HELP FUND THE ARTS! Claybird Studio Start-Up

Who I am.

Hi, I'm Beth Wright, owner and "soon-to-be" operator of Claybird Pottery Studio in my new hometown, Dryden, NY. I have been making pottery for over 15 years and have taught pottery in New Jersey and New York. It has been a dream of mine to start a pottery studio and school where I can invite people to come and enjoy working with clay as much as I do. I am now closer to that dream than I have ever been, and I need your help with the next steps of this exciting venture!

The Vision.

My vision is to open a public pottery studio and school where I can teach pottery classes and host private parties and events beginning in August 2023. There is no better time than now to start getting involved in the revitalization of our communities after the devastation and isolation we have all experienced over the past few years. I am looking forward to playing a role in this by bringing a creative space to the community of downtown Dryden, an idyllic town in the heart of the Finger Lakes. The 875 square-foot storefront I will be leasing is a perfect location on the main street, between the bustling college towns of Ithaca and Cortland, with tons of exposure to foot & car traffic. This Upstate New York area is known for its love and support of the arts, and I am confident that my business will grow and thrive here. I can’t wait to share my passion for pottery-making in an accessible and welcoming space where people can come to unwind, create and connect!

How You Can Help!

Needless to say, many expenses come along with this start-up. I need to purchase costly equipment, pottery supplies and professional services to get the business up and running.

Would you Consider?

Donating to help with equipment needs (pottery wheels, kilns, clay slab roller, classroom art sink, pottery tools).

Donating to help with furniture needs (stools, worktables, chairs, shelving).

Donating to help with professional fees (electrical, plumbing).

About the Name.

I am naming this business "Claybird Studio" because of my love for clay AND birds (I've become quite the avid birdwatcher these days - you might call it an obsession). For those of you who know me as "Be Still Arts,” I will be keeping that name for my personal pottery-making endeavors, as this name has much meaning to me as well as being my favorite scripture, Psalm 46:10. I hope to carry this same "stillness" I have always found from making pottery to my public studio and school.

Looking Ahead!

This is the biggest venture I have ever pursued and there is much to be done to get the business up and running. I have faith it will all come together, but I cannot do it without a little help from my friends, family and community! I hope you will consider joining me on this journey, and if you are ever in the area, please contact me so I can give you a tour and thank you in person for your love and support! If you would like to share your mailing address with me privately, please do, as I would love to send a personal thank-you gift for your generosity once my business is established and I can get back to making my own pottery again :). My website and IG page are below for personal contact, or feel free to reach out to me right here.

My deepest appreciation,

Beth

Website: Claybird Studio

IG: @claybird_studio