Creative clay experiences for every age in Salem.
We’re moving into a refreshed studio with more room for classes, community programs, and open studio time. Stay close during the build-out and help shape the next era of WAC.
Move status
Build-out in progress
Paint, shelving, and electrical upgrades are underway. Follow our Instagram stories for on-site updates.
Volunteer
Work parties every Saturday
Help paint, assemble shelves, or prep the kiln room.
Scholarships
60+ tuition awards help youth and adults access clay every year. Applications open with our new schedule.
Relocation update
We’re transforming our new studio.
Volunteers, contractors, and donors are helping us build kiln safe rooms, install fresh lighting, and create spaces for classes, open studio, and community workshops.
Volunteer opportunities
Painters, movers, organizers, and photographers are needed through the build-out. Sign up to receive notifications for upcoming work parties.
Join volunteer listMembership
Membership keeps Salem’s community art studio thriving.
Starting at $30/year, members get access to open studio sessions, voting rights, early registration windows, and invitations to member-only events. Your support fuels scholarships, clay, glazes, and equipment care.
Studio status
Studio hours & calendar
Operations are paused while construction wraps. Watch the calendar for volunteer dates, pop-up events, and reopening announcements.
Scholarships
Tuition assistance is available
Youth and adult scholarships cover part or all of class tuition. Applications return when the new schedule launches.
Learn about scholarshipsPrograms
Smiles happen every day at the Willamette Art Center.
Discover wheel and hand-building classes, drop-in open studio, outreach programs, and beloved events like Family Clay Sunday. We’re ready to welcome you back soon.
Classes & Workshops
Hands-on instruction for all skill levels with clay classes, wheel throwing, and special topic workshops.
Learn moreCommunity Programs
Outreach partnerships that bring art-making to schools, community events, and local festivals.
Learn moreOpen Studio
Independent studio time for experienced makers to work at their own pace with access to kilns and tools.
Learn moreFamily Clay Sunday
Drop-in creative play for families. Make a project together and learn the basics of hand-building with clay.
Learn moreImpact
Powered by volunteers, donors, and artists like you.
Every hour volunteered and every gift given helps us reopen a bigger studio, support scholarships, and share clay with the wider community.
Volunteer hours in 2024
1,425+
Scholarships awarded annually
60+
“Our volunteers give so much to keep the studio vibrant. With the community behind us, we’re transforming this new space into a home for creativity.”
Stay in the loop
Be first to hear about reopening dates, new classes, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
Highlights
Follow @willametteartcenter
4 days ago
Kilns arrive at our new home
All of our kilns made the move! Volunteers are painting walls and prepping the studio so we can reopen soon.
2 weeks ago
Painting party this Saturday
Join us Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. to help get the new space ready. Wear your grubbies and lend a hand!
2 weeks ago
Weekly community chat
Drop in Thursdays at 5 p.m. at Starbucks on Commercial St. Let’s stay connected while the studio is closed.
2 weeks ago
Painting party sign-up
We have a lot of walls to cover—help us get ready for the final build-out so classes can resume soon.