Seize the Clay Ceramics Workshop at MOCA

Get Your Hands Dirty at MOCA's Ceramics Workshop

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville presents "Seize the Clay Ceramics Workshop" on Saturday, July 11th at 2:00 PM, transforming their Nola Moca space into a hands-on creative studio. This two-hour workshop brings together the tactile joy of clay work with MOCA's contemporary art setting, creating an experience that's part art education, part therapeutic escape. The afternoon timing catches natural light streaming through the museum's windows, providing the perfect illumination for detailed ceramic work.

What to Expect:
The workshop atmosphere balances focused creativity with social interaction as participants work alongside fellow clay enthusiasts in MOCA's intimate setting. Expect to get your hands thoroughly dirty while learning fundamental ceramic techniques from experienced instructors who understand both the technical and artistic sides of clay work. The museum's contemporary art backdrop adds an inspiring element that elevates this beyond a typical craft class.

Insider Tips:
• Wear clothes that can handle clay splatter - aprons are provided but clay has a way of finding uncovered areas
• Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and review the day's project outline before diving into the clay
• Bring a small towel for your hands since clay work involves frequent cleaning between techniques
• The workshop moves at a steady pace, so don't worry about keeping up - instructors circulate to help individual participants
• Take photos of your work in progress since pieces will need drying time before you can take them home
• Consider bringing a small container if you want to save clay scraps for future projects

Venue Details:
• MOCA's workshop space features proper ventilation and lighting designed for art-making activities
• All clay, tools, and basic materials are included in the workshop fee
• The museum provides aprons, but participants should dress appropriately for messy work
• Finished pieces will need firing time, with pickup arrangements made during the workshop
• The space accommodates a limited number of participants, ensuring personalized attention
• Water stations and cleanup areas are strategically placed throughout the workshop space

Getting There:
Nola Moca sits in the heart of downtown Jacksonville on North Laura Street, with several parking options within easy walking distance. City Hall Parking offers the closest option just 70 meters away, while the First Baptist Church Preschool Garage provides covered parking about 129 meters from the museum. The James Weldon Johnson Park monorail stop sits 143 meters away, connecting to Jacksonville's Skyway system for those using public transit. Bus routes converge at Bay Street & Laura Street, just over 300 meters from the museum entrance. The location puts participants right in downtown's cultural district, with the museum easily identifiable by its contemporary facade.

Local Scene:
The workshop's 2:00 PM start time makes it perfect for combining with downtown Jacksonville's food scene. Chamblin's Uptown sits just 90 meters away, offering coffee and browsing time before getting creative with clay. Kazu Sushi Burrito provides a quick, satisfying lunch option 151 meters from the museum for those who want something substantial before the workshop. After spending two hours working with clay, Sweet Pete's Candy offers the perfect sweet reward just 187 meters away on North Hogan Street. For those wanting to continue the creative afternoon into evening, bellwether and Dorothy's Downtown both provide locally-owned dining experiences within a few blocks of MOCA. The 4:00 PM workshop end time aligns perfectly with happy hour at Pour Taproom, where the self-serve beer concept matches the hands-on spirit of the ceramics workshop.