Workshops · Exhibitions · Demonstrations · Market

Join us this July in beautiful Silver City, NM for a vibrant celebration of ceramic arts! This year's CLAY Festival features hands-on workshops, dynamic exhibitions, artist talks, and a weekend marketplace full of handmade wares. Whether you're a maker, collector, or enthusiast—there's something for everyone.

Workshops

 Register early—spaces are limited!

1. Tattooing Fine Lines Into Round Pots

with Bianka Groves

July 14–18 | 10am–5pm daily | $535

@ Western New Mexico University

Learn to enhance thrown forms using an inlay surface technique similar to tattooing. Students will make pots and personalize them with delicate carved designs filled with black slip.

link to register: https://secure.touchnet.com/C22616_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=365 

2. Surface Exploration and Development

with Jessica Wilson

July 14–16 | 10am–4pm daily | $250

@ Bear Mountain Lodge

Explore techniques like sgraffito, mishima, resist methods, image transfer, slip trailing, decals, and more. Build a personalized surface vocabulary through hands-on experimentation.

To register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (575) 538-2538

3. A Patchwork of Pattern Play

with Miranda Howe

July 12–13 | 10am–4pm daily | $350

@ Diana Ingalls Leyba Studio & Gallery

A playful two-day workshop on decorating slab-built forms with embossing, mishima, slip-trailing, stenciling, and underglazes.

To register: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | (575) 388-5725

4. Bench Carving Workshop

with Athena Steen and Danielle Felgenhauer

July 16–18 | 10am–4pm daily | $375

@ Whiskey Creek Zócalo

Learn natural building fundamentals while co-creating a sculptural earthen bench with clay, straw, stone, and adobe. Led by renowned builder Athena Steen.

Link to register: https://caneloproject.com/workshop/scultped-earthen-benches/ 

5. The Art of Pigment Hunting

with The Pigment Hunter

July 14–15 | 10am–5pm daily | $250

@ Whiskey Creek Zócalo

Explore Silver City's landscape and learn to identify, responsibly collect, and process natural pigments and clays for use in ceramic practices.

Link to register: https://pigmenthunter.com/workshops.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawKm3VVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyREFna3VQeHd3ckZPQlhwAR7sHOdQYPCAoEPBZx-TyEE5JId-MsdxPoo3DjLOIR2-hWTzx0YZ45Q7AjtQUA_aem_ZuFzYnb0fMaPLFv9h86aDA 

Exhibitions

 

PERCEPTION

Juried Group Exhibition

Opens: July 4, 5–7pm

@ Light Art Space | 209 W. Broadway

A diverse collection of ceramic works exploring how we see, interpret, and interact with the world. Gallery hours: Thurs 11–4, Fri 11–5, Sat 11–7.

It's a Fine Line Between…

Solo Exhibition by Bianka Groves

Opens: July 4, 5–7pm

@ Flash Gallery | 209 W. Broadway

Elegant, wheel-thrown porcelain with carved, inlaid surfaces reminiscent of tattoo art.

Weathered Patterns

Solo Exhibition by Miranda Howe

Reception & Talk: July 13, 5–7pm

@ Diana Ingalls Leyba Studio & Gallery | 315 N Bullard St

Utilitarian and sculptural ceramics inspired by patterns, textures, and geologic forms.

Shades of Clay

Group Exhibition with Kate Brown & Barry Gillen

Opens: July 18, 5–6pm

Final Day: July 26

@ Made In Silver City | 206 W. Broadway

Gallery hours: Wed–Sat, 10am–5pm

More info coming soon!

Book Presentation & Live Pottery Demo

 

Mata Ortiz: Poetry of the Clay

Saturday, July 19 | 10am–3pm

@ Silver City Museum Annex | 302 W. Broadway

Award-winning author Charmayne Samuelson presents her bilingual photo and poetry book featuring 24 Mata Ortiz potters, with readings at 10am, 1pm, and 2pm.

Throughout the day, master potter Oralia Lopez will demonstrate her world-renowned painting technique using traditional Mata Ortiz methods. 

 

The CLAY Market at the Historic Murray Hotel

 

Saturday, July 19 • 10AM–4PM

Sunday, July 20 • 11AM–2PM

The Murray Hotel – 200 W Broadway, Silver City, NM

Shop handmade, one-of-a-kind clay-centric creations from local and visiting artists during the CLAY Festival's beloved market weekend! From functional pottery to sculptural works, you'll find beautiful and unique pieces while supporting makers directly.

Held in the elegant Historic Murray Hotel, the CLAY Market is free and open to the public.

www.Murray-Hotel.com • (575) 956-9400

 

Stay Tuned

More exciting programming—including children's activities—will be added soon.

Visit www.clayfestival.com for full updates, registration links, and event details.

 We hope to see you in Silver City this July!