Support NCC and Bring Art to More People

Northern Clay Center (NCC), clay is more than earth and water. It’s a catalyst for learning, healing, creativity, and connection. Since 1988, NCC has been a nationally respected hub for ceramic arts, rooted in Minneapolis but reaching far beyond. Each year more than 30,000 people engage with us through classes, residencies, exhibitions, outreach, and festivals.

When you donate, you aren’t just funding clay—you’re funding transformation.

Why Clay? Why Now?

Clay is forgiving, accessible, and deeply human. It brings focus to restless children, evokes memory in elders, builds confidence in hesitant learners, and sustains artists whose work shapes culture.

For kids: Clay builds confidence and focus. A 7th grader who struggles in class finds success centering clay on the wheel—and carries that success back into daily life.

For older adults: Clay awakens memory and offers connection. A memory-care resident hums while shaping a bird—her first spontaneous sound in weeks.

For artists: NCC provides residencies, mentorship, exhibitions, and sales opportunities that launch and sustain careers.

For families: Clay becomes tradition—a Saturday workshop that leads to mugs, laughter, and lasting connection.