Utilitarian Clay
Held only every four years, the Utilitarian Clay Symposium is as unique as it is rare. Over three days, sixteen potters and a series of guest speakers will offer demonstrations, conversations, lectures, panels, and exhibitions focused on the contemporary significance of the handmade vessel. It is a unique celebration of utilitarian pottery that fosters community and strengthens the dialogue in the field.
Celebrating the Object in Form and Function
Utilitarian Clay VIII | September 10-13th, 2025
Keynote Speaker: Ayumi Horie
2025 Presenters: Adero Willard, Autumn Cipala, Birdie Boone, Brenda Quinn, Brooks Oliver, David Eichelberger, David MacDonald, Didem Mert, Forrest Lesch-Middelton, Heesoo Lee, Kenyon Hansen, Martina Lantin, Michael Hunt & Naomi Dalglish, Shikha Joshi, Ted Neal, YoonJee Kwak
Invited Speakers: Ben Carter, Julia Galloway, Bill Griffith
A Legacy of Connection and Innovation
It all started with a conversation. In 1990, nationally acclaimed potter Michael Simon was invited to the Arrowmont campus to teach a workshop in the clay studio. During that workshop, Arrowmont director Bill Griffith pulled Michael aside to discuss a new idea. In this conversation, Bill outlined a preliminary vision for a new program focused exclusively on functional pottery. While many insights for the program came from this initial exchange, one comment made by Michael stood out as a core directive, “You had better Celebrate the Object!” This was the seed for the Utilitarian Clay Symposium: Celebrate the Object.
Over the next two years, Bill developed and organized the first Utilitarian Clay Symposium, which took place in the fall of 1992. This unique program interweaves pottery demonstrations by leaders in the field with exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, shared meals, and more. The program was instantly beloved by presenters and participants alike. So, upon conclusion of the first event, Bill asked potter and educator Peter Beasecker, who was among the group of 16 potters to present during the first symposium, to assist with coordinating the second Utilitarian Clay Symposium in 1996. From there, Bill and Peter co-coordinated the following five symposiums together.
2025 co-coordinators: Lindsay Rogers, Nick Deford, and Chandra Debuse
What to Expect
For three days, pottery takes over every studio and gallery on Arrowmont’s campus! The symposium program consists of coordinated demonstrations by 16 potters across eight studios. During the symposium, attendees can move freely from studio to studio based on topical interest. Threaded among these demonstrations are events that will gather all presenters and attendees together. These include inspiring lectures, moderated panels, a roundtable discussion where presenters tell the story of their favorite piece of pottery, and plenty of space for sharing conversations over a delicious meal or around a fire pit. Outside of this, additional events this year include a cup exchange, a dedication to a brand-new ceramic teaching collection on campus, an end-of-symposium celebration, and much more.
2025 Presenting Artists
We’re thrilled to announce that a few extra spaces have just opened for the highly anticipated Utilitarian Clay Symposium, September 10-13, 2025! Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis with a very limited number of spaces still available.
The registration fee is $600, including all meals. On-campus housing prices range from $66-$316 (subject to availability), or book with the Greystone Lodge for a special nightly rate!
Registration Fees
Symposium Pass & Meals: $600
Housing: $66-600
Utilitarian Clay FAQs
Here’s the answer to our most commonly asked questions about Utilitarian Clay.
What does the event schedule include?
What exhibitions will be on display during the event?
Can selected participants register for more than one person?
What is the registration fee?
What fees are due at the time of registration?
Is housing available for UCVIII?
What are the housing fees?
Can participants bring a guest to stay in their room?
Event Check-in & Check-out
Will there be a waitlist, and how will that be managed?
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