Member Studio · Forest Park, IL
$250 Monthly Membership
ViaClay Members Studio at 7744 Monroe in Forest Park offers clay enthusiasts a welcoming and professional space to practice their craft independently. With both gas and electric kilns, the possibilities for your creative development are limitless. Our 6,000 square foot fully renovated, light-filled, secure space includes multiple work zones, a dedicated glaze area, four industrial sinks, and a separate grinding room. A generous lobby area, large kitchen, laundry on site, and two restrooms create a comfortable environment to work independently seven days a week.
Please see the Application Form below to sign up today.
Apply for membershipMember Benefits
What's included
Space & Location
- Our vintage industrial building is perfectly situated a block from thriving Madison Street, between a quiet residential area and the park-like setting of The Altenheim apartments.
- The ground floor with its timbered ceiling and separate kiln room – formerly a massive beer cooler built in the 1930s – provide both communal and discrete workspaces.
Security & Access
- App-based security allows members to come and go easily with confidence.
- Studio management is on site during regular business hours; 4K security cameras monitor after-hours activity in the main spaces.
Equipment
- Our equipment inventory includes new Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper wheels, Shimpo pugmill, Skutt electric kilns firing with a full spectrum of high-fire glazes in an oxidation environment, as well as a Bailey Gas Kiln for reduction firing.
- A variety of clay-shaping tools, cleaning supplies, and aprons are always in stock.
Studio Care
- All studio spaces and surfaces are cleaned weekly on Tuesday mornings.
- Towels and aprons are washed after every use to avoid dust.
Good to Know
Studio details
Purchasing clay
To distribute costs fairly across our community, ViaClay sells clay by the pound, and the price depends on the clay you choose. Our standard stoneware is $0.51 per pound, plus our standard firing fee of $0.50 per pound of wet clay, so a 25-pound block of 153 stoneware is $25.25. Clay is the only additional cost beyond the monthly membership fee.
Storage & shelving
Each member selects one dedicated shelf (48” wide x 30” deep x 18” tall) to store their personal work and tools. Additional communal shelves are also available, and secure lockers for valuables may be assigned as needed.
Youth memberships
Minor students over the age of 13 who demonstrate maturity and competence may explore a Youth Membership with their parent or guardian’s permission.
Sign up today
Membership Application Form
Visit
Find us in Forest Park
Use the form above to schedule a time to come see the space.
Location
7744 Monroe Street, Forest Park, IL 60130
One block from Madison Street · Street parking available
Show map (opens in a new tab)Member Reviews
From our members
“I love this place! Awesome clay community.”
Elise C.
“I am a fairly new potter and Gave and John along with the members of the studio have welcomed me with open arms. It’s been a wonderful creative experience to be around so many kind creative types who are happy to shar…”
Anne O.
“I would give 10 out of 5 stars. The facility is incredible and the studio is VERY well managed. If anything is missing from your experience, it will be fixed as soon as you mention it. They fire work extremely quickly…”
Lindsey R.