Greenville’s makers community gets new ceramics program
GCCA announces new program, leader
Greenville Center for Creative Arts announced that ceramic artist and educator Brook Barlow, founder of Brooklynn Ceramics, will lead its new ceramics program.
According to a news release, Barlow (right) is known for creating welcoming, hands-on experiences that inspire creativity and connection, and brings a vision focused on artistic excellence, community, and making ceramics accessible to people at every stage of their creative journey.
After a successful career in advertising and brand strategy, Barlow found ceramics at a pivotal point in her life. What began as a personal creative outlet soon became a passion that led her to open Brooklynn Ceramics, a studio built on the belief that working with clay can awaken our creativity, foster personal growth, and create lasting community. Today, Brooklynn Ceramics is known for its thoughtfully designed workshops, immersive classes, and vibrant creative community.
“Clay has an incredible way of slowing us down and reconnecting us with ourselves,” Barlow said. “My goal has always been to create a space where people feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired, regardless of their experience level. Joining GCCA is an opportunity to build an exceptional ceramics program that serves both aspiring artists and experienced makers while strengthening the creative community throughout the Upstate.”
As ceramics lead, Barlow will oversee the development and growth of GCCA’s ceramics program. She will work alongside Education Director Kara Tyndall and additional ceramics instructors to create a cohesive educational experience, strengthen studio operations, develop structured learning opportunities, and expand programming for students of all skill levels.
“With Brooke’s leadership, GCCA’s ceramics program is poised to expand its educational offerings, strengthen its community of makers, and become a dynamic destination for ceramic arts in Greenville,” said GCCA CEO Sara Grambach.
Gramback shared aspects of the program’s vision, which includes:
- Establishing one of the Southeast’s leading community ceramics programs.
- Creating clear learning pathways from beginner through advanced levels.
- Expanding workshops, specialty classes, and immersive creative experiences.
- Supporting instructors through collaboration, training, and shared teaching standards.
- Building a welcoming studio culture where creativity, curiosity, and connection flourish.
- Positioning GCCA as a premier destination for ceramic arts in the Upstate.
Barlow will also offer signature Brooklynn Ceramics experiences at GCCA.
About Brooke Barlow
Brooke Barlow is a figurative ceramic sculptor and the founder of Brooklynn Ceramics, a Greenville-based studio dedicated to creating meaningful experiences through clay. Drawing on a background in advertising and branding, Brooke brings both artistic vision and an intuitive creative process to her work as an educator and artist.
Her sculptural practice explores themes of self-discovery, transformation, and the complexities of the human experience. Through expressive figurative forms, she invites viewers to reflect on identity, vulnerability, resilience, and the stories we carry. This same philosophy influences her teaching, where she encourages curiosity and exploration in an inclusive environment that welcomes artists of every skill level. Brooke believes that working with clay is not only a creative practice but also an opportunity to connect more deeply with ourselves, with others, and with the process of making. More information about Brooke Barlow.
About Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Greenville Center for Creative Arts (GCCA) is the largest nonprofit community art center in the Upstate and is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and connecting people through the visual arts. Housed in the historic Brandon Mill in West Greenville, GCCA serves as a creative hub for the Upstate by offering year-round classes, workshops, exhibitions, artist studios, and community programs designed for artists of all ages and experience levels.
With a mission to make the visual arts accessible to everyone, GCCA fosters an inclusive environment where creativity can flourish. Through exceptional instruction, engaging exhibitions, and meaningful community partnerships and programming, GCCA provides opportunities for individuals to explore new artistic disciplines, develop their skills, and connect with fellow makers. As one of the region’s premier destinations for visual arts education and creative expression, GCCA is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Greenville and empowering artists at every stage of their creative journey. More information about Greenville Center for Creative Arts.