Whidbey Clay Center would like to invite the community to celebrate the opening of its new studio and gallery space at a launch party from 11-5 p.m. on Nov. 26, according to a press release.

Whidbey Clay Center is located at 1664 Main Street in Freeland. Guests may tour the expanded studio space, shop the gallery, sign up for pottery classes and learn more about membership. The business has operated in Freeland since 2019. Since that time studio membership has steadily grown from about 15 individuals to 40.

“We have been operating at capacity for about a year now,” owner Cara Jung said. “This new studio expansion will triple our footprint and allow us to better serve our members and community.”

Whidbey Clay Center offers several different avenues for individuals to become involved in the clay community. It is primarily a membership studio that operates much like an exercise gym. Individuals who are comfortable working independently can join as members and utilize shared equipment, glazes and in-house firing services to make their ceramic artwork. Members can also choose to partake in special firings, workshops and sales.

Whidbey Clay Center also offers ongoing wheel throwing and handbuilding classes for students of all ages and skill levels.

“More space will allow us to offer a larger number and variety of classes,” Jung said. “If you’ve never taken a pottery class or want to get back into the practice, now is a great time to start.”

Membership is not required to register for classes and can be done online at www.whidbeyclaycenter.com. Spots are still available for a few classes starting in November. The bulk of new classes will begin in the New Year.

The new studio expansion has also allowed for the addition of a small gallery that will feature artwork made by members and other Whidbey Island artists. After Nov. 26, the gallery will be open daily or by appointment. Call 206-550-5932.

Jung holds an MFA in ceramics and has been a working ceramic artist for over 20 years. She and her family moved to Whidbey Island four years ago and now call the island home. Her husband, Dr. Robert Jung, is a partner at South Whidbey Animal Clinic in Clinton. Cara and Rob have three children attending South Whidbey Schools.