Ruby's Clay Studio & Gallery

Ruby’s Clay Studio & Gallery is a dynamic community of 100 resident artists who create a broad array of functional tableware, decorative vessels, sculpture, wall and garden art using both traditional and innovative techniques in wheel-throwing and hand-building methods. In a supportive and collegial atmosphere, Ruby’s nurtures people new to ceramics, hobbyists, budding professionals, production potters and nationally recognized artists. People come from all over the Bay Area to learn and work at Ruby’s. Some have been studio members for 40 years; others have waited for up to three years to join the community. Twenty-four hour access, the option of learning to fire kilns and test new glazes as well as to show and sell work are among the opportunities open to members.

The 5,000 square foot studio, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro District, was organized as a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation in 1985 after operating by Ruby O’Burke for 18 years as a private workshop. Facilities include a communal work area with 11 wheels and four hand-building tables, three electric kilns and two gas kilns, slab roller, extruder, clay recycling, 25 glazes and glaze mixing supplies and a small ceramics library of classic books and current publications.

A welcoming gallery at the front of the studio is open year-round for rotating shows. The “Southern Migration” exhibit, selected by juror Nancy Selvis, features the work of 31studio members. Other group shows have been organized on themes such a single clay body (“Summit”), a specific glaze (“Oh So Shino”), vessels for plants (“Potted: Ceramic Art for Plants”), garden sculpture, Open Studios and an annual “Bowlicious” fundraising event with hundreds of bowls donated by Rubyites. Frequent solo shows by Ruby members and visiting artists feature current works in clay. More than 1,000 visitors come to the Gallery each year.

Programs at Ruby’s include beginning and intermediate classes for 240 students annually, specialty workshops, annual fundraising events and outreach projects with area schools and social service organizations. Ruby’s is a member-directed studio led by a volunteer board, active committees and a small management team.