Arts · Education · History · Community

Trenton Center of American Pottery

A nonprofit arts and education center dedicated to preserving, teaching, and celebrating American pottery through classes, exhibits, studio access, and community programs.

our mission

Preserving Trenton’s Pottery Legacy

The Trenton Center of American Pottery celebrates Trenton’s historic role as one of America’s most important centers for ceramic art, pottery production, and industrial craftsmanship. Through education, exhibitions, studio access, and community programming, TCAP will create a welcoming space where visitors, students, artists, historians, and families can experience the past, present, and future of American pottery.

More About Us

Learn Hands-On Pottery

classes & workshops

What We Offer

TCAP offers pottery classes and ceramic arts programs for beginners, students, adults, educators, artists, families, and community groups.

Learn The Basics

Learn foundational pottery skills, including shaping clay, using basic tools safely, and creating simple functional ceramic pieces with confidence.

Master The Basics

Build confidence in pottery techniques while refining form, consistency, craftsmanship, and creative expression in functional pieces.

Be a Ceramics Superhero

Become a ceramics superhero by learning clay techniques, using tools safely, and creating pottery with confidence, imagination, and creative expression.

Things You Will Learn

Ceramics Basics

Learn how to shape clay, use basic pottery tools, apply colorful glazes, and safely fire finished pieces in a kiln with hands-on guidance and support.

Glaze Techniques

Learn how to apply glazes, layer colors, test surface finishes, and use different methods to create beautiful finished surfaces on ceramic pieces.

Materials of Ceramics

Learn types of clay, glazes, and ceramic materials and how they affect the strength, texture, durability, and appearance of finished pieces.

Crafting Techniques

Explore hands-on methods for shaping, assembling, decorating, and finishing ceramic pieces using tools and techniques through guided practice.

Exhibits & Collections

Explore historic Trenton pottery, American ceramic traditions, contemporary artists, and the stories behind the makers.

Explore

Support TCAP

Your support helps bring TCAP to life through education, exhibits, facility development, studio equipment, and preservation.

Donate

Partners & Sponsors

TCAP welcomes schools, museums, cultural organizations, foundations, businesses, donors, and community groups.

Become A Partner

Welcome to TCAP

Preserving Trenton’s Pottery Legacy Through Art, Education, and Community

The Trenton Center of American Pottery will be a vibrant downtown destination where visitors can explore ceramic history, view exhibitions, take classes, meet artists, and experience the creative power of clay.

Explore TCAP