MudGirls Studios, located in Atlantic City, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that works to transform the lives of women facing adversity by offering them training, employment, and a pathway out of poverty. MudGirls uses clay as a vehicle to change lives through the women’s own creations and the sale of functional art and aesthetic, utilitarian objects. Along the way, the women involved gain a source of long-term supplemental income.
“MudGirls was founded on the idea that art can be healing. I’ve always been a maker. I love working with my hands, whether it’s digging in the garden, woodworking or painting. It brings me challenges and joys. I wanted to share that joy with others who may never have been given the opportunity to experience that,” said Dorrie Papademetriou, the director, designer and founder of MudGirls Studios.
What first started as a project at Adelaide’s Place, a day shelter for women, became what is now a full-scale operation 10 years later.
Each week, women came to the shelter and gathered around to roll out clay, making bowls, trays, plates, boxes and decorative items. Papademetriou shared that the women would work with energy and precision, pouring their heart and soul into their ceramic wares. Most created “gifts” for loved ones, not being able to offer much else.
In time, and under the direction of Papademetriou, designs and standard pieces were introduced, and the women were trained in larger-scale production, with attention to detail to produce higher-quality work.
As more creations were made and the women got better and better, they began selling their products at local markets and festivals. As the community got to see their work, orders and demand grew.
“We kept working and making, and people began to notice our work and our mission. I believe people want to be a part of something good, and I think that’s why we have been able to grow. People believed in us, and the power of doing good,” Papademetriou said.
Because of the demand for orders, MudGirls Studios also needed to expand its studio space and find a permanent home. Today, the group has a permanent studio at 2709 Arctic Ave. in Atlantic City.
“Our space is accessible to everyone, seniors as well as children, and we are ready to host team-building events or even ‘girls night out.’ While we continue our mission of employing women in poverty during our day hours, we open our studio to welcome groups, neighbors and friends when we are not working. Owning our building means that MudGirls will have a permanent studio in Atlantic City,” Papademetriou said. “It is our gift to the people of Atlantic City to use our studio, make pottery and enjoy the work of their hands.”
Papademetriou shared that success for the women who are part of MudGirls can come in many ways.
“Sometimes success comes in getting to work on time. Sometimes success comes in being able to work with others, or complete the day’s shift. If we can build confidence and give women the ability to become self-sufficient and see their value, that is our success,” Papademetriou said. “The life skills that we teach contribute to the overall health and improved quality of life for women and the community in which they live.”
Many of MudGirls’ participants have gone back to school or moved on to full-time employment, making it a clear stepping stone toward a better life. Papademetriou shared that many of the women stay in touch and are always grateful for what MudGirls gave them when they needed it most.
“Our goal is the same as it has been from the beginning, to continue to help women in need. There are many rewarding parts of this work. I love when the women are proud of their work. When they open the kiln to see the finished product, they are in awe and say, ‘I love it, I made that,’” Papademetriou said.
“I love when someone is having a hard day and another person throws their arm around her to comfort her. I love when the girls head out at the end of the day and walk home together, or the way that someone starts singing in the studio. There is also a great satisfaction when people tell us how much they love our work. Knowing that our team is acknowledged for their work is beautiful. In this way, I know that they are valued, they are seen, and they are an important part of the community.”
As MudGirls continues to grow and inspire many more women, the organization is also looking to expand its tileworks and start making architectural tiles, as well as introduce some new product lines, like jewelry.
