Meet the owner:

Hi, I’m Lucy Nilan (she/her)

I was born in Boston and initially moved here to Tacoma back in 2012, we did a brief stint in CO and came back in 2022. My family, dogs and I love it here. I am the proud owner of Tacoma Clay.

Clay began when a friend and I took a pottery class in college together. After much deliberation, I quickly changed my major from history and politics to ceramics.  After college, I worked at various teaching jobs and a tile company in Chicago, Iowa and Washington State. I feel much of my education came from teaching others.

I currently make functional, colorful and playful home goods.  Many of my pots bring in the joy and comforts of animals, allowing me to explore the relationship between drawing, color and the three-dimensional form.

I primarily work in cone 5-6 porcelain with various underglazes. On the side, I dabble in Wood-fired pottery.

I want to thank all those who have helped me get this studio off the ground. From initial brainstorming with Heather Cornelius, other students and fellow potters to my family, extended and chosen families. This has been a journey that I am excited for you all to be part of!

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  • Seong

    INSTRUCTOR

    Seong has been instructing our Monday and Tuesday night mixed-level wheel classes. Trained in Korea, she specializes in traditional Korean ceramics, blending that perspective with solid wheel-throwing fundamentals while encouraging students to explore their own style.

    You can find her @ong.ceramics on Instagram.

  • Kendyl

    INSTRUCTOR

    Kendyl has been teaching our younger crew in pottery.

    “I live and create in the Pacific Northwest, a setting that is overwhelmingly inspiring. The inherent beauty of the natural world that surrounds me is what I strive to capture in my finished vessels. In my work I aim to produce aesthetically unique objects. I am privileged to get to finish my work in atmospheric soda firings and wood-firings, exciting and dynamic processes that ensure that every sur3face is one of a kind. My hope is that my pieces find their way into homes where they will be adored and admired, used in ways that elevate the day-to-day rituals of one’s life.”

    You can see her work online and @kend_ylaurora instagram.

We are always looking for unique workshop ideas.

APPLY AND PROPOSE THEM HERE


Workshops

We are always interested in hosting experienced potters who have a specific technique, style, or project they'd like to share with our community of students.

Successful workshops tend to be organized around a specific project that can be completed in about four hours, give or take an hour. Most workshops are focused on glaze, decoration, or hand-building techniques.

Get In Touch

If you're interested in teaching with us, or would just like to learn more about the opportunities we have, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can use our contact form or send an email to us directly directly.