Transforming Lives Through Art
MudGirls Studios began in Adelaide’s Place, a day shelter for homeless women in Atlantic City. Each week, women gathered around the kitchen table to roll out clay, creating bowls, trays, plates, and decorative items. This weekly ritual, known as "clay day," became a source of joy and creativity, allowing women to pour their heart and soul into their ceramic wares. Many crafted gifts for loved ones, finding purpose in their creations.
Under the guidance of Founder and Designer Dorrie Papademetriou, MudGirls Studios evolved from a small gathering into a thriving nonprofit organization. As demand for their high-quality, handcrafted products grew, so did the workforce, expanding to ten talented women artisans. This diverse team, representing various races, ethnicities, and life experiences, collaborates daily, turning challenges into opportunities.
With the generous support of Fr. John Thomas and the Parish of St. Monica's, MudGirls Studios found a permanent home in the former St. Michael's School, providing a functional studio space for creativity and production. A significant turning point came when the Atlantic City Development Corporation commissioned MudGirls Studios to design and produce ceramic tiles for Stockton University and South Jersey Gas, further establishing their reputation in the community.
Today, MudGirls Studios continues its mission to empower economically disadvantaged and at-risk women through art and entrepreneurship. By providing training and skills, the organization helps women transition out of poverty and onto a pathway of self-sufficiency. Each piece of functional art sold represents a step toward personal and economic empowerment, reshaping the futures of these talented artisans.