Baltimore Clayworks, a nonprofit center dedicated to the ceramic arts, is closing after 37 years in existence. The organization, which hosted classes for children and adults as well as exhibitions of world-class work, was a pillar of the Baltimore arts scene and the nationwide craft community alike.

The decision to shut the doors comes in the face of mounting debt. Interim executive director Devon Powell told the Baltimore Sun, “We’ve had to make the difficult decision to file Chapter 7 [bankruptcy] and shut down operations. We’re sad about the totally avoidable and unnecessary loss of Baltimore’s jewel of a ceramics organization.”

Powell’s statement alludes to a fundraising struggle between Baltimore Clayworks and the Clayworks Community Campaign, groups with different visions for how the organization might right its ship. Baltimore Clayworks planned to sell its Mount Washington buildings and relocate; the Community Campaign was opposed to the move and raised $200,000, but asked to be represented on the board in exchange for the money. The tension between the two groups can be seen on the Baltimore Clayworks website, which includes this statement: “The group using the slogan ‘Save Clayworks’ has no relationship whatsoever with Baltimore Clayworks and donations to ‘Save Clayworks’ in no way benefit our organization.”

How the closure came about, though, is secondary to the plain fact of it. Baltimore Clayworks educated beginners and promoted working artists; it represented the kind of local hub that the arts need in order to thrive in communities. It was a gallery, a school, a summer camp – a daily presence. It will be missed.