Clay Connections
Overview
Feeling isolated or in need of a creative escape? Clay Connections is a series of mindful pottery painting workshops designed to bring people together and combat isolation, organised by Ife Okwudili as one of Culture Within Newham’s Micro-Commissions.
Clay Connections aims to help people reconnect, inviting people who struggle with loneliness to get creative while building community. The workshops combine art and mindfulness, providing a calming, meditative event that hopes to reduce stress and encourage focus. Inspired by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of "flow"—the state of being fully absorbed in an activity—participants will find joy and relaxation in designing and painting their pieces.
With a focus on inclusion, the workshops bring together people from all walks of life—retirees, single parents, refugees, the bereaved, and anyone feeling disconnected. As participants share stories and encourage each other’s creativity, new friendships will naturally form, helping to break the cycle of isolation.
The project will culminate in a celebration event where attendees receive their beautifully glazed pieces—tangible reminders of both their creativity and the connections they’ve made. More than just a pottery class, this initiative will be a lifeline for many, proving that sometimes, the simple act of creating together can be the key to feeling less alone.
Workshops:
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Date: Thursday 24 April 2025
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Manor Park Library, 685-693 Romford Road, London, E12 5BS
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Date: Friday 25 April 2025
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Manor Park Library, 685-693 Romford Road, London, E12 5BS
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Date: Friday 2 May 2025
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Manor Park Library, 685-693 Romford Road, London, E12 5BS
About the project partners
Community Clay Newham
Community Clay Newham is a newly formed Community Interest Company in East London, dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic power of clay. From small group hand-building sessions to lively paint-your-own pottery workshops—we curate accessible, inclusive spaces where creativity and connection thrive. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, ease loneliness, and promote better mental health through the mindful, hands-on process of working with clay.
Ife Okwudili
Ife Okwudili (she/her) spent over 20 years working as a television producer & executive in both the UK and North American markets, before transitioning to a new career in the world of coaching and training. She holds an MSc in Positive Psychology and coaching in addition to extensive experience managing talented teams both on & off screen. A passionate self-taught potter, Ife also integrates clay work into coaching sessions, using the meditative, tactile nature of ceramics to help clients reduce stress, process emotions, and gain fresh perspectives on their goals. Whether guiding individuals or building community through Community Clay Newham, Ife is on a mission to prove that creativity isn’t just an art—it’s a powerful tool for transformation.
What are Micro-Commissions for Newham?
In December 2024 Culture Within Newham launched a new micro-commissioning scheme for grants of up to £1,000. The first round offered commissions to artists and organisations in the Green Street, East Ham, Manor Park, and Little Ilford areas. The second round of commissions was for Custom House, Beckton, and Royal Albert/North Woolwich.
The micro-commissions aim to support new ideas, providing an opportunity to build experience in delivering artistic or creative projects. Meet the rest of the Micro-Commissions on their dedicated project page.
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