We are a small but mighty ceramic art studio in Mt.Pleasant, DC with a mission to raise money for mutual aid while creating opportunities for healing, connection, and joy through clay.
We operate as a perpetual fundraiser, with 100% of our profits from classes and sales donated to mutual aid efforts. We’ve donated over $41,000 to date, in large part thanks to donations from folks like yourself who believe in our mission.
We believe making art should be accessible to all people, regardless of financial situation. Donate to help us continue offering scholarships, while still covering studio costs and raising money for important causes!
Help us keep the wheels turning
When you support Studio Kusi, you’re doing more than funding pottery classes.
- You’re helping someone find calm in a stressful time.
- You’re helping neighbors connect.
- You’re helping creativity flourish in our community.
Every donation—large or small—helps more hands touch clay. And that simple act can change more than you might imagine.
“Studio Kusi provides a space for creation and community. I took the workshop on altar-making. In the middle of overwhelming political chaos, the space created and facilitated by Ariana brought me peace and outlet to connect and ground myself. I left the workshop with the soul full of light, new friends, and a cute little altar.” – Scholarship Recipient
Why now?
Demand for scholarships continues to grow. To keep our classes accessible in 2026, we need community support to sustain and expand our scholarship program. Your donation helps us continue:
- Offering half-scholarships to students earning under $65k.
- Providing full scholarships for those who cannot afford classes.
- Expanding access to the therapeutic benefits of art and community.
Every contribution helps more people experience the grounding, healing power of clay.
What your gift can provide
Donations of any size directly support access to classes:
- $27.5 helps cover a ceramic glazing workshop
- $37 helps cover a “Try-It” wheel class.
- $165 helps cover a 6-week hand-building open studio.
- $400 covers costs of 8-10 person workshop for Christ House serving people experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia
Together, these scholarships open the studio doors to people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to learn pottery.
Ways you can give today
Other Ways to Give
There are so many ways to support our work, including:
Donate your time
As a volunteer-run ceramic studio, everything we do—from classes to making jewelry to fundraise for mutual aid—is made possible by people who give their time, creativity, and care to this community.
Donate your art
We have a few upcoming markets and are looking for local artists to donate art. 100% of sales would be donated to mutual aid.
Donate your space
If you have space in your brick and mortar in DC or at an upcoming event/market to sell some of our work, we would love to hear from you!
Pictured photo: The Saloon donated space to us in their retail section to sell our earrings, ornaments, and postcards. 100% of profit is donated.
Other ways to support
Buy a loved one a gift card
Gift cards can be used for any pottery class and can be purchased here.
Propose an idea/workshop:
Studio Kusi is meant to be a community space where people can make art while raising money for mutual aid. I am always open to new ideas, including expanding our current pottery offerings + offering classes in different mediums beyond clay. Submit any ideas/proposals here.
For all other questions and/or suggestions, you can reach us via email: studio.kusi.dc@gmail.com