Scenic City Clay Arts
reimagined
Campaign Update - January 29, 2026
We want to share an important and transparent update about our future space journey.
Over the past several months, Scenic City Clay Arts has been working toward securing a new facility that would allow us to grow our programs and expand access to clay in Chattanooga. Thanks to the generosity of this community, we raised more than $560,000 toward that vision — a powerful reflection of belief in our mission and in the need for expansion.
As we moved closer to closing on this particular property, we were unable to secure a loan that would allow us to move forward. Without financing in place, purchasing the space was not possible.
We won’t pretend this isn’t disappointing. Projects like this require an enormous amount of time, energy, planning, and care from our entire team and circle of supporters. What keeps us going — and what continues to give us confidence — is knowing how deeply this community believes in the need for expansion and in the work we’re doing together.
While this particular space won’t become our new home, we’re not giving up. Our plans for expansion are very much still alive, and we remain committed to finding a permanent home for SCCA. Currently, we are actively searching for the right next space — one that allows us to grow thoughtfully, sustainably, and in alignment with our mission.
We will continue to be careful stewards of all the funds donated to this campaign. These dollars will be saved for our future home - whatever that space may be. We have deep respect for this community and for the trust our donors, members, and supporters have placed in us. We ask for your continued trust as we make the best decisions for our organization and team.
Right now, what we need most is your encouragement and continued support. Keep showing up. Keep taking classes. Keep spreading the word about SCCA. Keep connecting us with people who care about creative access and community arts.
We promise to keep you in the loop as we continue to make new plans for the future of SCCA. Thank you for sticking with us, for believing in our mission, and for being part of our clay community.
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Our plans for expansion are very much still alive and in motion. While we won’t be moving into this space, we are actively searching for our next new space to call home. Growth is still our immediate goal - more classes, memberships, and outreach are all part of our future plans.
When will this move happen? We have to find a new space first - and while we want that to happen quickly, we also want to be sure it’s the right space for SCCA. We don’t have a firm timeline to share, but as soon as we have a significant update, we will share it with our clay community.
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Despite our best efforts and the generosity of our donors, we were unable to secure a loan that would allow us to purchase the building. Without a loan, the deal was unable to happen. We explored multiple lenders and negotiations, but it just wasn’t feasible. We’re now pursuing a new space that still aligns with our mission, but will be more affordable and sustainable for us in the long run.
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Every dollar is being carefully reserved for our future home, whatever that space may be, and will directly support the next step in our expansion plans.
We’re incredibly grateful for every donation made during this campaign. Each gift will be carefully set aside to support SCCA’s future home, wherever that may be, rather than being tied to any specific property. As noted on all donation receipts, contributions are nonrefundable. If you have any questions about your donation, we’re always happy to connect—please reach out to our Executive Director, Madeline Wright, at madeline@sceniccityclayarts.org.
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All donor recognition and benefits will still be honored. While some benefits that were tied to features of the originally proposed space may need to be adapted, your giving level and the appreciation that comes with it will carry forward into SCCA’s future home. Our goal is to ensure that every donor is recognized in a meaningful and equitable way as we move into a new space. If any details change, we will communicate directly with affected donors and work to provide comparable or enhanced recognition whenever possible.
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Yes. We are continuing to raise funds to support SCCA’s long-term move into a new home. Gifts made now will be carefully stewarded and saved to help us secure and build out the right future space when the opportunity arises. Ongoing fundraising ensures we’re prepared to act when a viable property becomes available and allows us to keep growing programs and access to clay for the Chattanooga community. You can give anytime here.
Our journey to create a forever home for clay in Chattanooga continues.
Scenic City Clay Arts still needs your support as we continue the search for a permanent, sustainable home for clay arts in Chattanooga. Every gift moves us closer to a space where more people can learn, create, and connect through clay. Donate today to help build that future and receive the donor benefits outlined in the giving tiers below.
Giving Tiers
See the impact: Sandra’s Story
Sandra joined our Clay Makers Collective with no idea how much it would change her life — a free multi-week class, six months of membership, and the chance to showcase her work in a real gallery. What she found was so much more than pottery.
Sandra’s story is just one example of what happens when people are given room to create, rest, and reconnect with themselves. If you believe in the power of this kind of impact, we invite you to support SCCA today.
Creating Together: Our Outreach Partnership with Girls Inc
Our partnership with Girls Inc brings clay, creativity, and possibility directly into their classrooms. For many of these students, this is their first introduction to ceramics — but what they gain reaches far beyond a finished piece. They’re learning patience. Problem-solving. Pride in their ideas. A sense of belonging in a creative space.
This is the heart of our outreach work: removing barriers to the arts and planting seeds of confidence and creativity in every corner of Chattanooga.
If you believe in expanding creative access for young people, we invite you to support SCCA and help us connect even more emerging artists to the power of clay.
Thank you to our Visionary and Founder’s Circle donors & foundations for their support!
Benwood Foundation
Lyndhurst Foundation
George R. Johnson Family Foundation
Susan Smartt
Worthington Family Foundation
Elizabeth Asnes
Carol and Brian Quinn
Hamico
Laura & Howard Grody
Pearson Memorial Fund
Your contribution helps fund essential supplies, equipment, and tools for Scenic City Clay Arts’ future facility, ensuring we can continue our mission of expanding access to clay through collaborative education and community engagement.
Scenic City Clay Arts is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; your donation is 100% tax deductible. All contributions are final and non-refundable. Donations will be used to support both the organization’s future facility and its ongoing operations. If the intended facility is not secured or plans change, funds will remain with Scenic City Clay Arts and be applied toward operational needs and future facility development. Thank you for supporting SCCA!