Midwest Clay Project & Studios

About Us


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.

We also have locally sourced pottery for sale!
Shop local and check out our changing inventory.

Our Staff & Instructors

Brian Kluge 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 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!

Sydney Drier (they/them) is a Studio Assistant and instructor at MCP as well as a mixed media artist specializing in the human figure. Sydney was previously a painting instructor and is currently honing their skills as a potter. They received a Bachelor’s degree in Geology in 2021 with a minor in Studio Art. They love to experiment and change with their art. Sydney self-identifies as a messy artist, likely to be found covered in clay, glaze, paint or charcoal!

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. Check her out on Insta @emoe_pottery

 

Jackie Matelski (she/her) is a Teaching Artist at MCP. She studied ceramics at UW-Madison, was the OG Studio Manager for MCP when it first started in 2011. You may know her pottery from Toast Ceramics where she is the designer and principal producer…as well as everything else. When not busy with clay, Jackie is probably on an adventure with her doggo! We’re so happy to have her back as a teacher!
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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.

 

Tanner Howe (he/him) is a Teaching Artist at MCP since 2022 and a production potter in the Cambridge area since 2020 (currently for Ephraim Pottery). When his hands aren’t covered in clay, Tanner enjoys hiking and playing guitar. Tanner brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his classes and is just generally a nice person to be around!

 

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.

 

Hannah Best (she/her) is a summertime Teaching Artist. She studied ceramics at UW-Madison and worked as a production potter at Rowe Pottery. She is currently a middle school Afterschool Coordinator with MSCR. When not busy with clay, Hannah enjoys gardening and beekeeping. MCP’s students are lucky to have access to her ceramics knowledge!

 

Contact Us