Today we’d like to introduce you to Clara Schiller.
Hi Clara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Chaska, MN and graduated high school in 2001. I graduated from the U of MN-Twin Cities in 2006 with a degree in philosophy and transitioned from a part-time employee at the Bridge for Youth in Minneapolis to a full-time one . I was a counselor working with youth and families for six years and loved it. By the time my program was eliminated in 2010, however, I was ready for something lighter on the heart and heavier on the wallet. I enrolled at Saint Paul College’s welding program after taking inspiration from my late grandfather’s successful plumbing career. I talked to then training director for the Local 455 Steamfitters Union and was accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program at Saint Paul College for the year following my completion of the welding program. I started working as a pipefitter apprentice on June 5, 2013 and quickly found myself needing a creative outlet. I had enjoyed attending the Art Shanty Projects for years and submitted a proposal with a friend in 2016. Our proposal to create the Boiler Room Shanty was accepted and we set to work building our Shanty and getting a Union boilermaker (who happened to be a relative) to fabricate us a wood-fired boiler. That first shanty was a huge learning experience and a source of creative inspiration for me. We loved our shanty and now I have been a part of a build crew for four shanties, most recently the Wicked Winter Shanty earlier this year. I have been involved with multiple organizations that reflect my passions for art, metal work, and building community: the Southside Battletrain, TC Maker, IAMA, and have been on the board of Women Building Success for several years. I also got to help my aunt fabricate Catching a Wave, a mini golf hole at Can Can Wonderland. In addition to art, the biggest source of professional inspiration has been my position as an instructor for the apprentices of Local 455, working as a pipe layout instructor since 2018. These days I find myself enjoying one-off fabrication projects for myself and friends, walking my dog around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, reliving my first Burning Man experience in 2024, and appreciating my friends and family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was always a little awkward as a kid. Coming out as queer at 16 in 1999 was not the easiest. Getting laid off with 9 other hard-working counselors from the Bridge for Youth in 2010 started a rough transition time. I also had a lot of social anxiety during my five year Union apprenticeship from 2013-2018. Multiple important people in my life have struggled with mental health issues.
All of these challenges have helped me appreciate family, chosen family, mentors, elders, and friends who reflect different areas of interests/passions of mine.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Projects with friends are the passion of my life.
I am an art Shanty artist. I have been part of the crew for the Boiler Room Shanty (2016), Archive Shanty (2018), Shantastic Tours (2020), and Wicked Winter Shanty (2024 & 2025).
I primarily build and have also enjoyed stepping into a performer role with the Wicked Winter Shanty. I am proud of having stepped into a mentor role this year and helping other artists build their vision.
I am relentlessly optimistic, unapologetically effusive, and tireless when it comes to building things.
Any big plans?
We hope to bring the Wicked Winter Shanty back to the ice and continue our vision to bring joy to those who darken our doorway.
I am hoping to build more furniture at a friend’s shop and create functionally beautiful pieces.
