Real Community for Adults Outside Utah’s Religious Norms
Utah is a beautiful place—but if you don’t align with the dominant religious culture, it can sometimes feel like there’s no space for you to belong. If you’ve found it hard to make friends, feel accepted, or find a genuine community here, you’re not alone.
At The Clay Hole in Draper, we’ve created a radically welcoming studio for adults of all backgrounds—especially those looking for community outside traditional religious structures.
A Community That Respects Who You Are
You don’t need to explain your beliefs—or lack thereof. You don’t need to belong to a ward or attend church to find friends here. What we care about is kindness, openness, and curiosity. That’s it.
- No religious pressure or expectations
- All backgrounds and identities welcome
- Inclusive of LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and non-traditional adults
- Friendship formed through shared creativity and time—not doctrine
You can be fully yourself here, whether you’re ex-Mormon, non-religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or something else entirely. The Clay Hole is a space for belonging without belief.
Pottery Is the Perfect Path to Friendship
A 2018 study out of the University of Kansas found it takes over 200 hours of shared time to form close friendships. Pottery creates that time in the most beautiful, low-pressure way possible. You work side by side, talk when it feels right, and let connection form naturally.
For more on this research, see this article from the University of Kansas.
We’ve also shared stories on how adult friendships form here at The Clay Hole.
Weekly Classes That Offer Belonging
Our monthly membership includes one 3.5-hour class per week. It’s long enough to unwind and connect—but short enough to fit into your busy adult life.
- Monday Morning: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday–Friday Evenings: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
You’ll build with clay—and with people who value you for exactly who you are.
See Membership Options & PricesWhat You’ll Find at The Clay Hole
- A massive 10,000 sq. ft. studio filled with warmth and light
- Over 500 glazes and 100 underglazes to explore
- Thousands of tools available—no supplies needed
- 4 instructors in every class for support and guidance
- Dan Pearce—founder, artist, and ex-Mormon—attends every class
Have questions before you start? Our FAQs cover everything from logistics to first-time nerves.
FAQ
I’ve felt excluded from community in Utah. Is this different?
Yes. The Clay Hole is intentionally inclusive and welcoming to those who don’t feel at home in mainstream religious settings. We’re here for you—whoever you are.
Is clay or firing included in membership?
Nope! Those are billed separately so you only pay for what you use—keeping it flexible and simple.
Visit The Clay Hole in Draper, Utah
A peaceful, central space to find your people:
12896 S Pony Express Rd, Suite 100, Draper, UT 84020