“In challenging times, we keep creating”

Clay Space is excited to introduce you to Fabrica Design Platform, a “sister studio” in Beirut, Lebanon. We consider them a sister and a source of inspiration because their ethos feels aligned with ours in the way they cherish and serve their diverse community, have a strong passion for clay as a medium for expression and healing, and for their extensive array of offerings. Their owner, Nour Zoghby Fares, dropped into Clay Space one day last year with her mom on a visit to NYC. We’ve been exchanging emails ever since and given the difficult strain their studio is undergoing due to the current conditions on the ground taking place in Lebanon, we feel compelled to support them in their endeavors.

Fabrica is not just a studio – it is a space of collaboration, learning, and community. Despite everything happening in Lebanon, they are keeping their doors open as a form of continuity and support, both for their members and beyond.

This interview really captures their ethos and describes how clay, and the act of making, has become a tool for grounding, healing, and connection during a time of deep uncertainty.

The war is greatly impacting daily life, but Fabrica studio acts as a safe place of community and resilience – a trait that is deeply rooted in Lebanese people. Each time their community goes through war, the impact is not only psychological and emotional, but deeply economic. It becomes extremely difficult for Fabrica to sustain their work, keep their doors open, and support the network of people who depend on them. They are navigating a reality where life is trying to continue, yet there is ongoing instability and fear. This tension between staying open and staying afloat is where the real challenge lies for them.

As they respond directly to these tenuous circumstances in order to keep their initiatives going, we have created a fundraiser that aligns with their efforts and will help support the distribution of art therapy kits to displaced communities. Clay Space encourages our community to support our sister clay community as we stand in solidarity with the children and families in Lebanon. All funds raised during Shop Small Greenpoint will be used to support this initiative. The children, families, and wider community they work with are at the heart of Fabrica.