Old City ceramic arts center launches holiday events

A newly designed ceramic arts center in Old City, The Clay Studio, is offering an array of holiday events in the beginning of December. The initial event will take place Dec. 4, during First Friday in Old City. The exhibit Of Style and Substance opens to showcase the work of eight contemporary potters. Three are local artists: Rebecca Chappell from Philadelphia, Brad Johnson from Havertown, and Jordan MacDonald from Philadelphia. The pottery will be set up in unique tabletop arrangements by local designers. This event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

On Dec. 5, the public is invited to browse the shop's wares while taking part in the free event A Handcrafted Holiday. The Of Style and Substance tabletop designers will be on hand to offer tips and tricks on table presentation. Guests can also learn how to curate a holiday cheese board and how to pour beeswax container candles to enjoy at home or use as gifts.

Local cheese queen Tenaya Darlington, also known as “,” will be the one demonstrating how to arrange an exquisite cheese board and will be offering samples of local products at 1 p.m.  Later in the afternoon at 3 p.m., Emily Carris of The Art Dept., a gallery in Fishtown, will give the live demonstration on candle making. At 5 p.m., a holiday happy hour will begin for guests.