A gallery? A studio? A shop? A community center? A school? Yes- The Clay Studio in Fishtown is all of these things and more. Founded by art students in 1974, it’s gone from a shared studio space to a central force in Philadelphia’s arts community. You can make art during their free Hands on Clay events: 
support local artists while shopping for a mug (or other cool stuff) in their store:
I love the “mug wall” that lets you handle the choices first to find the perfect fit: 
view new works in their gallery space: 
They also offer resident and guest artist programs for ceramics professionals… and run a community outreach program that brings the arts to schools and community centers throughout Philadelphia. If you are lucky, try to attend an event on their amazing roof deck:
Tobey says: Fun! And I love my coffee mug!
Location: Fishtown
Secrets of Philadelphia 
The wall of mugs looks like a really fun way to choose a new one (though that said, I am still using an old mug with a broken and re-attached handle, because I don’t like all the new ones I’ve tried to buy anywhere near as much). And of course your cat is adorable too!
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Yes, it’s a really clever display – and very photogenic. Something to keep in mind in the (not likely) event of a career change into retail🙂. I’ve been wanting to use the photo of Dilly for ages, so I’m glad I finally got around to finishing this post. It’s so rare that cats actually cooperate for a photo op!
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Well, my job actually does involve retail! I am a Visitor Services Officer, which at the museum I work at means I manage the shop, in addition to being volunteer manager and various other things. So I am responsible for all the buying, product development, and visual merchandising. I do hate retail though, which is one of the reasons I’m desperate to find something else!
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That totally fits some career advice my son got about the museum world and how varied responsibilities can be at a small museum.
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