By: Danielle Kearns 
As our opening is approaching in Manchester, we are trying to meet our neighbors, and what better method than another brewery paint night!?

Urban Lodge Brewing Co. opened just a couple of months ago, and they are already hugely popular among the locals. So popular, in fact, that they've had to limit their hours to weekends to keep enough beer in stock.

By: Danielle Kearns
     We would like to congratulate and recognize our seniors who recently displayed their work at the end of year Art Show at Hall High School. Danielle Weinberg and Lindsey Schmucker are two of our Custom Artists who will be leaving for college this fall. ​
      Over the course of their time at the claypen, both ladies have contributed to our many samples, art displays, workshops/classes, and custom pieces. They are extremely talented, warm, gracious, and humble individuals. We will miss having them around the studio, but wish them the best and encourage you to drop them a comment below.

By: Danielle Kearns
​     Can you tell we love beer? The whole point of art is to have another method of relaxation in this crazy world of ours. Beer just takes that to the next level. I've mad it a habit over the years to try as many craft breweries around Connecticut as I can get to. Most recently, I visited Labyrinth Brewery in Manchester. It was an otherwise quiet Thursday night, but you wouldn't have been able to tell that sitting at the bar. The place was packed from wall to wall with all different walks of life enjoying a pint, or a mug club, beer after work. The energy was both relaxed and energetic, a perfect synergy for the post-work crowd. The bar itself was dimly lit with their gothic lighting and decor. Dragons perched on the sides of taps while candles and lanterns alike flickered in the room.
     I am a particular fan of sours, so I especially loved their pink guava... enough to have two. But the tap list has a little bit for every palette.
     While sitting there, I couldn't help but notice just how historic and beautiful the architecture of the place really was. Labyrinth was started up by 3 friends in 2017, one of whom happened to be there that night and gave me a little insight. The building that makes up the taproom, production facility, and art gallery is over 135 years old. Manchester used to be known as a "mill town," so this building has been through it. When established, Chris, Sean, and Adam decided to keep the building as intact as they could and utilize the elements on the property itself. Trees had to be cut down in order to make parking spots, so they used those trees to make the bar, by hand, that spans the length of the facility. The space is beautiful and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere you should be sure to visit.

We are proud to call Labyrinth Brewing Company one of our new partners in collaboration. 

save the date for our in studio tasting : june 14th
preregistration is required for this event 
must be 21+

By: Danielle Kearns
     The local craft beer scene has completely exploded over the past few years and I am all for it. There are now over 50 breweries in the state who are doing their best to cater to the growing interest, and I have made it my personal mission to visit as many of them as I can.  Each time I feel like I’ve made a dent, a new place seems to pop up. I have visited a good portion over the years, but have made it a tradition to indulge in a flight upon each inaugural trip. I highly recommend this practice as it gives you a good sense of the scope and flavors they are playing around with. From there, I choose my favorite to order a full pint of.
     I recently visited Alvarium Beer Company in New Britain.  It was on a Sunday, which has now become synonymous with brunching and day-drinking, so needless to say, the place was absolutely packed!  I made my way through their draft list… strictly as “research,” of course. Their flat screen menu was rotating behind the bar with their most up-to-date tap list, kept up to date with the help of UNTAPPD.  The current menu includes 14 beers, ranging from IPAs, ales, Hefs, sours, and lagers -- as well as a rotating guest tap and snacks from The Drunken Alpaca.
     We are so excited to announce that we will be hosting our first brewery collaboration with Alvarium this month, so mark your calendar and save your spot now, because spots are already starting to fill.  
     During the event, a member of the Alvarium team will be at the studio pouring some of their current selections while you are painting any piece of pottery of your choice, but knowing we’ll have some professional drinkers in the house, we are sure to stock up on some appropriate drink-ware including wine tumblers, shot glasses, and beer steins.  But you can truly paint whatever you want that evening and enjoy the ambience and tastings all the same.

save the date: friday, march 15th
Pre-registration is required.  This is a 21+ event.
**Registration costs covers your Studio Fee + use of silk screens. It also reserves your seat! You will pay for your pottery of choice same night.
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We will be welcome Alvarium back on friday, may 24th
Pre-registration is required. This is a 21+ event. 
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a management mention
We’re hoping this is the start of many more collaborations for us in the future, especially with other small and local businesses.  If you might be interested in planning an event with us, contact our Events Coordinator, Cait.  We can also come to you!  That’s right -catered claypen is available for team bonding, networking, fundraisers, events, and more.  Inquiries can be submitted to our owner, Sophia.