Press Release: Ceramics Studio Opens at Mother Brook Arts & Community Center
October 17, 2017 (Dedham, MA) --- Mother Brook Arts & Community Center’s (MBACC) Ceramics Studio is open; programs including classes and open studio time, began the week of October 16. The converted lower level space features 10 wheels, work space for classes, space for open studio program, and semi-private studios, and two kilns. Caitlyn Marsh (caitlynmarshceramicsstudio.com) joined MBACC as Ceramics Program Director in September 2017.
“The opening of our Ceramics Studio is a milestone we have worked toward from day one. Seeing the reputedly haunted girls’ bathroom disappear and the space transformed into a bright, fully equipped modern ceramics studio has been a thrill! I look forward to seeing the program grow under Caitlyn’s direction. Public support is vital to our continued success. As we continue our mission of community revitalization through the arts we invite everyone to experience ceramics at MBACC."
Jean Ford Webb, Executive Director
Creating a cutting-edge ceramics studio, a goal since MBACC opened in 2013, included the complete demolition and overhaul of a lower level restroom and two former classrooms and required an equipment and renovation budget close to $200,000. MBACC is responsible for funding all renovations to the building and grounds they lease from the Town of Dedham. In addition to support from individual donors, community organizations, and local businesses an initial $125,000 grant from Blue Hills Bank Foundation made the construction of the ceramics studio possible this year. Other contributions include the first ceramics wheel donated in 2013 by Dedham Junior Women’s Club, a 2016 Arts and Culture Grant for $5,000 from the Foundation for MetroWest, and a $17,500 equipment grant from Dedham Savings Bank in 2017.
"The best thing about this program are the various options for participation. Experienced artists have two options for work space and daily use of the studio. We also offer programming for youth of all ages, starting at 2yrs and going up to 18yrs. Families have several options to work with clay together. If you want to work with clay, we have something for you!"
Caitlyn Marsh, Ceramics Director
The Ceramic Arts program aims to support artists of all levels and abilities and features: Education Programs, Open Studio Access, and Semi-Private Studios. The education programs incudes classes for adults, teens and youth, including a Clay ABCs for ages 2 – 4 and a caregiver. Artists who require more open studio time for their creative process and need storage space for projects, tools and clay will benefit from the Open Studio Program. Semi-private studio space for ceramicists consist of studio space with a sink, kiln access, and the opportunity to be a part of MBACC’s community of artists.
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About MBACC
Mother Brook Arts and Community Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located at 123 High Street, (Dedham’s former Avery School) in Dedham, MA, and is ideally situated in metropolitan Boston, drawing visitors from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut. For more information or to donate, visit www.motherbrookarts.org.
About Caitlyn Marsh
Caitlyn graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design and managed the clay studio at The Umbrella Community Arts Center in Concord, MA for 11 years where she taught classes for all ages, including advanced summer intensives and drop-in quick workshops. She has studied with Hayne Bayless, Chris Gustin, Bryan McGrath, Doug Casebeer, Maureen Mills, and Jeremy Randall. She is an active member of National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
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