and homemade sculptural glazes to create far out pieces. He also enjoys wood-firing in rural Wisconsin. Check out his Insta @john.way.iii
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Christine Konen (she/her) is a Wisconsin country gal at heart who lists dirt as a hobby. She has been working in clay for over a decade mentoring new artists, making pottery for sale, and teaching. Her work focuses on function and is inspired by textures found in nature. Christine loves making small batch wood-fired pottery! We’re happy to bring her experiences to MCP.
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Lucienne Philipp (she/her) is a Studio Assistant at Midwest Clay Project. She has been making ceramics for 3 years at East High School where she is a Senior. After graduation Luci plans to continue her ceramics education in college. In addition to pottery, she also plays varsity soccer. Check out her ceramics on Insta @lucienne_ceramics
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