Location
Atlantic City
Origin
Several years ago, artist Dorrie Papademetriou held “clay days” once a week at Adelaide’s Place, a day shelter for homeless women in Atlantic City. It was so popular and some of the women were so skilled that in 2016 She opened MudGirls Studios to provide job training and supplemental income to women on probation, in recovery or facing housing insecurity.
Mission/vision
The mission of MudGirls Studios is to serve at-risk women living in poverty in Atlantic City by providing training and skills to transition out of poverty and onto a pathway of self-sufficiency. It helps women earn supplemental income through the creation and sale of functional art.
Key programs
- Job skills training for underemployed women
- Creation of beautiful, functional tableware and public tile mural art
- Collaboration with underserved Atlantic City communities — families, children, seniors — to provide clay and art experiences
Biggest event/fundraiser
An annual fundraiser in the fall.
Supporters/donors
It has many supporters in the community, particularly the New Brunswick Development Corp., which supports its mission through art mural commissions in its extensive building projects. Most recently, MudGirls created a 40-foot-long art tile mural for the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center, a DEVCO project.
One more thing
It has successfully placed four women in full-time jobs this year with the help of partners in Atlantic City, particularly Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Ocean Casino Hotel and AtlantiCare.
How to support
There are so many ways to support MudGirls Studios. You can buy its gorgeous tableware and home goods online at mudgirlsstudios.org, or you can donate through its website. Private individuals and businesses of any size are welcome to contact it regarding commissions such as corporate gifts, giveaways, employee recognition or event swag.
