About Us

Our History: An Idea Is Born

Creative Claythings had its humble beginnings in January of 1979 under the name Chicago Fire and Earth in a small storefront on Lincoln Avenue. In May of 1983, the business was sold and expanded from a dedicated teaching studio to include a gallery. At that time there were no outlets, (except for the rigorous art fair circuit) for the talented ceramicists of Illinois. Existing galleries chose to show the works of east and west coast artists while our own local talent had their works packed in boxes. With pride in who we are and what we can do, the unique talents of the Ceramic Artists of Illinois were showcased in their very own Gallery.

May of 1983 found Creative Claythings in its new expanded facility on Southport, where it remained for 21 years. A "word of mouth" business built on a firm foundation of teaching execellence with a new facility, new management and all new equipment... Creative Claythings celebrated its 21st year of serving the Lakeview Community.

Creative Claythings has finished moving to our new location at 2255 W. Grand Avenue (one block east of Western) and is thrilled to introduce visitors both new and old to this bright and airy space. Come and celebrate with us!

Gallery Quality Work...

The Creative Claythings Gallery presently exhibits and sells the works of Illinois Ceramic Artists. All of our pieces in the gallery section are unique one-of-a-kind items and handmade from a lump of clay. Artists date and sign all their pieces. Items range from contemporary to traditional in style and from sculptural to functional in form.

Without the Gallery Prices...

Located in the triving Wicker Park ­ Western Community, you won't be paying the pretentious "gallery row" mark-ups required to subsidize high rents. This gallery does not charge the artist the industry standard commission for showing their work. The artist receives the greater percentage of the retail price. This makes for a better arrangement for you and for them. You see, we understand they are individuals producing individual pieces. The work comes to you directly from the artists of Illinois, who personally bring their pieces in, therefore shipping costs are not part of the price. The prices at Creative Claythings are the same prices that you would pay at art fairs.