Ses Clay Dee Day

After a successful first edition at Showroom MAMA in Rotterdam, this do-it-yourself exhibition was held three more times: at ‘De Strip’ in Vlaardingen (2001), the Glaspaleis in Heerlen (2004), and Nieuwegein (2010). SES Clay Dee Day was a hands-on exhibition in which visitors themselves became the artists. The motto? “Don’t just look at art — make it yourself.” Each venue transformed into a colorful, lively clay landscape where everyone — from curious toddlers to enthusiastic grandparents — could freely unleash their imagination. In a specially designed “sushi clay bar,” participants sculpted soft, brightly colored clay creations that were added to the ever-growing tabletop landscape.

Remarkably, many visitors drew inspiration from current events such as the Twin Towers attack, tsunamis, or the World Cup. But plenty of hilarious fantasies also took shape in clay. One woman, shocked by a clay figure of Hitler, spontaneously sculpted a large bird above it — defecating on his head. And of course, the classic playful body parts made their appearance as well. The idea for Clay Dee Day came from Victor Vroegindeweij, then just 17 years old, and was further developed together with Mothership, MAMA, and a creative team.

With a thousand kilos of children’s clay — sponsored by SES Creative — the project grew into a colorful, inclusive meeting place. Tourists, students, policymakers, families, and people who might never normally visit an art space sculpted side by side. At the end, the “Al-Clayda team” selected several sculptures from which visitors could vote for their favorite. The winning piece was cast in bronze and given a permanent place in the city center, while the other winners received a year’s supply of free clay.

A playful, expressive project with lasting impact — exactly the kind of art Mothership loves.