The Educational Alliance Art School at Manny Cantor Center offers a ceramics student apprentice program in NYC — a competitive, full-scholarship opportunity for serious makers on the Lower East Side. Apprentices receive advanced training in studio craft, material sciences, and kiln operation, while contributing to the life of a working ceramics studio. The program concludes with a gallery exhibition showcasing each cohort’s work.

Application deadline: Friday, July 31st, 2026. Apply Now →

What You’ll Learn as a Ceramics Apprentice:

The apprenticeship goes beyond studio time. Over three 10-week ceramics courses — covered by a full scholarship — you will build technical depth in areas that most classes don’t reach:

• Clay and glaze composition and material science
• Loading and firing oxidation kilns
• Ceramics studio and equipment maintenance
• Studio craft mentorship from EA Art School faculty

The program is a hands-on path to growing as a maker — and it ends with your work in a gallery exhibition.

Eligibility & Time Commitment:

This is a competitive ceramics apprenticeship for students who are ready to commit to the studio. To apply, you should meet the following qualifications:

• At least three years of hands-on ceramics experience
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly (kiln and studio work requires it)
• Genuine desire to contribute to a community-based art school
• Availability for 10 hours of studio volunteer time per week — Tuesdays 4–9 pm and Saturdays/Sundays 1–6 pm

If you meet these criteria and want to deepen your ceramics practice in NYC, we encourage you to apply — the program is built around access and community, not just technical skill.

How to Apply for the Ceramics Apprenticeship:

To be considered for the next cohort, submit the following application materials:

• Completed application (link below)
• Five images of recent ceramics work from the past two years (PDF, JPEG, PNG)
• Written descriptions of each image (PDF)
• Resume or CV (PDF)
• Artist statement (PDF)

Ready? Submit your application here →

Questions about the ceramics apprenticeship program? Contact the EA Art School office at +1-646-395-4264 or art@MannyCantor.org.

Three cohorts of ceramics apprentices have completed the program at MCC’s Lower East Side art school — each concluding with a gallery exhibition of their work. These makers deepened their studio practice, built technical skills, and became part of the Educational Alliance Art School community.

September 2024 – June 2025

From left: Olga Pinto, Raquel Kriticos, and Christine Aliferis

September 2023 – June 2024

From left: Anna Laytham and Bianca Allen

Bottom: Emily Black

September 2022 – June 2023

From left: Vicki Lam, Audrey Tse, and Bibi Belo

Why Choose MCC for Your Ceramics Training in NYC

Ceramics students at Manny Cantor Center join a serious, supportive studio community on the Lower East Side — with faculty mentorship, a clear path from class to apprenticeship to open studio practice, and a nonprofit’s commitment to access. Whether you’re searching for a pottery apprenticeship near you or a ceramics program in NYC, MCC offers a structured, scholarship-supported path in the heart of the city.

Ceramics Apprenticeship FAQ

Are there ceramics apprenticeships available in NYC?

Yes. The Educational Alliance Art School at Manny Cantor Center runs a ceramics student apprentice program on the Lower East Side at 197 East Broadway, New York, NY. Apprentices receive a full scholarship covering three 10-week ceramics courses, professional training in studio craft and kiln operation, and participation in a closing gallery exhibition, in exchange for 10 hours per week of studio volunteer time.

How do I apply for the ceramics apprenticeship?

Applicants need at least three years of hands-on ceramics experience, the ability to lift 50 lbs, and availability for studio hours on Tuesdays 4–9 pm and Saturdays/Sundays 1–6 pm. Submit a completed application, five recent work images, image descriptions, a resume/CV, and an artist statement before the deadline (July 31, 2026 for the current cycle). Apply here →

Can I register for ceramics open studio without the apprenticeship?

Yes. The EA Art School offers open studio ceramics registration in NYC for registered students in wheel and hand-building courses. You can register for online or through the art school and check current session times before your visit.

Is the ceramics apprenticeship program affordable?

Yes — the apprenticeship is a full-scholarship program. There is no tuition cost for the three 10-week ceramics courses covered by the apprenticeship. As a program of Educational Alliance, a Lower East Side nonprofit, Manny Cantor Center also offers financial aid for eligible students in its other ceramics programs. Call +1-646-395-4264 to ask about terms and aid.