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History of the Company
History of the Train Station
Mission Statement
Community Outreach
Matt Schiemann
Adam Yungbluth

History of the St. Petersburg Clay Company

Stan Cowen, Russ Gastafson-Hilton and Charlie Parker founded the 
St. Petersburg Clay Company in 1996. Russ withdrew from the company in 
August of 2004 and Sean Manning joined as a partner.  In founding the 
St. Petersburg Clay Company (SPCC) the owners had a vision of creating 
the premiere ceramic facility in the United States. In the beginning, this meant 
offering rental spaces, classes, and gallery sales.

In 2000, the St. Petersburg Clay Company, along with Highwater Clays, moved 
into the Historic Seaboard Coastline Freight Depot. This new relationship and 
the larger space allowed SPCC to move toward accomplishing their goal of a 
premiere ceramic facility by providing retail clay supplies, studio space in which 
artists can work, and an expanded gallery sales area.  

St. Petersburg Clay Company expanded their services in 2009 when The 
Morean Arts Center for Clay moved their clay education program to the Train 
Station. With the clay education program the Train Station is now able to offer 
supplies, education, studio space, and gallery sales in one building.  This 
seamless access to clay services is a unique experience offered in few 
locations in the country; thus allowing SPCC to further the original vision of 
creating the premiere ceramic facility in the United States.

On October 7, 2010, Adam Yungbluth and Matt Schiemann took over the ownership 
and management of the company.  As former Artists-in-Residence, Adam and Matt 
were able to make a smooth transition into continuing the vision of the Clay 
Company. With new ownership and a fresh clay education program SPCC is 
hoping to continue improving its services and contribution to the arts community.