Kaabo means welcome in Yoruba.
Kaabo Clay exists to decrease experiences of racial isolation and to claim our heritage and influence as African descended people within the field of ceramics. Our Annual Award for Black Ceramicists has paid out $44,000 to our constituents since 2021 to fund projects, activities and aid that directly benefits our community. Membership is open to anyone identifying as a Black ceramicist regardless of skill level or educational background.
Get involved by joining the forum.
Access is free and open to all Black-identifying ceramicists by joining the site. This is the place where we connect, exchange ideas, ask for advice and share opportunities. Keep up with the forum on your phone by downloading the Spaces mobile app.
2025 Kaabo Clay Awardees
Announcing the 5th Annual Kaabo Award for Black Ceramicist recipients!
Delores Farmer was awarded $5,000 toward the creation of a six month BIPOC residency and scholarship program at Delores Pottery in Durham, NC. This award marks the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between Delores Pottery and Kaabo Clay to provide this programming on an annual basis.
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A grant of $2,000 was awarded to an anonymous member undergoing cancer treatment, who requested assistance with studio fees during this difficult period
Azeez Adeoti was awarded $2,000 toward the construction of a gas kiln and studio expenses enabling him to advance his studio practice, setting the foundation for future workshops and other community-focused work in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mars Dixon (Brooklyn, NY) was awarded $750 in support of his development as an emerging ceramic artist and in recognition of the hardship he has faced.
Chinenye Eze (Enugu State, Nigeria) was awarded $750 in support of her development as a recent college graduate and emerging artist.
Jaz Parks (Fredrick, Maryland) was awarded $500 toward firing fees, materials and other studio expenses.
Events
Rhythms of Clay: Juneteenth EditionJun 22, 2025, 12:10 PM – 2:10 PMSarasota, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Artist Talk: Crafted Kinship by Malene BarnettFeb 23, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMZoom
Umoja Advice RoundtableFeb 02, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PMGoogle Meet
Rhythms of Clay: A hands-on clay and musical experience for The Freedom School of SarasotaJan 20, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PMSarasota, 525 Kumquat Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Materials for Nigerian Ceramicists
Kaabo Clay has formed a partnership with an artist collective in Lagos, Nigeria called Visions in Clay. We supply them with oxides, mason stains and other ceramic materials which are not easily accessible in Nigeria and in exchange, they share their experience and expertise with the collective through virtual artists talks. Support this initiative by donating below.
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The Freedom School of Sarasota
Creating access to clay art for youth in Sarasota, Florida in collaboration with The Freedom School. Clay generously donated by Highwater Clays of Florida.
The mission of the Manasota ASALH Freedom School is to teach the truthful history of Africans and African Americans in the founding, formation, and development of American society and culture to any child, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, in a free, community-based Saturday program.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thanks to corporate donations from Amaco Brent and Speedball, we provided free passes for nine of our members to attend NCECA, the largest ceramics event in the world.
Kenya Moffett Garner, photo courtesy of Kenya Moffett Garner
Photo of Jabulile Nala, courtsey of Aba Hutchinson
Winnie Owens Hart & Kay Marin, photo courtesy of Kay Marin
Kaabo Clay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Meet our board members!
Contact Us
A better future is possible. Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself.