After Rough Summer, Clayworks Hosts Major Fundraiser

The Mt. Washington based Baltimore Clay Works, after a tumultuous summer that saw its executive director resign over an undisclosed budget shortfall, will be hosting its largest fundraiser of the year, the Clay Ball.

"This is our number one, this is our biggest fundraising event of the year," said Sue Langford, the nonprofit’s events liaison.

Baltimore Clayworks describes itself on its website as a "ceramic art center that exists to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community that provides outstanding artistic, educational, and collaborative programs in ceramic arts."

Tickets for the event are $185 and will be held from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the B&O Railroad museum. The event will be emceed by WJZ-TV's Denise Koch and will feature a silent and live auction, live music and a seated buffet, according to the website.

Langford said that Paul Derstine, the interim executive director will address attendees at the fundraiser, but that the 32-year-old organization is still conducting an international search for a new executive director. She said that Derstine, who came on board in September, is expected to stay in the interim position for the next six to nine months.

Benjamin Schulman, the former executive director, resigned after the organization had a budget shortfall, according to the Baltimore Messenger.

Despite the events of the past year, Langford said employees are carrying on and continuing to focus on Clayworks goals.

"We have such a fabulous staff here. We’re all just doing our jobs because we believe in the organization," Langford said.