Ceramics and Community—Finding My Place at Coco-op

The Makerspace isn’t just a place to create—it’s a space for growth and connection. Coco-op provides people in Flagstaff access to tools and resources that support hands-on creativity, a fundamental part of the human experience. Below is a story that reflects this spirit—one that resonates with many of our members.

"I discovered slinging mud in my 20s and it changed my life.

I went to CCC and was in the clay program. It made me overall more calm and helped my anxiety, made my relationship better, and opened my eyes to an entire world of possibilities. Then it came crashing down when my financial aid was cut. I had to drop out of school and that meant the clay program as well. Everything seemed jagged again, my anxiety came flooding back, and the world around me became more and more sour.

Intermediate ceramics class learns how to throw large vessels at Coco-op Ceramics Studio

For years, I dreamed about the serenity I found behind a turning wheel and a lump of clay, but woke up wanting to cry because it wasn't a possibility—until a few months ago! When my sister told me about the Makers Studio, I felt the butterflies of hope again!!

We went on the tour and it was AMAZING. Not only did it have a ceramics studio, a literal home for my heart, there were so many creative outlets and like minded people I wanted to cry! I signed up the next day and immediately drove to Visible Difference for some low fire clay.

My life is complete again and I can't thank you enough."