About Scenic City Clay Arts

Scenic City Clay Arts (“SCCA”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing clay arts experiences through pottery classes, studio memberships, and community outreach programs. We believe that clay arts programs and opportunities should be for everyone - not just for those who can afford it.

Mission: Sharing access to all things clay through collaborative education in a community studio.

Vision: SCCA envisions an inclusive community of ceramic artists where all are welcome to create, to connect and to self-express through clay.

Our Challenge

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for studio membership and education opportunities at SCCA has increased exponentially. Our community was hungry for spaces to create and heal, so we opened our secondary location, “The Classroom,” in 2021 to meet the growing demand. As more opportunities became available, demand continued to grow, leading to 3 main challenges:

Barriers to Access - There are 300 people on our membership waitlist and classes continue to sell out.
Room to Grow - We are the sole clay arts center within 100 miles. More space allows us to add equipment and storage to serve more people than ever before.
Education Limitations - Each year, 1500 students learn in our singular classroom space. How many could we serve with 4 classrooms?

Our Solution

We've spared no effort to maximize our impact between our 2 current locations. Now, we're gearing up for a game-changing transformation—a bold reimagining of SCCA where membership, classes, outreach and community events all take place under the same roof.

With innovative programs, engaging workshops, and immersive clay arts experiences, our new space will create access opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Already a leader in our field, SCCA is now uniquely poised to become a thriving regional hub for clay arts.

Your Gift Supports

Accessible clay arts opportunities in a new, state-of-the-art studio through:

Free & low-cost community outreach programs
Free professional development & resources for Hamilton County Schools
Low-cost memberships
Scholarships
Free military family programs
Youth classes & summer camps
Adult beginner & advanced classes
Market & gallery opportunities for local ceramic artists
So much more!

Why?

Unfortunately, there is a high barrier of financial access to working with clay. At SCCA, we believe that all people deserve the chance to create, connect, and heal through clay. Period.

Timeline

Goal

Your gift doesn't just support the construction costs of our new location. It nurtures a growing community of ceramic artists. It positions Scenic City Clay Arts and Chattanooga as a regional hub for clay arts. It provides accessible art experiences for students young and old. Your gift to Scenic City Clay Arts means more.

Take Action

Supporting Scenic City Clay Arts Reimagined is easy. You can:

Make a gift at the top right corner of this page
Send a check with the memo "SCCA Reimagined" to our main studio: 301 E. 11th Street #100 Chattanooga, TN 37403
Transfer a stock gift by contacting Development Manager, Sara Bell-Marshall (sara@sceniccityclayarts.org)
Share with your friends and family by following the "Share Fundraiser" Button at the top right corner of this page.

To chat about naming opportunities, planned giving, or campaign incentives, please email Development Manager, Sara Bell-Marshall (sara@sceniccityclayarts.org). And, yes, you can name a kiln! 🥳

Thank you!

Your support means the world and more to all of us at Scenic City Clay Arts. With you, we will continue making space for everyone in our community to connect, heal, and create with clay because we believe that our neighbors deserve the chance to survive and thrive.

SCCA Reimagined

By Scenic City Clay Arts

SCCA Reimagined

Carving Space, Crafting Community