Kaabo means welcome in Yoruba.
Kaabo Clay is a virtual social network that connects Black ceramic artists and encourages in-person initiatives by and for our members. The collective exists to decrease experiences of racial isolation and to claim our heritage and influence as African descended people within the field of ceramics. Our Annual Award for Black Ceramicists has paid out over $30,000 to our constituents since 2021 to fund projects, activities and aid that directly benefits our community. Membership is open to anyone identifying as a Black ceramicist regardless of skill level or educational background.
Get involved by joining the forum.
Access is free and open to all Black-identifying ceramicists by joining the site. This is the place where we connect, exchange ideas, ask for advice and share opportunities. Keep up with the forum on your phone by downloading the Spaces mobile app.
2024 Kaabo Clay Awardees
Announcing the 4th Annual Kaabo Award for Black Ceramicist recipients!
Adeola Blessing Bamikole was awarded $5,000 toward the purchase of studio equipment for Pot Craft Nigeria. The equipment will be used to implement an economic empowerment project wherein ten local youths will be trained in sustained innovative pottery production in Abuja, Nigeria.
Joy Okokon was awarded $2,500 toward the completion of her thesis project which focuses on the preservation of traditional Nigerian women’s hairstyles and the ancient technique of bronze casting, using ceramic sculptures and molds respectively. The award also funds her attendance as a panelist to the upcoming Arts Council of the African Studies Association conference.
Angelique Scott was awarded $1,500 toward supplies and materials for her studio practice to complete her final year of graduate study.
Chris Ekuafeh was awarded $1,000 toward materials to build a kiln that will be used to advance his studio practice and in workshops and trainings he provides for aspiring artists, youth and young women in his community in Lagos, Nigeria.
David Obeng Adane was awarded $1,000 toward the purchase of materials and equipment needed to advance his studio practice in Tema, Ghana.
Akilah Scharff-Teoh was awarded $1,000 toward preparation for a 2025 solo show and as a show of support after experiencing acute hardship over the past year.
Materials for Nigerian Ceramicists
Kaabo Clay has formed a partnership with an artist collective in Lagos, Nigeria called Visions in Clay. We supply them with oxides, mason stains and other ceramic materials which are not easily accessible in Nigeria and in exchange, they share their experience and expertise with the collective through virtual artists talks. Support this initiative by donating below.
Kaabo Clay x
The Freedom School of Sarasota
Creating access to clay art for youth in Sarasota, Florida in collaboration with The Freedom School. Clay generously donated by Highwater Clays of Florida.
The mission of the Manasota ASALH Freedom School is to teach the truthful history of Africans and African Americans in the founding, formation, and development of American society and culture to any child, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, in a free, community-based Saturday program.
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Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thanks to corporate donations from Amaco Brent and Speedball, we provided free passes for nine of our members to attend NCECA, the largest ceramics event in the world.
Kenya Moffett Garner, photo courtesy of Kenya Moffett Garner
Photo of Jabulile Nala, courtsey of Aba Hutchinson
Winnie Owens Hart & Kay Marin, photo courtesy of Kay Marin
Kaabo Clay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Meet our board members!
Contact Us
A better future is possible. Contact us to learn more about our mission and work, or to become involved yourself.