Thank You From Josh and The Tao Of Clay
Dear Tao of Clay Community,
Wow! It's been an incredible year since last Thanksgiving for Tao of Clay. When I think about where we were a year ago, it truly boggles the mind. There was a small group of people in the space with a few classes running, but we didn’t yet have the amazing, vibrant community that I now feel every single time I walk into the studio.
In the last year we have developed a thriving guest artist program, the Studio Table program is in full swing, and we have just paused new memberships, not only because we have so many wonderful members already, but because we want to take this moment to really get to know you all, reflect on the year we’ve shared, and thoughtfully look ahead at what 2026 can become together
I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of Tao of Clay. To all our members,students, visiting artists, staff, and of course my wife, Rachel, thank you. It has been incredible for me to be part of what we are creating and to work on it with all of you.
I always say that building a house, redesigning a space, and now developing a ceramic studio is like creating a sculpture. I approach it the same way: I take one step, then another, and then another knowing I may not know exactly where I'm going. I didn’t know how Tao of Clay would unfold. Would membership become our core offering or would classes take the lead? It truly was a mystery. So I chose to stay open letting Tao of Clay unfold at its own pace, in its own way. And now, watching this growth happen organically and reflecting on the past year, there’s no doubt in my mind that the balance of communal learning and individual artistry is exactly what makes Tao of Clay so special. I’m genuinely thrilled by what’s emerging.
I’m constantly moved by the way people here encourage each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and share their knowledge so generously. The spirit of collaboration in this studio is unlike anything I’ve experienced.
We have the most amazing community of people here. Everyone is so friendly and generous with their time, their thoughts, and their creativity, and for that I am truly grateful. The kindness everyone brings to this space has shaped it into something collaborative, something that truly feels like family.Everyone is just so kind, and I’m incredibly grateful for the community we have. I’ve genuinely enjoyed each and every person who has come through the doors as a student, member, or staff member, and that has been one of the very best parts of this entire journey.
We shape the clay, but the clay also shapes us. It teaches us to slow down, breathe, let go, and be open to what wants to emerge. I see these qualities in all of you every day.
I’m also deeply grateful to be teaching to have discovered my passion and ability for teaching. That has been a personal blessing, and I’m so thankful to everyone who has allowed me to teach them. It has been an amazing part of my involvement in the studio.
When I think about our future, it’s inspiring and a little intimidating to imagine that this may only be the beginning of something much bigger. We hope to continue improving our policies and our space in ways that allow us to accommodate more people while keeping the experience in the studio exceptional. We have so many ideas for what we can do next: completing the Tao of Clay book, launching a teacher training program, offering new classes, and even starting a residency program. There’s truly no shortage of possibilities.
So once again, thank you to all of you who are part of this studio. I look forward to many more fun, creative times together growing, exploring, and being a family. I’m excited about the future we’re creating together.
Please have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy your turkey, and know that you are loved.
Much love,
Josh