Art Studio, Gallery Reopens In Howard County After Facing Flooding, Pandemic Woes

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The coronavirus pandemic's initial closure of businesses provided the opportunity for a historic building to be renovated and converted into an art studio and gallery. The ClayGround Studio & Gallery in Ellicott City recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and a grand reopening with an unveiling of the studio, which offers a range of pottery, fused glass and mosaic classes as well as an art gallery featuring pieces from local artists, updated the inside of the building to reflect the needs of the art studios, its students and gallery customers.

“We believe providing a fun, inclusive, educational space is key to helping a community thrive together,” Michael Koplow, one of the ClayGround owners, said. “The strength and resilience of Old Ellicott City continues to inspire us and, with this renovation, we are further committing our support to all it embodies along with our wonderful instructors and students with whom we are privileged to share our passion for art and community.”

Ellen, Michael and Matt Koplow took over ownership of the ClayGround five years ago following the devastating flooding in 2016. Matt Koplow was the mosaic instructor for the prior owner. Since reopening the ClayGround under their ownership, the Koplows have withstood their share of hurdles including a second flood in 2018, the pandemic shutdown in 2020 and a large oak tree falling on top of the building just prior to starting renovations.

Despite those challenges, ClayGround serves as the title sponsor for EC250, the 250th anniversary celebration of the founding of historic Ellicott City, and in 2018 they donated $10,000 to the Ellicott City Partnership so that other businesses could recover from the floods.