SNEAK PEEK: ClaySpace in Lisle, IL Offers 9,000 (+) Sq. Ft. of Fun -- Gallery & Gifts, Classes, Private Studios and 24-Hour Access for Members!

ClaySpace presents a well-lit, contemporary sales area where all hand-made items are beautifully displayed and ready for purchase. See more items below...

Ok, listen up all you artistic insomniacs out there! If you do your best work at 2 AM then ClaySpace is the place for you to join! Located at 740 Front Street in Lisle, it is a sprawling facility with every kind of support you could ever need from artistic guidance and camaraderie to wheels and kilns of every kind for both pottery and glass.

Currently, 55 resident artist members pay a monthly fee that might also include their own private studio. ClaySpace has been in operation as a not-for-profit for about 20 years and in their current Lisle location for a dozen years. Their location is a bit tricky to find thanks to the fact that Front Street takes an unexpected jog where you need to traverse a block-long north-south street before connecting up again with the east-west Front Street. For helpful nearby landmarks, it is very close to St. Joan of Arc Catholic church and the Lisle Public Library.

View from the road along Front Street after taking that confusing jog! Office / Gallery Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM.

On my recent visit there, I was lucky enough to meet the very talented mosaic artist, Margie Fazio, who gave me an informative tour.

ClaySpace resident artist, Margie Fazio, poses with her colorful fish display in the sales area. She enjoys crafting locally found fish such as blue gills or bass using ceramic or mosaic techniques.

Classes run anywhere from one-day workshops called "Samplers" to discover more about the facility's classes before committing to a series that might run anywhere from four to eight weeks.

Their next upcoming fund-raiser, RAKU FEST is Saturday, May 16 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Visitors can purchase a piece of pottery (for ornamental use only), select a glaze and watch RAKU experts fire it outside right before your very eyes!

Enjoy gathering with the resident artists every "First Friday" where the new monthly show in the gallery area debuts celebrated with treats and more -- open to the public.

Additionally, ClaySpace is available for rent by scout troops, private parties -- bachelorette or birthdays, etc. Depending on group size, one or two teachers will lead the pre-planned activity.

If you've always wanted to explore hand-throwing a mug, working with glass or other ceramic techniques, this is your go-to place. Individual instruction and even custom or private classes can also be arranged. For more information, visit https://www.clayspace.net/

HA!! Love this -- the MUG SHOT wall features all the resident artists' faces, names and a unique peek at their work.

This work area is amazing -- well-lit, very clean and organized.

Not sure what glaze to finish off your project? No problem! Like the paint chips at a hardware store, this glaze index gives artists all the inspiration and guidance needed to complete their work.

These pieces are ready for the next step -- glazing.

Another view of items ready for purchase in the sales area. If you're looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift, affordably priced -- stop by!

Love the repetitive gingko leaf detail on this beautiful bowl!