Clayworks Pottery

How many artists can say they’ve made a living selling their work in the East Village for over 40 years? Not too many. The work in this shop is all handmade by the owner, who will remain quietly perched behind the counter until you ask questions or need advice. She’s a cool East Village character and her work is unique. She sells a range of vases, bowls, coffee, latte and espresso mugs and a whole ton of other treasures. Go when you have time to reflect on the pieces, so you don’t have to rush into your purchase. Extremely reasonably priced, especially for original art. The perfect place for last minute Bday or hostess gifts on your way… or pick up something nice for yourself. Or if you’re in from out of town, this would be a nice spot to get some local art to bring home as presents for everybody. Go on. Get in there!

I love coming into Clayworks Pottery. Helaine handcrafts each piece and the artistry shows. Helaine is very helpful in picking out pieces and I always leave with something unique and useful. I’ve bought several gifts at Clayworks and love giving them as much as I love getting them!
The pieces are reasonably priced like the work of art that they are. If you are looking for a beautiful investment for your home, this is definitely the place to go. Be sure to call before you are heading in. Sometimes Helaine will stay open a bit later if you are running late.

I came here with my boyfriend in search of a wedding gift since I hate getting gifts of the registry (especially in a city like NYC with so many local artists!). There is a wide variety of pottery and it was very hard for me not to buy things for myself – I loved pretty much everything! The owner was very helpful in picking out pieces to make a set and was also friendly. She also wrapped everything up very well since we were going on a plane and wanted to make sure they traveled safely. The pieces were also pretty affordable for handmade, original art work which allowed us to get more than one piece.
The only reason I’m not giving this place 5 stars is because I’m allergic to cats and my allergies were flaring up like crazy! Bring your benedryl!

My mom was so upset when she broke her garlic cellar (most random item ever) that she bought in south street seaport 25+ years ago, back when it was all handmade items. She said she wouldn’t be able to find another hand made one. I found this place on Unilocal and I’m so glad I did. The shop was so adorable and the garlic cellar I bought was cuter than the one my mom used to have too. This will definitely be one of my go-​to places if I want to buy someone a nice gift. The woman who makes the pottery is also very nice and friendly

I was so excited when I happened onto this store purely by chance. Helaine has been in this East Village spot for decades, and is the Real Deal. All of the pottery is gorgeous, and it is almost impossible to pick something to buy because each piece is so exquisite. I bought a mug over the summer and it has been just perfect. It’s the perfect size, great hand-​feel, and I can’t imagine my mornings without it now. Helaine seems like a fantastic person and I am so happy I found this shop. I know what my friends are getting for Christmas!

i bought a favorite piece here. a bowl/​cup/​dish. absolutely love this shop.

This place is wonderful. I’ve been living in the East Village for a couple of years now, and I stop by every now and then to get a gift for someone because anything from this place is always a big hit.
Clayworks is run by a woman named Helaine and her assistant, but I’ve only met the owner. She takes great pride in what she does and as far as I can tell (she hasn’t said as much, but it’s obvious to me) she considers her wares useable art. I completely agree with that sentiment. When you walk in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an impressive variety of pottery in blues, greens, and browns. I asked Helaine if she ever used red glazes – she doesn’t. She does not like the chemicals she’d «have to inhale and work with» in order to create that glaze. That seemed like a pretty good reason to me.
Types of items I came across today in the store: Cups, large mugs, bowls of all sizes including tiny dipping bowls, chalices, plates of all sizes, candle holders, vases, lidded pots, tea pots, sake sets, honey keepers, and garlic keepers (I got one of those, it’s lovely). I’m sure I forgot some stuff. You can eat off of anything in the store. Also, everything Helaine makes is safe to use in the dishwasher or in high-​heat environments like a microwave or oven, which is very handy.
Prices: If you’re comparing to prices of these same items if you were to buy them in Macy’s or another mass-​produced scenario, it’s expensive. But if you factor in that these are hand crafted by one of two people and are far more beautiful than what you’ll buy from a mass-​produced scenario, it’s completely reasonable. If you go right now you can get a few good deals from «seconds» (slightly flawed items) and student work (slightly more flawed, but still useable and pretty). There’s a summer sale on these pieces but I don’t know how long it’ll last. They’re just sitting outside of the store.
Hours: I found the hours on the Clayworks website but you should call beforehand just to make sure they’re open because sometimes the hours may vary a little bit. Monday-​closed or by appointment; Tuesday–3:30 — 7:00 pm; Wednesday–1:30 — 7:00 pm; Thursday–1:30 — 8:30 pm; Friday–3:30 — 8:30 pm; Saturday–1:30 — 8:30 pm; Sunday–1:30 — 8:30 pm
The website has a pic gallery worth looking at, mostly because the pictures very accurate. Sometimes people will take pictures of items you won’t even see in the store, I really hate that. But I was just there and these items are totally representative of what you’ll find.
Okay well that’s about it! I hope you enjoy the shop as much as I do. Gotta love these little East Village meccas. I hope it doesn’t go the way of the dodo like so many other small businesses around here.