OPA Ceramic Showcase

Eat from something made by hand (it really does taste better… science is still out, but we stand by it).

Join us at THIS WEEKEND and discover bowls crafted for everyday use—wheel-thrown, hand-built, a set or one of a kind. These are the pieces you’ll reach for again and again, made by local potters who turn clay into something both beautiful and functional.

Explore thousands of handmade works from 200+ artists and find the bowl that makes every meal feel just a little more special.

Admission is Free!
📆April 24-26, 2026
⏱️ Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm
📍Oregon Convention Center, Hall D

Shoutout to our sponsors—you made this magic happen!

Because of your support, Ceramics Showcase 2025 is bursting with beautiful work, interactive exhibits, and the creative energy of hundreds of artists. Thank you for investing in our community and the future of ceramic arts.

.johnsclay

We are deeply grateful to each of you for believing in the power of art, education, and connection.

This weekend, 500 artists and crafters will display, demonstrate and distribute their work during the free and public Gathering of The Guilds and OPA Ceramic Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center.

A guild is a group of people who make art and crafts in sculpture, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, beading, woodwork or woven textiles.

Janet Buskirk is a board member of Oregon Potters Association and says that her guild provides social and professional support in an otherwise solo career. She says most of her friends are potters she knows through her guild.

“Professionally, being a part of the potters association, I know who to call if I need to fire a piece of pottery in a certain way with a certain kiln, or who to borrow material from,” Buskirk said.

The Oregon Potters Association holds membership meetings every two months.

“Before the pandemic, not many people - especially young ones, were showing up,” Buskirk said. But post-pandemic, Buskirk says on average, 100 people are attending the member meetings, including 30-somethings.

About half the people at the show make all or part of their living with their artwork. “This is something that you can do as your passion and your job,” Buskirk said.

The Gathering of the Guilds and Ceramic Showcase is often the first show that emerging artists partake in and the organizers recognize that with a mentorship program to teach new members how to do a show.

“You have to haul in your own supplies, tables, lighting, and that can be daunting,” said Buskirk. “For newbies, we have a bunch of shelving and storage - and someone shows them how it all happens.”

Art Beat featured artists Uli Kirchler, Gesine Kratzner, Lani Ching and James Jones will be participating in the event.

The Gathering of the Guilds and Ceramic Showcase
April 25-27 (hours vary)
For more info visit: https://gatheringoftheguilds.com/

To learn more about woodworker Uli Kirchler check out our story in the first comment.
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Janet Buskirk Pottery

Artist Spotlight: Meet More Talented Makers from Ceramics Showcase 2025

From playful forms to refined detail, this group of artists brings personality, skill, and soul to every piece they create. Whether you're drawn to bold sculpture or the quiet beauty of everyday pottery, you’ll find something to love at this year’s Showcase.

This is what Ceramics Showcase is all about—connecting people to pottery and the artists who shape it. As proud members of , these makers are part of a thriving creative community that uplifts and inspires.

🗓️ April 25–27, 2025
📍 Oregon Convention Center, Hall D – Portland, OR
🎟️ Free Admission | $3 Suggested Donation
🔗 More details: ceramicshowcase.com
👉 Follow and for more artist spotlights and event info!

✨ Featured Artists:
– Matthew Palmer
– Jess Volk
– Michelle Gallagher
– Akari Altman
– Annie Heo
– Miranda Trostle
– Jeanne Henry
– Rachel Warkentin
– Dan Peccia
– Sharyn Smith

👏 Give them a follow and come meet them in person this April!

Down to the wire and stoking those fires 🔥🔥 as OPA members get the last of their wares into their kilns in order to bring their best to Ceramic Showcase at the end of next week: April 25/26/27 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland ✨✨✨
You won't be disappointed!
Represented here are:
Melanie Smith of .Lit.Clay,
Lara King of ,
Jess Graff of , and
Dave Winget of

For more info, visit: https://www.ceramicshowcase.com/