When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
The Digs Chicago
Why The Digs Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Digs Chicago stands out as a premier ceramics studio and community hub located in West Town, Chicago. Founded in November 2020 by School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumni Zoe Minzenberger and Fawn Penn, this 501c3 nonprofit offers a spacious, modern, and light-filled 6,000 sq/ft facility that fosters creativity and collaboration among ceramicists of all levels. The studio is home to over 100 members through its Residency and Pay to Clay programs, providing many opportunities for artists to develop their skills and showcase their work. The open concept layout, filled with plants and cozy accents, contrasts traditional dim, basement studios and encourages a dynamic exchange among artists. The Digs offers a variety of ways to engage including classes, workshops, private parties, and community events like the annual Chicago Ceramics Crawl city-wide open house. Visitors appreciate the clean, well-equipped space complete with throwing wheels, slab rollers, and an inclusive vibe. Its expansion in 2022 and 2024 has enabled The Digs to host more residents and broaden its community programming, emphasizing professional development such as networking and selling artwork. The founders’ recognition on Forbes 30 Under 30 Chicago underscores the studio’s influential role in shaping Chicago’s contemporary ceramics scene.
Here's what people think of The Digs Chicago
As of recent, The Digs Chicago holds a 4.5-star rating based on 19 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise The Digs Chicago for its welcoming atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and strong sense of community. Positive comments highlight the studio's cleanliness, organization, and the encouragement of creativity it provides. Users appreciate the accessible Day Pass sessions that allow them to work independently with provided materials and staff support for firing and glazing. The open layout and natural light create a pleasant workspace that inspires artistic practice. Many reviewers commend the diverse programming and the opportunity to connect with other artists and learn new techniques. On the other hand, some negative remarks mention the limitation that Day Pass users cannot store their work or return to pieces after their session, requiring pick-up weeks later. A few users note the lack of direct instruction during Day Pass sessions, which might be challenging for complete beginners. However, these points are mostly related to the studio's operational policies rather than the quality of the space or community. Overall, the reviews portray The Digs as a highly valued ceramics studio that balances professional support with a collaborative, friendly environment conducive to both emerging and established artists.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Betsy Broaddus
I’ve been a member at The Digs for over two years and participated in several classes and workshops along the way. I cannot recommend this studio and community enough for ceramic artists looking to grow in their practice! The space is beautiful and fosters collaboration between the dozens of talented artists who call this studio home. The owners possess so much expertise and are available to the community. I’ve learned from my teachers, peers, and friends here—AND they’re pet friendly. What more could you ask for?
Jonathan Kinsey
Lovely neighborhood studio, super friendly and supportive of all projects. I am a complete novice but got so much help from the staff and the artists here, which made my project feel so much more manageable and fun. Had all the tools I ever needed, plenty of space to work, dedicated shelf space all worth noting.
Grace Achepohl
I cannot speak more highly of The Digs Chicago. The community Fawn and Zoe created is unlike any other. At The Digs, I've made incredible friends and grown creatively. Within a year, I went from barely being able to throw a mug to creating an entire dinnerware set. Take a class!! Join The Digs!! P.S. They are dog friendly :)
Jason Hutcheson
Amazing studio space, community, and programming. The workshops are fun and the teachers are very hands on—some of my favorites have been the Feels on Wheels series. The day passes are such a blast to pop in and/or bring friends to the studio and play with clay, and I love the quarterly open houses to get demos and meet others. Everyone is always so nice and the creative talent is inspiring. Definitely check out The Digs if you get the chance!
Casey Tangonan
The Digs is an excellent space for learning different types of pottery skills and techniques. I've done a few different activities there (classes, events, and day passes) and the communication is always prompt and smooth. Everyone there is super helpful and nice!
How to reach The Digs Chicago
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Why The Digs Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Digs Chicago with your friends?
When gathering your friends or family for a memorable meetup, The Digs Chicago offers a uniquely enriching environment that combines creativity, fun, and connection. Located in the vibrant West Town neighborhood, this artist-run nonprofit ceramic studio invites groups to step away from the usual crowded bars or noisy restaurants and instead dive into a hands-on artistic experience. Why just socialize when you can do togetherness in a way that sparks imagination and builds lasting memories? At The Digs, you don’t need any prior art skills—everyone can channel their inner artist while exploring the tactile joy of working with clay. The atmosphere here encourages collaboration, laughter, and creative expression, making it easy for groups to bond over both the process and the finished pieces. This place is more than just a studio; it’s a creative playground where friends can rally for a fun, engaging, and novel outing that brings everyone closer through the shared experience of making art. Whether you want to create personal mugs, sculpt imaginative items, or try your hand at the pottery wheel, The Digs guarantees a relaxed, supportive vibe that makes it an ideal spot for reconnecting and celebrating friendship in a fresh way.
What activities can you enjoy as a group at The Digs Chicago?
The Digs Chicago specializes in pottery parties designed specifically for groups ranging from 7 to 15 participants, making it perfect for friend circles, families, or small office gatherings. Unlike conventional paint-a-pot studios, The Digs provides participants with artist-made ceramic pieces in their wet clay phase, which is the optimum time for creative modification. As a group, you get to decorate and sculpt on a functional base piece, choosing either a bowl or a mug. This hands-on approach allows every participant to carve their designs, add handles, and attach sculptural elements, transforming simple pottery into personal works of art. The process is highly tactile and engaging for all ages and skill levels, encouraging everyone to try new things, be playful, and collaborate without pressure. Additionally, The Digs offers an Intro to Wheel Throwing class for groups of 5 to 9 participants who want to push their creativity further by learning the challenging—but incredibly rewarding—technique of shaping clay on a potter’s wheel. The joy of experimenting with the wheel together fosters camaraderie and friendly encouragement, making it a perfect experience for a meetup where everyone wants to try something new and share laughs. The studio's instructors guide you patiently, so these sessions become bonding opportunities rather than challenges.
Why is The Digs Chicago ideal for hosting group meetups?
The combination of creative activities, flexible group sizes, and a supportive, artist-run nonprofit ethos makes The Digs Chicago an ideal venue for meetups. Firstly, the intimate size of the pottery sessions, accommodating up to 15 participants, strikes a perfect balance between being small enough for everyone to get individual attention and large enough to feel lively and festive. The studio’s setup encourages interaction rather than isolation, so groups can talk, laugh, and support each other while working on their projects side-by-side. Secondly, the focus on clay work offers a distinctively immersive and tangible experience that stands out from typical social gatherings. Participants leave not only with shared memories but with personalized ceramic pieces they can keep, making the meetup last well beyond the day itself. Thirdly, The Digs offers a welcoming, relaxed environment that emphasizes fun over perfection, which helps alleviate any intimidation some might feel about trying art for the first time. This inclusive atmosphere invites people of all artistic levels to join in without hesitation, making it a stress-free choice for friends who want to connect over creativity. Lastly, being based in the bustling West Town area means the studio is easily accessible, and groups can easily extend their outing with nearby dining or entertainment options, turning a day at The Digs into a full social experience.
What makes The Digs Chicago unique compared to other group venues?
Several factors set The Digs apart from standard meeting spots such as restaurants, bars, or entertainment centers. The primary distinction is the hands-on creative element that fosters genuine collaboration and personal expression. Unlike passive environments where people merely hang out, The Digs invites guests to engage all their senses through touch, visual design, and imagination. The act of shaping and decorating clay is both meditative and exhilarating, striking a unique balance that can deepen social bonds more naturally than typical activities. Another unique aspect is the studio’s artist-run, nonprofit status, which reinforces a community-first philosophy instead of a purely commercial one. This attracts instructors and participants who are genuinely passionate about art and social connection, enriching the vibe and energy of every event. Furthermore, the studio’s emphasis on working with wet clay—allowing participants to carve, attach handles, and sculpt in real-time—creates a more dynamic, creative process than simple paint-your-pot experiences often seen elsewhere. This level of artistic freedom couples craftsmanship with spontaneity and humor, making meetups feel fresh and memorable. Lastly, The Digs regularly hosts visiting artist demos and community events, offering a cultural backdrop that adds depth and inspiration for guests, encouraging them to explore the creative world beyond just their meetup.
How does The Digs Chicago accommodate different group needs and preferences?
Flexibility is key to The Digs Chicago’s appeal for group meetups. The studio offers multiple party packages tailored to different group sizes and skill interests. Whether your group prefers a casual and social decorating session or wants to challenge themselves with an introductory pottery wheel class, The Digs can accommodate these differing desires. The pottery parties welcoming 7 to 15 people are perfect if your group wants a laid-back creative hangout where everyone can work on their pieces at their own pace. Alternatively, smaller or more adventurous groups (5 to 9 people) can opt for the Intro to Wheel Throwing class, which allows participants to develop new skills together under expert guidance. Moreover, the studio provides all the necessary materials and tools, so groups don’t need to worry about supplies or setup—making the planning process hassle-free. The staff’s welcoming and patient attitude ensures beginners feel comfortable, while those with some experience can still find the challenges and inspiration they seek. This adaptability makes The Digs not only appealing for casual social outings but also for corporate team-building or family gatherings, where different personalities and preferences can all be catered to in one space.
What lasting memories and benefits can groups take away from a meetup at The Digs Chicago?
One of the most rewarding outcomes for groups who rally at The Digs Chicago is the combination of shared creative experience and tangible keepsakes. After the party, each participant takes home a unique ceramic piece, such as a personalized mug or bowl, that serves as a physical reminder of the time spent together. This not only extends the memory of the meetup but also provides a talking point to revisit the day’s fun and creativity long after the event. Additionally, engaging in a cooperative art form helps break down social barriers and fosters communication and teamwork in subtle and enjoyable ways. The process promotes mindfulness and relaxation, which can leave attendees feeling refreshed and reconnected. Many groups find that the laughter and conversations sparked by their artistic experiments create deeper bonds, making The Digs a perfect venue for reconnecting with old friends or strengthening family ties. Finally, the novelty of pottery and sculpting in a supportive environment is something many participants recount as a highlight of their social life, creating a unique blend of fun, challenge, and accomplishment worth repeating.
In summary, The Digs Chicago offers an outstanding choice for anyone looking to host a group meetup that combines creativity, meaningful interaction, and lasting memories. With focused pottery parties, skill-building classes, and a welcoming community space, it is a versatile, inspiring venue that transforms ordinary social gatherings into extraordinary artistic adventures.