Scratch Ceramics opened in the fall of 2024 by artist and educator Nathan Catlin, with a vision of creating a space centered around community, creativity, and a shared love of ceramics. At the time, Ridgewood had no public-facing ceramic studios, and Catlin saw an opportunity to bring something new to the neighborhood: a welcoming place where people could learn, create, and connect through clay.

With more than 15 years of experience as an educator, Nathan has taught art at the university level and ceramics at community studios and shops before opening Scratch. That experience shaped the studio’s approach to teaching: classes are grounded in strong instruction, but also in the belief that learning ceramics should feel welcoming, creative, and community-driven.

Scratch’s teaching team reflects that same philosophy. Our instructors are practicing artists and experienced educators, bringing their own perspectives, techniques, and creative practices into the classroom. Several have been part of Scratch since the very first day of classes, helping shape the studio and its community from the beginning.

Since opening, Scratch has grown to support 45 members and has welcomed more than 300 students through its classes and workshops, many of whom have been part of the studio since its very first days. What began as an idea to fill a gap in the neighborhood has grown into a thriving creative community. Scratch continues to build on that foundation—creating a place where new artists can learn, experienced makers can grow, and everyone has a place at the wheel.