Philadelphia’s arts community came together for a colorful night of creativity, celebration and support as The Clay Studio hosted its annual Mud Ball 2026 on Saturday, September 26.
The signature fundraiser filled The Clay Studio’s North American Street home with artists, collectors, supporters and friends for an evening celebrating ceramic art and the creative community that has made the organization a Philadelphia institution.
Held at The Clay Studio’s home at 1425 N. American Street, the annual celebration brought together Philadelphia’s arts community for an evening of cocktails, food, ceramics, entertainment and dancing, all while supporting one of the city’s most important institutions dedicated to ceramic arts.
Jennifer Zwilling, Curator and Director of Artistic Programs
And this really is a party with a purpose.
Mud Ball is The Clay Studio largest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds supporting arts education, scholarships, exhibitions, artist residencies and community engagement programs throughout Philadelphia. Funds raised also help keep The Clay Studio’s exhibitions free and open to the public seven days a week.
One of the evening’s most popular traditions returned with the Mystery Cup Grab. For $25, guests selected a mystery box containing a one-of-a-kind ceramic cup handmade by an artist from The Clay Studio community. Guests also had a chance to bid on original ceramic works in the silent auction and try their luck on raffle prizes featuring artwork, experiences and local favorites.
The evening featured food from 12th Street Catering, live entertainment from Brian Sanders’ JUNK dance troupe and, as the night went on, dancing under the stars on The Clay Studio’s rooftop deck.
Beyond the party, the impact of Mud Ball extends throughout the year. Support helps The Clay Studio provide arts experiences for more than 5,800 underserved children and adults through its Claymobile community engagement program, support its resident artists and provide approximately $60,000 in adult and youth scholarships to help remove financial barriers to arts education.
The Clay Studio has long been more than a place to see beautiful ceramics. It is a place where artists work, students learn, communities connect and generations of Philadelphians have discovered what they can create with their own two hands.
Mud Ball celebrates all of that, while giving everyone a pretty good excuse to dress up, raise a glass, buy some art and dance the night away.
Check out the Fall Exhibitions HERE
More photos at CBSPhiladelphia, and a future Philly Style Magazine issue.
