By Julia Train
Dorrie Papademetriou spends her days covered in clay in MudGirls Studios, a space that was once St Michael’s parochial school in Atlantic City.
Old classrooms that had lain vacant for over three decades were transformed into a place that creates social impact in the local community through art and empowerment.
The nonprofit’s inception in 2016 was driven by Papademetriou’s desire to offer creative programming to individuals who had never experienced such opportunities before.
“The idea was to use clay as a medium to gather people, work collectively and empower them to create and find value in their work,” said Papademetriou, founder of MudGirls Studios.
The approach not only transforms clay into art, it also helps individuals transform their lives by providing them with a sense of purpose and achievement.
The initiative took root at Adelaide’s Place, a women’s day shelter, where Sister Patty welcomed the idea with open arms.
“Sister Patty exemplified what it means to serve others,” Papademetriou recalled. “Her warmth and dedication made her the perfect partner for our first endeavor.”
Women from the area would visit the shelter to spend one day a week making bowls, trays, plates, boxes and other decorative items as gifts for loved ones or themselves.
Eventually, Papademetriou began hiring and training women from the shelter to create pieces to sell at local fair trade and makers festivals. The proceeds paid the wages of Papademetriou’s employees.
The collaboration with Adelaide’s Place provided a foundation for MudGirls Studios to grow and extend its reach, assisting women from various backgrounds.
“Our mission is to help women in poverty,” said Papademetriou. “Along with poverty, many of our participants have faced homelessness, mental illness, and abuse. We offer them a safe space to find connection and value in themselves.”
As demand for the products grew, MudGirls Studios needed to expand as well.
Father John Thomas and St. Monica’s Parish offered the space with below-market rent, to create a full-time, functional studio.
“The building had light streaming in the windows and was just waiting to be transformed,” said Papademetriou. “We decided to breathe new life into it and create something meaningful for the community.”
After an eight-week training program, participants work as part of the studio’s team, earning hourly wages while contributing to various projects.
“We start with simple projects and gradually introduce more complex tasks,” Papademetriou explained. “It’s important to us that every piece meets our standards and reflects the quality we strive for.”
There are usually between eight and 10 people in the studio at any given time, working on everything from custom orders to large-scale public art installations.
Community outreach
MudGirls Studios also engages with the community through outreach programs and collaborations with schools, family centers and senior living communities.
“These programs allow our participants to teach others and further their own development,” said Papademetriou.
Tajah Gay, who has been working at the studio since 2020, is in the midst of completing an artist residency at the New York Avenue Apartments in Atlantic City through a partnership with the South Jersey Cultural Alliance.
She’s spending several weeks there, making vases, trays, ornaments and more handmade trinkets with its residents.
Gay started coming to the studio through a program at the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) Human Services.
Through JEVS, Gay received her GED and was introduced to MudGirls Studios.
“I was supposed to be here for two weeks… but Dorrie asked me if I wanted to work here,” said Gay, 22.
Gay said she enjoys the people she works with and being able to be artistic for a job.
MudGirls Studios exemplifies the intersection of art and social impact, often through its collaborations of creating art at places like Stockton University, Rutgers University, Atlantic City Development Corporation and South Jersey Gas Administrative Headquarters, among others.
One notable project, according to Papademetriou, is the tile wall at Ocean Casino, which features personalized tiles recognizing employees.
“This installation celebrates the diversity of the workforce and fosters community pride,” she said. “We hope our work not only adds beauty to the area but also moves people and improves their quality of life.”
Planning a move
MudGirls Studios is currently raising funds to move to a first-floor space, which will allow them to be more accessible and functional, expanding their reach within the community.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, the studio will host a cocktail party with food by the Knife and Fork Inn with its one-of-a-kind pieces up for sale in order to help with the move. It’ll take place next door to MudGirls Studios at Dante Hall Theater from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“When people see our work, we hope it moves them and adds something positive to their lives,” the spokesperson added. “It’s about making a difference through art.”
Julia is a recent Rider University graduate, where she studied multiplatform journalism and social media strategies. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, trying new coffee shops, photography and the beach. She can be reached at juliatrainmedia@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
