Discover Your Inner Artist at KIFA’s Cascio Clay Center
November 2025 saw the grand opening reception of the Cascio Clay Center at Kent Island Federation of Arts (KIFA). Cascio Clay Center Executive Director, Stephanie Zeiler, welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. The opening of the Cascio Clay Center is the result of the hard work by KIFA volunteers, paid staff, local contractors and other wonderful people within the community.
Carole Casio was an active member of KIFA and also ArtEast and Working Artists Forum in Easton. Carole’s initial career focus was on dance and physical education and also devoted much of her time as a painter and ceramist. She created many watercolors and clay works on display and sold at local galleries Easton, Annapolis and Chestertown. Carole died in her home in Stevensville at the age of 78. To enjoy her art, visit www.carolecasciofund.org/about-carole-cascio/.
Following are current classes and workshops offered at Cascio Clay Center. Contact Stephanie Zeiler at cascioclaycenter@gmail.com with questions, ideas or interests in specific types of workshops, classes or customized personal classes/parties.
KIFA Cascio 2026 Clay Center Workshops
Beginner’s Wheel Class w/Keith Summers for ages 15+
Mondays, 8 weeks starting January 12. 7-9:30am.
Beginner’s Wheel Class w/Kristen Tull for ages 15+
Wednesdays: 8 weeks starting January 14. 5:30-8pm.
Three free Open Studio Passes with enrollment.
Class Fee: $275 members; $290 non-members. Incl 25 lbs. of clay, glazing, firing.
Courses are designed to introduce and familiarize students with the basic techniques of the pottery wheel; designed for those who have never used the wheel or are working on basic skills.
Introduction to Hand-building w/Stephanie Zeiler, ages 15+
Saturdays, 6 weeks starting January 10. 8:30-11am.
Three free Open Studio Passes with enrollment.
Class Fee: $230 members; $245 non-members. Incl 25 lbs. of clay, glazing, firing.
Entry-level course designed to create both functional and sculptural forms using hand-building techniques. For students with no prior hand-building experience or for those who might want to expand on some previous hand-building experiences.
Coffee and Clay Workshop: Let’s Make a Slab Mug w/Stephanie Zeiler, ages 15+
Sunday, January 18. 10am-12:30pm.
Workshop Fee: $55 members; $65 non-members.
Designed for beginners who would like to be introduced to clay and the basic hand-building technique of slab construction. Students will have to come in at a later date once mugs are bisque-fired to glaze piece through guided instruction.