Lane Events Center, 796 W 13th Avenue Early October www.clayfest.org
Clay is an amazingly versatile medium, equally adaptable to purely functional creations and wildly imaginative works of art. Adept artists who work with clay are bound only by their imaginations, as this long-popular form of expression can render so many different objects: tiles, jewelry, whimsical little animal forms, wall hangings, pots for plants, vases for flowers, and sculptures ranging from imitative to caricature to genres defying description. And of course clay artists produce an unlimited array of tableware—plates, bowls, platters, cups, mugs, and more.
Clay Fest Eugene – Top USA Festivals Photo Gallery
In short, clay crafts run the gamut from primitive to exotic, and for three days each October Clay Fest in Eugene assembles an amazing and robust group of clay artists, with nearly seventy participating in recent years.
Clay Fest, held at the spacious Lane County Fairgrounds, provides a showcase for the artists and an opportunity for attendees not only to marvel at the incredible variety of clay works but also to purchase their favorite pieces or even commission something special from a favorite craftsperson. There is truly something for everyone’s taste, with myriad offerings from unique and decorative to entirely functional and practical. Virtually all the artists come from throughout Oregon, with many based right in Eugene. Clay Fest is planned and run by the artists who participate in the show. A small percentage of the proceeds is used to fund the show, and the rest goes directly to the artists and to charity. The show is a fundraiser for Local Clay, an independent nonprofit organization of potters from the Southern Willamette Valley, the Central Oregon coast, and Roseburg and the vicinity. Proceeds are earmarked for the organization’s Clay in Education program, which provides funding for ceramic activities in local schools.
Always a big hit at Clay Fest is the supervised Kids Clay area where children have fun creating clay pieces and gaining insights into the world of clay from the artists at the show. Another crowd pleaser is the demonstration area where some of the participating artists show how they make their work. In addition to the individual artist booths, the Clay Fest Gallery features works by participating artists, highlighting their best pieces. Gallery awards are given out for first, second, and third place, which are voted on by the potters in the show. The Lane County Fairgrounds provides abundant free parking, and admission to the show and sale is always free.
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