The Digs Chicago
501(c)(3) ceramics studio
𖡡 West Town
About
Founded in 2020, the Digs emerged from a need: accessible, community-driven space for artists to build sustainable practices outside of traditional academic systems. What began as a DIY project has grown into a 6,000 sq ft facility supporting over 100 members across Residency and Pay-to-Clay programs.
Our ethos is rooted in a do-it-yourself, community oriented mentality — shaped by collaboration, resourcefulness, and the belief that meaningful creative work happens in shared environments.
Our Mission
The Digs Chicago is a 501(c)(3) ceramic studio in West Town, Chicago. The Digs is a resource that supports working artists through access to studio facilities, education, and creative opportunity in a community setting.
We aim to sustainably nurtured artists navigating real life after or outside of formal education through community support, self-representation, and access to shared resources. The Digs serves emerging artists, post-grads, and self taught creatives by centering working artists as educators, collaborators, and cultural contributors.
Whether you're just beginning or deep in your practice, The Digs offers space to work, experiment, and connect.
-
Residency is designed for artists seeking a dedicated, long-term studio environment.
Residents receive:
✷ 24/7 access
✷ Private studio space (5X8, 8X8 or 10X12 sqft)
✷ Free kiln firing + studio glazes
✷ Access of ceramic facilities.
✷ Participation in studio events and marketsResidencies are offered on 6-month terms (pricing varies depending on space.)
This program prioritizes artists building sustained, independent practices within a community setting.
-
Pay-to-Clay is a flexible membership for artists who want studio access in a shared community studio with private shelf storage.
Ideal for:
Part-time ceramicists and hobbyists.
Those building toward a more regular practice
Artists looking to join a community of beginner/intermediate ceramicists looking to practice independently.
Members have access to shared workspaces, equipment, and community programming.
-
Our classes are designed to support both beginners and experienced makers.
From foundational wheel throwing to specialized workshop programming led by artists and educators invested in sharing knowledge in an open, supportive environment.
We also host one-day workshops, private events, and seasonal programming.
-
The Digs is more than a workspace — it’s a site for exchange.
We host:
Artist talks and demonstrations
Open studios and member markets
Professional Development Events
Newsletters
Our mission is to create opportunities for artists to share what they’re working on, develop ideas, and engage in ongoing dialogue.
Our Partners
The Digs exists within a broader ecosystem of organizations doing essential, ground-level work across Chicago. As a nonprofit, we believe in not only building our own community, but supporting others who are doing the same — often with different tools, audiences, and urgencies.
-
Supports artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a professional studio environment rooted in visibility, agency, and creative expression.
Learn More -
Provides shelter, advocacy, and long-term support for young people experiencing homelessness, helping create pathways toward safety and stability.
Learn More -
Creates opportunities for Latino communities through education, workforce development, and access to career pathways and essential resources.
Learn More -
Provides housing and supportive services for youth, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness across Chicago.
Learn More
-
Residency is designed for artists seeking a dedicated, long-term studio environment.
Residents receive:
✷ 24/7 access
✷ Private studio space (5X8, 8X8 or 10X12 sqft)
✷ Free kiln firing + studio glazes
✷ Access of ceramic facilities.
✷ Participation in studio events and marketsResidencies are offered on 6-month terms (pricing varies depending on space.)
This program prioritizes artists building sustained, independent practices within a community setting.
-
Pay-to-Clay is a flexible membership for artists who want studio access in a shared community studio with private shelf storage.
Ideal for:
Part-time ceramicists and hobbyists.
Those building toward a more regular practice
Artists looking to join a community of beginner/intermediate ceramicists looking to practice independently.
Members have access to shared workspaces, equipment, and community programming.
-
Our classes are designed to support both beginners and experienced makers.
From foundational wheel throwing to specialized workshop programming led by artists and educators invested in sharing knowledge in an open, supportive environment.
We also host one-day workshops, private events, and seasonal programming.
-
The Digs is more than a workspace — it’s a site for exchange.
We host:
Artist talks and demonstrations
Open studios and member markets
Professional Development events or resources
Newsletters
Our mission is to create opportunities for artists to share what they’re working on, develop ideas, and engage in ongoing dialogue.
-
Chicago Exhibition Weekend features 50 participating galleries and creative spaces across the city from September 14-20, spotlighting Chicago’s vibrant cultural landscape and artistic spirit for locals and visitors alike. Building off the success of last year’s edition, which attracted 10,000 attendees over three days, CXW25 will expand its footprint with 50 participating galleries, demonstrating the vitality and diversity of the city’s growing commercial art scene.
Professional Development
Community is layered, interconnected, and built through shared responsibility. We encourage our members, visitors, and supporters to learn more about these organizations and support their work alongside The Digs.
