Creativity, Classes, and Community

Harrisonburg, VA

Take a Class with Us

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced artist, we have a class for you. Our skilled instructors keep things supportive and fun.

Artist Studios & Memberships

We offer dedicated artist studios as well as studio memberships, for people already familiar with clay.

Child & Youth Art Classes

We offer classes for ages 6 and up, throughout the year and in the Summer, taught by licensed children’s art educators. Subscribe to get new class announcements.

  • “It was super relaxing and stress-relieving to have time, instruction, and a community while working on art projects. I feel like I learned a lot and had fun doing it."

    Eva

    Handbuilding with Ros

  • “A great place to explore and play with clay. A friendly helpful atmosphere to try different techniques.”

    Deb

    Handbuilding with Ros

  • "Friendly City Clay & Art Center welcomes people of all skill levels without any question - they make you feel at home even if you are a beginner. It is a stress free experience.”

    Robin

    Handbuilding with Ros

There’s a lot happening right now. Follow along with us!

Serve up your holiday sweet treats in style this year with your own unique dessert plates! Ros will be teaching an afternoon handbuilding workshop in just a few weeks to show you how. Each participant will make 2-3 dishes. ⁠ ⁠ Register ⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰⁠ ⁠ Hurr
✨️It’s less than a week to our First Annual Art Market!✨️⁠ ⁠ We have an amazing array of work from made by Friendly City Clay & Art Center members, teachers and staff that will be available for sale. We will also be holding a giveaway for a
Here’s a little teaser from few more amazing vendors coming to our first Annual Art Market in a few weeks! We are loving the variety of philosophies and creative paths represented throughout the local artistic community! ⁠ ⁠ Give them a follow,
Winter classes are OPEN for registration! We have an amazing line up of classes this winter, from All-Levels Wheel Throwing, to Mosaics, to Natural Dye, and Wire Sculpture. Check them all out on our website using the link in our bio!⁠ ⁠ #harrisonburg

We can’t wait to welcome you into our space

Friendly City Clay is located in a beautiful, sunlit space inside of the Manufactory Collective, just 5 minutes from downtown Harrisonburg. Our building has plenty of parking, as well as a large green space in the back for outdoor activities.

We have kilns, wheels, and worktables for hand building, as well as flexible classroom space.

Who we are

We are a motley team of artists, creatives, and makers who believe in the power of creativity in changing lives.

The center was founded by Ros O’Brien, a local ceramicist who specializes in handbuilding. Since opening in early 2024, our team has grown to include handbuilders, wheel throwers, elementary school teachers, professors, painters, collage artists, and healers.

We are so excited to create this community space with you.