$250 Monthly Membership

ViaClay Members Studio at 7744 Monroe in Forest Park offers clay enthusiasts a welcoming and professional space to independently practice their craft. With both gas and electric kilns, the possibilities for your creative practice are limitless. Our 6,000 square foot fully renovated, light-filled, secure space includes multiple work zones, a dedicated glaze area, four industrial sinks, and a separate grinding room. A large kitchen with laundry on site along with two restrooms offer a comfortable environment to work independently seven days a week.

member benefits

• Our vintage industrial building is perfectly situated a block from thriving Madison Street, between a quiet residential area and the park-like setting of The Altenheim apartments.

• The ground floor with its timbered ceiling and separate kiln room – formerly a massive beer cooler built in the 1930s – provide both communal and discrete workspaces.

• App-based security allows members to come and go easily with confidence.

• Studio management is on site during regular business hours; 4K security cameras monitor after-hours activity in the main spaces.

• Our equipment inventory includes new Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper wheels, Shimpo pugmill, Skutt electric kilns firing with a full spectrum of high-fire glazes in an oxidation environment, as well as a Bailey Gas Kiln for reduction firing. A variety of clay-shaping tools, cleaning supplies, and aprons are always in stock.

• All studio spaces and surfaces are cleaned weekly on Tuesday mornings.

purchasing clay

• To distribute costs fairly across our community, ViaClay sells clay by the block as prepared by our distributors (25 pounds per block). Our per block Price List is periodically updated to reflect the actual cost of clay, and a share of glaze materials and firing expenses. The per block charge for clay is designed to keep pace with each person’s production level, and is the only additional cost beyond the monthly membership fee.

• Each member selects one dedicated shelf (48” wide x 30” deep x 18” tall) to store their personal work and tools. Additional communal shelves are also available, and secure lockers for valuables may be assigned as needed.

Youth memberships

Minor students over the age of 13 who demonstrate maturity and competence may explore a Youth Membership with their parent or guardian’s permission.

ViaClay Member Studio:

7744 Monroe Street, Forest Park IL