Kaitlyn's Erie ClaySpace Fundraiser

"I first found out about Erie ClaySpace in the summer of 2022 while browsing the vendors at the LEAF Market. I came across one of the members selling her ceramics, took one of her business cards, and followed her on Instagram. Not too long after, she posted about classes at ClaySpace.

I had done a fair amount of ceramics back in college, and I always loved it. That year was especially hard for me because my mom had passed away in the spring, and I was still mourning. One thing we shared was our love of art, especially ceramics. It almost felt like a sign to check this place out—to see if it could be a fun, positive experience, help reawaken my love of ceramics, and maybe even help me work through my grief.

So I signed up for a multi-week handbuilding class that fall, followed by a beginner wheel throwing class in the winter. I learned about memberships and decided that with the new year I'd sign up. I've been a member ever since.

Erie ClaySpace has brought me a certain level of peace and community. When I'm feeling stressed about work or life in general, I find that going there and working on whatever creative ideas I have floating around in my mind helps ease that stress and tension. It gives me a creative outlet, a sense of fulfillment, and the chance to work with my hands, which I've always enjoyed.

I've also gotten to know the other members at ClaySpace. We talk about everything from our latest projects to what's going on in our lives. When I need a small break from whatever I'm working on, I can almost always find someone to talk shop or just shoot the shit with.

I believe Erie ClaySpace is important to the community because it offers a unique experience to anyone willing to try it. It gives people the opportunity to experience ceramics from the very beginning—not just painting a premade piece, but taking a lump of clay and shaping it with their own ideas and vision. Whether you need a creative outlet, a fun date night, or an artistic community where you can learn, teach, share ideas, and build friendships, Erie ClaySpace has something to offer.

Erie ClaySpace has become a very important place to me. It's given me a place to call my own, where I can share ideas, learn from others, and find a little purpose and peace whenever I need a break from daily life.

I'd love to see ClaySpace continue to grow, so if you'd like to support something that has given me so much, it would mean the world to me. Your donation will help more people discover this wonderful community that I've been lucky enough to become a part of.

Thank you for your support."