Clay College 2026
Your registration is not complete until you have submitted a liability waiver for Common Clay Pottery.
Follow this link to submit the waiver Common Clay Pottery Waiver and then proceed to the registration button below.
A selection of Mayco and Amaco products will be available for sale at this event.
If you’re interested in placing an order for pickup at Clay College contact Sarah at adeovart@gmail.com. Orders will be accepted up to Friday Aug 21st.
The Blue Ridge Potters Guild is excited to host their annual Clay College! This event is free and open to all, with all demonstrations provided by Guild member volunteers. Please register below to ensure that your spot is saved.
Schedule:
10-11: Glaze and Slip Decoration with Ann Hess
Ann will provides a quick introduction to ceramic chemistry and safety, focusing primarily on combining slips and glazes. Handouts on technical concepts will be provided. There will be a hands-on time when you can test five stain-colored slips and a wild clay slip. Please plan to bring 5 small, leather hard test tiles in your preferred clay if you would like to participate
11-12: Underglaze Transfers with Sarah Joiner
Sarah will introduce participants to transfer application techniques, discuss useful tools and best practices, and demonstrate ways to combine designs to create unique surface decoration. Attendees will also have the opportunity to apply transfers to clay test tiles as part of a hands-on learning experience. There will be sample packs and transfer sheets available for participants to take home at no cost.
12-1: Lunch. Assorted sandwiches, water, tea, and coffee will be provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share!
1-2: Flexible Molds with Nell Fredericksen
Nell will be showing how to mold and prepare forms for the casting process.
2-3: Slab Forms with Andy May
Andy will be demonstrating the methods and techniques he uses to form his handheld abstract sculptures. Starting with the slab rolling methods, he’ll then create the shape around a wooden form and finish up by applying texture. He’ll bring a number of finished works to pass around.
Presenter Bios:
Nell Fredericksen draws inspiration from two main sources: the sacred, life-giving natural world and the sculptural transformation of raw materials like metal, clay, and glass. Nature shapes every design with organic lines and colors, while the tactile manipulation of diverse media brings inner visions to physical life.
Ann Hess is a studio potter who uniquely blends an extensive scientific background with ceramic artistry. After earning a B.S. from Michigan State University and an M.S. from the University of Illinois in chemistry, she transitioned from the laboratory to a decades-long studio practice. Her work specifically explores mid-range, cone 6 pottery, utilizing her deep knowledge of chemical behaviors to master the complex variables of clay bodies, slips, and glazes.
Sarah Joiner began her pottery journey in 2003 during my college years at Ashland University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that she fully immersed myself in this rewarding art form. For her, pottery is a journey of discovery and learning. Joiner appreciates the multi-step process; from a block of raw clay to the final reveal when opening the kiln, it offers endless opportunities for creativity and growth. It’s a craft that keeps her curious, whether it’d testing new glazes or refining techniques. Her satisfaction lies in the balance between trial and error, the unexpected surprises, and the thrill of seeing a finished piece come to life.
Andy May returned to pottery after a fifty year hiatus working and raising his family. Today his ceramic art could be described as Sculptural Ceramic Form. Exclusively hand built and/or extruded, and working quickly, his forms come to life right before his eyes. He rarely works from a drawing. Instead, he employs standard hand rolled slab techniques, often around a form, and adds texture with tools, found objects, fabrics, alphabet pasta, 3D printed stamps created on his trusty Bambu A1 Mini printer, and anything else in view. Next he applies his own engobes with various brushes, sponges and a spray atomizer. Now comes bisque firing to Cone 05-06 and then glazing. Here he uses a combination of custom and commercial glazes and resists, fired to Cone 5-6 with occasional freak outs to Cone 10. The results of this madness is a tangible, textural form, often sized to pick up and handle, that is an accurate representation of his inner chaos, kept in check by Jesus, his family and making pottery.
BRPG Annual Show and Sale
The BRPG Annual Show and Sale will be at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia.
Saturday Nov 7th, 10am - 6pm and Sunday Nov 8th, 11am - 4pm
Stay tuned for more details……
Mold Making and Slip Casting with Dara Hartman
Workshop Description:
Ever wanted to try mold making and slip casting but didn’t know where to start? This hands-on workshop is all about jumping in and getting comfortable with plaster. Dara Hartman will guide you through the process of making your own molds—whether you’re interested in slip casting or press molds—one step at a time.
We’ll mix plaster, talk through the right ratios (no guesswork), figure out how to get rid of pesky air bubbles, and clean everything up so your molds are ready to use. Along the way, we’ll look at different kinds of molds, how they work, and why you would make them.
Dara will also share a behind-the-scenes look at her own work, including how she builds her large-scale ceramic quilts—from designing and making molds to casting multiples and putting all the pieces together.
You’ll leave with your own one-part mold and the confidence to keep experimenting in your studio.
Participant Skill Level:
All skill levels are welcomed!
Artist Bio:
Dara Hartman is a full time studio artist in Salt Lake City, UT and the Director of the Women Working With Clay Symposium at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. Dara is the 2026 Frances Niederer Artist-in-Residence at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. She served as the Exhibitions Committee Chair and regional team support for the 2025 Salt Lake City NCECA.
Dara received a BFA from Virginia Tech and an MFA from Montana State University. In 2005, she was an Artist in Residence at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT. She has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clark College in Vancouver, WA, and Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, OR. Dara’s career includes a stint as a product designer and design team leader which led to traveling in China and working with factories on model design and production. In 2018, Dara was a Resident Artist at the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in Jingdezhen, China.
See more of Dara’s Work on her website https://www.darahartman.com/
Suggested Participant Materials:
• Small model for casting (Ideally a tile approximately 1” thick, no more than 6”x6” wide with no undercuts-see below)
• 18” x 18” (approximate) sheet of plexiglass or laminate shelving
• Particulate Mask/Dust Mask
• Assorted Clay Tools (fettling knife, metal rib, sponge, wire tool, needle tool)
• Extra Metal Rib, Sponge for plaster
Sandwiches and Drinks will be provided. Please bring a side or a dessert to share!
Roanoke Earth Day Celebration: free clay experience
The Blue Ridge Potters Guild will be offering a free clay experience for adults and children at the Roanoke Earth Day Celebration in Grandin Village. Instructions and assistance will be provided to create a small hand-built or sculpted work of art using air-dry clay. Participants can keep their creation and complete further painting and decoration on their own.
Blue Ridge Potters Guild Annual Show & Sale: Day Two
Blue Ridge Potters Guild Annual Show & Sale – Roanoke, VA
Join us for the Blue Ridge Potters Guild's premier pottery event of the year—a celebration of handcrafted ceramic art from some of the most talented potters in Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian region. This highly anticipated pottery show and sale will be held in Roanoke, Virginia, and showcases functional and decorative ceramic works including mugs, bowls, sculptures, vases, and more.
Whether you're a collector, casual shopper, or fellow ceramic artist, you'll find unique, one-of-a-kind pottery pieces for your home or as thoughtful gifts. Meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and experience the beauty and diversity of handmade pottery up close.
Location:
Patrick Henry High School
2102 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
November 8th from 10 am - 6 pm & November 9th from 11 am - 5 pm
Admission is free and open to the public. Ample parking available.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists, find something special, and enjoy the vibrant arts community of Roanoke, VA. Presented by the Blue Ridge Potters Guild, promoting the ceramic arts for over 30 years.
Blue Ridge Potters Guild Annual Show & Sale: Day One
Blue Ridge Potters Guild Annual Show & Sale – Roanoke, VA
Join us for the Blue Ridge Potters Guild's premier pottery event of the year—a celebration of handcrafted ceramic art from some of the most talented potters in Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian region. This highly anticipated pottery show and sale will be held in Roanoke, Virginia, and showcases functional and decorative ceramic works including mugs, bowls, sculptures, vases, and more.
Whether you're a collector, casual shopper, or fellow ceramic artist, you'll find unique, one-of-a-kind pottery pieces for your home or as thoughtful gifts. Meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and experience the beauty and diversity of handmade pottery up close.
Location:
Patrick Henry High School
2102 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
November 8th from 10 am - 6 pm & November 9th from 11 am - 5 pm
Admission is free and open to the public. Ample parking available.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists, find something special, and enjoy the vibrant arts community of Roanoke, VA. Presented by the Blue Ridge Potters Guild, promoting the ceramic arts for over 30 years.
GO BIG….Learning to throw large vessels
Workshop Description:
In this demonstration workshop, Lee will explore the entire process of making large vessels, both on the wheel and hand-built. Consideration will be given to clay bodies, tools, equipment, firing concerns, glazing, and managing the creation of large pieces.
In this workshop, you’ll learn: How to go bigger with your work, how to care for the pieces as they go through the ceramic process, and how to successfully plan and prepare to go big.
Participant Skill Level:
Intermediate to advanced (but the workshop is interesting to beginners as well)
Artist Bio:
Lee Hazelgrove has been a studio potter living in Richmond for nearly 40 years. He studied ceramics at Virginia Commonwealth University and subsequently apprenticed with Richmond Artist Robin Cage, studied in Spain with Master Potter Seth Cardew, and made numerous trips to Central America where he worked with and learned from the potters of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Much of his career has included teaching at numerous Art Centers, Colleges, and Universities. His work is included in many private collections and several museums, and he has had solo exhibitions or been featured in galleries all over America and Europe.
See more of Lee’s Work on Facebook, Instagram, or his website https://www.leehazelgrove.com/
Clay College
The Blue Ridge Potters Guild is excited to host their annual Clay College! This event is free and open to all, with all demonstrations provided by Guild member volunteers. Please register below to ensure that your spot is saved.
Schedule:
10-11: Layered Surfaces with Emily Williams
Emily will demonstrate her techniques for creating layered and more visually complex surfaces through slips, underglazes, sgraffito/mishima, and screen printing. If time allows, there will be an opportunity for participants to try the screen printing process.
11-12: Flexible Molds with Ingrid Chase
Ingrid will demonstrate techniques for making simple, flexible molds. Participants will then have time to make their own! Clay and molding material will be provided. Please bring basic clay tools and a wooden board or plastic bat to sculpt on if you would like to participate.
12-1: Lunch. Assorted sandwiches, water, tea, and coffee will be provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share!
1-2: Cookie-Cutter Bowls with Sandy Walker
Sandy will show folks how to create a vessel by piecing together clay shapes cut from a slab with a cookie cutter. Easy and fun for all ages. Please bring a small cereal bowl, a 12”-24” piece of canvas, fun cookie-cutter shapes, and basic clay tools.
2-3: Making Stencils with a Craft Cutter
Ingrid will piggyback on the techniques presented by Shalya Marsh in our last workshop. Ingrid will help you digitize your drawings and convert them to a file that can then be cut with a craft cutter. There will even be a craft cutter set up for you to try cutting stencils if time allows! Participants should bring a laptop or iPad to work from.
Presenter Bios:
Ingrid Chase is a high school art teacher and a pattern-obsessed potter. She was drawn to clay for its versatility and the endless opportunities it offers to explore new techniques and creative possibilities.
Sandy Walker has been playing with clay for 25 years and never gets bored. She can't seem to limit herself to one type of creation, though she loves carving, sculpting,g and detail work. She taught Surface Decoration at the Creative Arts Center in Burbank, CA before moving to Virginia. She hopes to be doing this for another 25 years!
Emily Williams is an artist living in Salem, Virginia. After receiving her BFA in Ceramics and Sculpture from Appalachian State and her MFA in Sculpture from UNC-Chapel Hill, Emily has found footing in her love of functional ceramics. Her current functional work features natural imagery through screen printing and interesting glaze effects, which combine to create pseudo watercolor visuals. She enjoys playing with the surfaces she creates on mugs and vessels, using each as an individual canvas and creating unique compositions.
Stencils for Dynamic Ceramic Surface with Shalya Marsh
Do you want to create more dynamic and personalized surfaces on your pots? In this workshop you will learn how to make and use stencils to create incredible ceramic surfaces!
In this hands-on workshop, Shalya Marsh will demonstrate her strategies for using craft cutters (such as the Silhouette Cameo and Cricket Maker) to cut stencils for dynamic ceramic surfaces. Whether you have a craft cutter, or are thinking of getting one, this workshop will introduce you to a variety of ways to make and use stencils. Not a fan of technology but really want to know how to use stencils to spice up your surfaces. Have no fear, this process also works with hand cut stencils.
Juried Student Show Closing Reception
Please join us to celebrate the amazing work of our area students! Light refreshments will be provided. Awards will be announced at 5:30.
2024 Pottery Show
The BRPG Annual Show and Sale has been held yearly since 2000.
During that first year, the show hosted 15 of the Guild’s ceramic artists at Virginia Western Community College.
Through the years, the venue has changed several times to accommodate as many as 70 potters. The show is currently held at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia during the fall season. Highlights of the event include multiple exhibits and the sale of diverse ceramic art including contemporary sculpture, wall art, and functional ware. Throughout the weekend, customers have the opportunity to observe potters demonstrate various clay techniques and decorating skills. For added fun, show attendees have the chance of winning one of the beautiful door prizes, all of which have been donated by participating potters.
Molly Walter
Molly guided participants through her carving process, from choosing an appropriate clay body, design considerations, carving techniques and airbrushed underglaze application. You can find her work at Clayspace Co-op Gallery in Asheville, NC, Online, and in local shows.
Sculptural Teapots with Julie Elkins
Julie Elkins’ took our sculptural teapot-making skills to the next level!