Inferno Clay Studio Nfp

We are a women-led, artist-run     501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the longevity and accessibility of the ceramic arts in Rockford, Illinois. 

Alyssa Noonen and Emily Rangel-Cascio founded this studio in April 2024 with the goal of being solely focused on growing and expanding the ceramics community in their hometown. 

Inferno will be providing a fully functional studio space for resident artists and offering mentorships for committed artists and workshops for community members. We will be offering a Community Kiln program for other local ceramic artists and a gallery space for artists to show and sell their work. 

We are working diligently to find a space that suits our needs! Check out our upcoming workshops for all skill-levels.

Our Inspiration:

This idea of a space designed solely for ceramics artists is not new. Clay, as a material, has specific needs in equipment, space, and knowledge. It is difficult to include ceramics as a part of a larger maker’s space because of these needs. Kilns require particular maintenance and, sometimes expensive, electrical upgrades. Clay can destroy and clog plumbing if not carefully controlled. Glaze formulation can be dangerous to individuals or the environment without certain precautions. It may seem easy to think of clay as just playing with mud but when we engage this material, we are in conversation with contemporary ceramic artists, nearly all human history, all cultures and Nature. Inferno is a direct response to the need for serious but non-academic ceramic studios in the Rockford area. Here are some examples of what Inferno hopes to bring to our city because Rockford deserves a place for artists to succeed.Look to the Residency Programs, galleries, and community workshops already in existence. 

Northern Clay Center- Minneapolis, MNhttps://northernclaycenter.org/ 

Odyssey ClayWorks- Asheville, NChttps://www.odysseyclayworks.com/

Lillstreet Art Center- Chicago, ILhttps://lillstreet.com/ 

The Digs- Chicago, ILhttps://www.thedigschicago.com/ 

Belger Arts Center- Kansas City, MOhttps://belgerarts.org/ 

Penland School of Craft- Spruce Pine, NChttps://penland.org/ 

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts- Gatlinburg, TNhttps://www.arrowmont.org/ 

Red Lodge Clay Center- Red Lodge, MThttps://www.redlodgeclaycenter.com/ 

Rain City Clay- Seattle, WA