CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- In Central Virginia, there are many outlets people can use to create art and express themselves. One that stands out is City Clay in downtown Charlottesville.

“First and foremost, aside from being an educational institution, it really is a community and it’s a community of people who like to make things. I think in this day in age when communities are few and far between where people get to know each other, this is a very cherished space," said owner Randy Bill.

City Clay is an independently-owned clay studio that offers a creative environment, equipment and classes for professional potters to students of all ages. 

“We are primarily an educational studio, so we teach lots of classes. We have about 13 teachers and we run about 20 classes a session. We have about 150 to 250 students a season, so that’s just the classes.," added Bill. "We also have some workshops and if you’ve never done this before and you’re not sure you want to commit to it, we have some try-it sessions."

With such a vibrant and engaging community, City Clay also strives to give back to those in need. 

“I think everybody here is so aware of our world and all of the things that are just heartbreaking and there’s just a natural instinct to want to help, so it’s like OK how can we help? During the Afghan war, we donated money to the International Rescue Committee and we had a throw-down with the potters," said Bill. "We made plates and all sorts of dinner tableware for the IRC to place in the new homes that the refugees were coming to.”

To find out more about City Clay, click here.