Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio is "Green"

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio is “green” in more than one way, both for the holidays and beyond. The teachers and the students at the Studio put a lot of energy into the act of sustainability in clay and water recycling, which in turn enables the Studio to offer environmentally friendly gifts for all ages.

During the clay classes the students of the studio reuse the same 100 gallons of water over and over again, rather than throwing it out; with the water that is used, the clay settles to the bottom and is then reclaimed into the studio clay recycling process. Any excess water, after being filtered and settled, is channeled into the earth through the nearby gray water rain garden, set up initially through a collaboration between the Center for the Arts, the Black Mountain Beautification Committee, and a RiverLink grant.

With the daily work in the studio the clay is recycled over and over again with no clay ever being discarded or going to a landfill. Recycled clay is used in workshops and clay sampler classes, and enables tuition costs to be kept lower.

Other ways the Studio remains “green” are to discard hazardous chemicals and glazes in an ecologically sound manner, and to bundle load the kilns to utilize energy efficiently. The Clay Studio staff goes to great lengths to utilize all Clay Studio chemicals to devise new paints and oxides instead of discarding them. Donations of glazes and chemicals are gladly accepted with the Studio’s commitment to utilize all materials in a conservational way. In the BMCA Clay Studio there is in place a kiln venting system so that all gasses (which are harmful to be breathed in a closed space) are immediately put outside (where they disperse without harming the atmosphere), instead of staying in the building. All of the studio clay is dug in nearby eastern Tennessee with limited long-distance transportation required, and all of clay supplies are purchased through Highwater Clay, a sustainable business located in Asheville. The BMCA Clay Studio is committed to serving the local community, and being the community pottery resource, instead of necessitating travel to other parts of the county or other counties for clay experiences.

In addition the BMCA Clay Studio provides two ways of giving “green” presents. A few times a year the studio offers a Pottery Market, where you can purchase hand made pottery and support this downtown non-profit arts organization by choosing wares made by students. Because these gifts are locally handcrafted and made available for sale next door, they are not adding to the transportation footprint. Or, to give your loved ones the opportunity to discover their inner artist, you can purchase a gift certificate for clay classes – the gift of an experience, rather than a mass-produced product. Classes are scheduled throughout the year and can be in the form of 6-week classes and other workshops. For more information on purchasing a gift certificate or pottery, contact the Center at 828/669-0930 or stop by at 225 W. State Street.