The Delaware Arts Castle has nearly reached its funding goal for a new pottery and ceramics kiln in less than two weeks.

The GoFundMe page for the kiln replacement was posted on Jan. 21 by Rhainy Edwards, the ceramics coordinator for the Arts Castle, who explained the current kiln recently burnt out and needs to be replaced for pottery and ceramics programs to continue.

“The Arts Castle Ceramic Studio is one of our most popular studios and hosts classes, workshops and camps throughout the year,” Edwards said on the fundraiser page. “Our studio hosts patrons of all ages from our pre-schoolers to our senior patrons. Members can gather and personally connect and continue making our space thriving and a highly sought-after space to be a part of.”

Edwards said on the page that the kiln, and by extension the Ceramic Studio, provides more than just a final product.

“The therapeutic value of working with ones own hands, expressing thoughts and feelings through art, and communing while connecting with other people on a similar journey is immensely valuable,” Edwards said. “… Our studio has a great impact on our community providing a creative outlet to so many! Any donation will help make an impact to benefit Delaware County Cultural Arts Center.”

The page has a goal of $7,500, and by Monday afternoon, $6,565 had been donated to the project for the Arts Castle, which is located at 190 W. Winter St. in Delaware.

On Jan. 26, Edwards posted an update on the page in which she noted how pleased she was with the project’s progress at that point.

“The fundraiser is doing great because of all of your support,” Edwards wrote. “To me this just proves how important our studio is and the impact it has had on so many people! Let’s keep the momentum going!”

The fundraiser page can be found at https://gofund.me/2436fc70. More information about the Arts Castle, including information about its pottery and ceramic classes can be found at https://www.artscastle.org or by calling 740-369-2787.