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 →

Deadline to apply to the program is Friday, July 31st, 2026.

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 +1-646-395-4310 or info@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

Open Studio Registration for Ceramics at MCC

Not pursuing the apprenticeship? The EA Art School also offers open studio ceramics registration in NYC for independent wheel and hand-building time at our Lower East Side studio at 197 East Broadway. Open studio sessions give makers structured, self-directed access to throw, hand-build, and glaze — without committing to a full class schedule.

Check current session times and register for open studio online through the art school, or call us at +1-646-395-4310.

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.

As a program of Educational Alliance — a Lower East Side institution since 1889 — we keep our ceramics programs accessible and offer financial aid for eligible students. Explore all EA Art School programs at MCC, or call us at +1-646-395-4310 to learn more about the apprenticeship, open studio, and financial aid.

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 independent wheel and hand-building time at the Lower East Side studio. You can register 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 +1-646-395-4310 to ask about terms and aid.