FAQs
About ClayAKAR?
ClayAKAR is a contemporary ceramics gallery dedicated to studio pottery and the artists who make it. We present thoughtful, beautifully made work that brings together function, form, surface, and individual voice. From everyday pots to sculptural objects, we believe handmade ceramics can bring beauty, meaning, and pleasure to daily life.
AKAR means “forms and shapes” in Sanskrit, a name that continues to reflect our appreciation for the many possibilities of clay.
Our History
AKAR was established in 1998 by Sanjay and Jigna Jani, both architects with a shared passion for ceramics, art, architecture, and design. What began as a broader design-focused space evolved into ClayAKAR, with a dedicated focus on contemporary studio ceramics, both in our Iowa City gallery and online.
ClayAKAR is now led by Jigna Jani, who oversees the gallery’s exhibitions, artist relationships, collections, and overall direction. Sanjay remains part of the process behind the scenes, lending his eye to photography, visual presentation, quality assessment, and the many details that influence how the work is presented.
More than 25 years later, ClayAKAR continues to be shaped by curiosity, a love of good design, long-standing relationships with artists and collectors, and the simple pleasure of living with handmade ceramics.
How do I make a purchase?
Select an item and click Add to Cart. When you are ready, open your cart and proceed to checkout.
Because many of our ceramics are one of a kind, an item is not reserved until checkout is complete. During larger show openings, another customer may purchase the same piece first, even if it briefly appears in your cart.
What if the “Add to Cart” button is not responding?
During larger show openings, increased website traffic can occasionally affect the Add to Cart button.
Try refreshing the page or opening ClayAKAR in another browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
During gallery hours, you may also call us at 319.351.1227, and we will be happy to assist you by phone.
Do I need to create an account?
No. Creating an account is optional.
An account can make future checkout faster by saving your billing and shipping information and giving you easy access to your order history and status.
You may also choose Shop Pay for a faster checkout experience on future purchases.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept most major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and ClayAKAR gift cards.
Will I receive an order confirmation?
Yes. You will receive an email confirmation after your order is placed and another email with tracking information when your order ships.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, as long as your order has not yet shipped.
Please contact us as soon as possible at 319.351.1227 or contactclayakar@gmail.com.
Can I pick up my order at the gallery?
Yes.
Before checkout, select View Cart and choose Free Local Pickup when available.
Customers with an Iowa shipping address will see the Free Local Pickup option during checkout. If you live outside Iowa but would like to pick up your purchase at the gallery, please call us at 319.351.1227 to complete your order
Can I purchase a gift card?
Yes. ClayAKAR offers both printed gift cards and e-gift cards.
Printed gift cards can be mailed to you or directly to the recipient. E-gift cards are delivered electronically.
Can I send a purchase as a gift?
Yes. We include a packing slip with the order, but prices are not shown. If you would like us to include a short gift note, please add your message at checkout or contact us after placing your order.
Can I have my purchase gift-wrapped?
At this time, we do not offer gift wrapping.
Are ceramics food, dishwasher, and microwave safe?
Care and use vary by artist and piece. Many functional ceramics are food safe and suitable for everyday use, but dishwasher and microwave safety may differ depending on the clay body, glaze, firing, and construction.
Please refer to the individual product description when available. If you are unsure about a specific piece, contact us at contactclayakar@gmail.com and we will be happy to check with the artist.
What are your shipping costs?
Our minimum shipping charge is $16 for purchases up to $150.
For purchases over $150, shipping is calculated by adding 10% of the amount above $150 to the $16 minimum shipping charge. For example, a $200 purchase has a $21 shipping charge.
Shipping charges cover shipping, handling, packing materials, and insurance. We carefully wrap and double-box ceramic purchases and ship via UPS and USPS.
If you place multiple orders on the same day and would like us to combine them when possible, please contact us by email or phone.
When will my order ship?
Work purchased from our weekly Friday shows typically ships within 3–6 business days after the show date, with some orders shipping sooner. Our regular shipping days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will receive a tracking number by email when your order ships.
For larger group exhibitions, please allow approximately 1–3 weeks for shipping and delivery.
If you need an item by a specific date or would like expedited shipping, please contact us. We will do our best to accommodate your request and can provide an estimate for any additional shipping charges
Do you ship outside the United States?
Yes. We ship internationally.
At checkout, international orders are charged an initial $32 USD shipping deposit. Because international shipping costs vary by destination, package size, and weight, we will contact you within 3–5 business days with available shipping options and the additional cost, if any.
Each shipping option includes tracking and insurance. We will confirm your preferred option and final shipping cost before the order is sent. Any additional balance can be paid through an invoice sent by email.
For customs, we describe the contents as handmade ceramics. ClayAKAR will use the appropriate customs classification for the work being shipped. International customers may also be responsible for customs duties, taxes, or fees assessed by the destination country.
What is your return policy?
All returns must be reported within 14 days of delivery and approved by ClayAKAR at contactclayakar@gmail.com before being sent back.
Returned items must be unused and in salable condition. Shipping and handling costs are non-refundable. Sale items are final sale.
Return to:
AKAR
Attn: Returns
257 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52240
We will notify you by email once your return has been received and processed.
How do I report a damaged item?
Please inspect your order upon delivery. If an item arrives damaged, contact us immediately at contactclayakar@gmail.com with photos of the damaged item and packaging.
Please keep the damaged item, all original boxes, and packing materials until the claim is resolved. We insure our packages and will submit the shipping claim.
Damage claims may not be covered if reported more than 14 days after delivery.
Can ClayAKAR website images be reproduced or used?
Photographs and graphics on the ClayAKAR website are the property of ClayAKAR and may not be reproduced or used without written permission.
What is your privacy policy?
We respect your privacy and do not sell or share your personal information. Information provided to us is used only as necessary to process orders, communicate with you, and support your relationship with ClayAKAR.
Artist Submissions / How do I submit work to ClayAKAR?
Our exhibitions are invitational, with no application fees. We host several group exhibitions each year, including Yunomi, Coffee Mug, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s shows, and we are always interested in discovering new artists.
To introduce us to your work, please email contactclayakar@gmail.com with the subject line Artist Submission and include:
Images of your work, a website link, or Instagram link
Any information you would like to share about yourself and your work.
Still have a question?
We’re happy to help. If you have a question about an artist, a piece, an order, shipping, or anything else, please contact us at contactclayakar@gmail.com or call 319.351.1227 during gallery hours.
We look forward to hearing from you.