Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The Lincoln Clay Arts Center enriches our community by fostering creativity and lifelong learning through the clay arts, while preserving and revitalizing Lincoln’s historic Carnegie Library.

Our Vision

LCAC envisions a vibrant cultural hub where art, history, and community intersect. By honoring Lincoln’s rich heritage—including the clay legacy of Gladding, McBean and the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie—we aim to nurture artists, inform future generations, and serve as a regional cultural destination that helps drive the revitalization of downtown Lincoln.

Core Values

1. Stewardship

We honor Lincoln’s unique history—from the legacy of Gladding, McBean to the civic philanthropy of the Carnegie Library. We are dedicated to preserving these stories and physical landmarks, using our past as a foundation to inspire future generations.

2. Access

We believe that art belongs to everyone. We are committed to dismantling barriers by providing affordable workspaces, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels, and maintaining an environment where everyone feels they belong.

3. Expression

We foster an environment of artistic exploration, curiosity, and technical skill. Whether an artist is touching clay for the first time or mastering a complex glaze formula, we provide the resources, mentorship, and freedom necessary to push creative boundaries.

4. Growth

Curiosity has no age barrier. We cultivate talent at every stage of life, offering programs that spark imagination while also proving it is never too late to learn a new craft.

5. Belonging

We are more than a studio; we are a gathering place. We believe in the power of the arts to revitalize, bridge social gaps, and connect people with shared cultural experiences, dialogue, and collaboration.

Community-Focused Objectives

The Lincoln Clay Arts Center is guided by a set of objectives that reflect its commitment to artists, education, and providing a positive community impact: 

• Support the regional clay arts community by providing exhibition and workshop opportunities for established and emerging artists.

• Offer skill-building and educational programs for people of all ages and experience levels.

• Create student-focused learning opportunities that inspire creativity and appreciation for the arts.

• Serve as a gathering place for lectures, presentations and intimate cultural events.

• Develop permanent and rotating exhibits that celebrate Lincoln's artistic and architectural heritage.

• Contribute to downtown revitalization by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.