RCC is Two Years Old!

/ Rain City Clay/

Rain City Clay opened on April 2nd, 2022!!!


Time flies when we’re having fun! Can you believe it's been two years since Rain City Clay opened its doors? On April 2nd, 2022, our beloved Rain City Clay welcomed its very first group of students through its doors. Reflecting on those early days fills our hearts with warmth and gratitude.

Tiles by terri goodwin of bright river studio beautifully adorn our front door

Throwback to opening day, April 2nd 2022

Our Programming:

  • RCC offers 12 classes with 16 spaces during each quarter.
    Participants have generous access to the studio for practice time! 10 scholarships are given each quarter

  • Studio access for 30+ independent study participants
    We have a new indy study practice space that is available for use during all open hours (generally 9am-9pm).

  • Exciting one-day "try clay" events
    Sip n Spins, Private events, Lessons, & More

  • Visiting Artist Program (Three-month award residency)

  • Clay Club - bringing clay to the classrooms of local schools

  • Firing Service for organizations/ schools

  • Four Studio Rentals

What’s new at year two

RCC/ RCS Supporters and Staff (plus partners) at a breakfast gathering

We shifted to using the “Mighty Networks” app, a communication platform for participants, staff, and admin. This communication space helps us share immediate news, educate, and connect with our community.

Our staff and teachers are core to our growth and help RCC thrive. Many have been with RCC since the beginning! Everyone who teaches is also a working artist. Everyone (except our founder) works part-time so staff may focus on their personal studio practice.

RCC rebuilt the roof covering the outdoor kiln yard!
A small group of friends, staff, & volunteers worked over the 4th of July weekend. It was hot and even hotter on top of the roof!

Now the roof keeps everything dry, fewer leaves blow in, and the kiln yard feels more spacious! The electrical to the kilns has been rewired, LED lights shine brightly, the chimneys are flashed, the rainwater catchment is redirected, & stained glass brings a beautiful color to the open “window” areas. The RCC “Ken Turner Glaze Laboratory” is well appointed, we have space to store clay, and our reclaim system is much improved with a huge Peter Puger Pugmill. It is just glorious! It was a huge undertaking! RCC is so grateful for all the helping hands.

Ryan Mcdonald, chris barker, & joe wilkinson after finishing the roof

old electrical box being updated

When we fired more than one electric kiln, the main building breaker was shutting off. It was a major problem. The main electrical box and all the breakers were replaced. Now we are able to fire more than one electric kiln at a time!!! Needless to say, a professional fixed this problem!

Brooke Hanson (example pots for our clay club program)

Our visiting artist program brings fresh ideas and ways of working to the studio. Denise Carrillo is currently filling the workspace with handbuilt, modern vessels. Visiting Artists are awarded three months to create at RCC. Next up we have Alison. Grevstad.

Thanks to our newest hire (Brooke Hanson), RCC is bringing clay to local schools through our newest program > Rain City Clay Club!

The Rain City Clay Club brings creativity into the community by sending an instructor and clay supplies to schools and community centers.

This new program focuses on working with youth, however, our longer-term goal is to bring clay to other community organizations. Refer an organization or ask for more information via this Information Gathering Form.

Another major area of growth is the success of our first Holiday Show and Sale hosted at Rain City Clay. The staff completely remade the space into a splendid showcase of our communities’ ceramics. Sixty artists participated in the event. Rain City Clay had a fabulous turnout from the neighborhood and surrounding community. The event was packed on opening night!

Local artists, students and staff all participated in showcasing their ceramics. It was a blast!

The second year of Rain City Clay was still full of “firsts”. Yet, we are finding a flow in areas that allow us to build on what we experienced the first year. RCC has many returning participants. We have a good registration process in place. Clay and firing management are steady. Many of the major upgrades to the building have been undertaken.

RCC couldn't have done it without the incredible teamwork that brought this dream to life. From our dedicated staff to cherished friends, loving family members, and passionate volunteers, each played a vital role in transforming this space into the vibrant hub of clay and creativity that it is today. The first year we painted, sanded, built, and poured our hearts into every corner. The second year we have been iterating on a solid start.

We are so thankful for the students who continue to breathe life into our dream, igniting it with your creativity, kindness, and unwavering support. Every session, your enthusiasm, and passion remind us why we do what we do.

As we celebrate this milestone, WE want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has joined us on this incredible journey. Thank you to the staff for keeping the wheels turning, offering inspiring demos and support to students, and fostering a welcoming and thriving community.

Cheers to sharing experiences and engaging and building community through clay!

/ Rain City Clay/ /

Deborah Schwartzkopf

In 2013 Deb established Rat City Studios in her hometown of Seattle, WA. With a passion to engage and build community through clay she uses her unique skill set to offer educational opportunities. As a studio artist, she makes her own fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Her artwork is recognized and showcased nationally. Deb was inspired by the guidance of amazing mentors along the way. These important relationships helped foster her desire to provide support and mentorship for the growing clay community. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to build a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.

Rain City Clay, the sister-studio to Rat City Studios, opened in April of 2022 in West Seattle. This is a space for experiential group learning and exploriinig clay!

With over 15 years of experience, an MFA from Penn State, artwork included in collections (such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection), numerous publications (including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine), she has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker and is thrilled to be expanding the community.

Deb completed a Master’s of Fine Art at Penn State and has artwork included in numerous collections such as the Kamm Teapot Foundation, San Angelo Museum, and the WA State Arts Collection. She has been featured in numerous principal clay publications including Ceramic Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Studio Potter Magazine. Deb has been recognized and honored in her career as a maker and is thrilled to be expanding the clay community.