The Digs Chicago
501(c)(3) ceramics studio
𖡡 West Town
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 nurture 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.
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.
Whether you're just beginning or deep in your practice, The Digs offers space to work, experiment, and connect.
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Residency is designed for artists seeking a dedicated, long-term studio environment. Ideal for those wanting to join a community of likeminded artists.
Residents receive:
✷ 24/7 access
✷ Private studio space (5X8, 8X8 or 10X12 sqft)
✷ Free kiln firing + studio glazes
✷ Access to ceramic facilities
✷ Participation in studio events and marketsResidencies are offered on 6-month terms (pricing varies depending on space. See more about residency pricing here)
This program prioritizes artists building sustained, independent practices within a community setting.
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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 intermediate-advanced ceramicists looking to practice independently
Members have access to shared workspaces, equipment, and community programming.
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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.
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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.
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Supports artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a professional studio environment rooted in visibility, agency, and creative expression.
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Provides shelter, advocacy, and long-term support for young people experiencing homelessness, helping create pathways toward safety and stability.
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Creates opportunities for Latino communities through education, workforce development, and access to career pathways and essential resources.
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Provides housing and supportive services for youth, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness across Chicago.
Learn More
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Rats! Tax! specializes in tax preparation for individuals, sole proprietors, and single-member LLCs based in Illinois—especially those in creative fields.
Whether you're an artist, musician, or maker, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer year-round support to help you manage your taxes clearly and creatively.
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Lawyers for the Creative Arts is the only Illinois provider of pro bono legal services dedicated to individuals and organizations in all areas of the arts.
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The Chicago Center for Craft is a hub for artists specializing in and pushing the boundaries of craft media such as wood, metal, clay, glass, and fiber. Their mission is to connect artists working in craft media to audiences and supporters, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and collection opportunities.
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old friends is an art gallery located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, IL. The gallery presents practices with increased focus on material application, supporting critical conversation through archival and communal programming.
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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.
CONTACT
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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General Questions:
info@thedigschicago.com
Fawn Penn ✦ Facilities Manager
fawn@thedigschicago.com
• kiln rental
• internship opportunities
• studio maintenance questions and concerns
• status of class work
Zoe Minzenberger ✷ Programming Manager
zoe@thedigschicago.com
• sales
• membership opportunities
• instructor applications
• gift card scheduling
• programming questions and collaborations
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333 N Oakley Blvd Suite #305
Chicago, IL 60612
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Please no walk-ins!
Tours are available for new members or scheduled events (inquire to be put on the invite list for our next event!)Open hours are for:
Day Passes, make-up classes, and finished work pick up ONLY.
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Day Pass & Pick Up Hours:
Saturday 12pm-5pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm
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For work pick up, please wait for a pick up email before stopping by!