Founder, Dan Dermer

Our Mission

We hope everyone who visits Higher Fire will be invigorated and inspired with the tactile experience of clay. Our goal is to provide a community-based studio where both beginners and more seasoned clay artists can work together in a supportive, friendly atmosphere.

Creativity, the earthy aroma of clay, amazing glazes, and music playing the background – it’s heaven on earth here!

Our History

Founder, Dan Dermer opened Higher Fire Clayspace & Gallery in the heart of downtown San Jose’s South First Arts District. Our building is a restored and renovated warehouse with high ceilings, wood beams, and tons of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the studio.

In 2010, we started with 10 pottery wheels and two instructors, and over the years have grown into a large, bustling clay studio with 25 wheels, 250 members and students, several gas kilns, and more than a dozen instructors offering 12-14 ceramics classes per week, depending on the season.

Today, we offer weekly classes, studio memberships, visiting artist workshops, team-building workshops and corporate events, and a gallery of hand-made pottery and sculpture. Come play in the mud! Find your inner clay-geek, and get inspired by the amazing teachers and students at Higher Fire.