Celebrate Clay at the South Carolina Clay Conference

There is something new and exciting in South Carolina – the 1st Annual South Carolina Clay Conference – Moving Clay Forward. The conference is sponsored by the City of Newberry PRT and will be held on February 27 & 28 and March 1, 2015 at the Newberry Arts Center in historic downtown Newberry, South Carolina. For this first SCCC, art program and conference organizer Marquerite F. Palmer has brought together presenters Sue Grier from Asheville, North Carolina and Mike Vatalaro from Greenville, South Carolina. With many years experience each, both potters will demonstrate their talents and techniques during the conference. The overriding theme for this year is Altered Vessels. Also during the weekend, the presenters will have their work for sale along with pieces from the conference attendees. The pottery sale will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, February 27th & 28th. The Newberry Arts Center is located at 1107 College St., Newberry, SC 29108.

Modeled after well-known clay conferences in North Carolina and Alabama, the conference will allow for presenters and attendees to be immersed in conversation on ‘all things clay’. Included will be a Friday evening reception and Saturday evening BBQ. Sunday morning, the conference will close with an informative lecture on a clay related topic. Professionals, educators, amateurs and students can all enjoy the creative atmosphere which this type of intimate gathering promotes.

Of the conference, Palmer says ”The City of Newberry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department has put forth great efforts to create an art center that educates and nurtures the community and surrounding areas with visual art experiences for all ages. Newberry Arts Center – NAC – is thrilled to be hosting the first South Carolina Clay Conference. Instruction in pottery is a large part of our center. Newberry Arts Center is excited to be bringing clay artists together from all over South Carolina and beyond to help build a stronger clay community and move clay forward in South Carolina,”

For more information and registration details, contact: Marquerite Palmer, Art Program Coordinator, (803) 321- 1015 or mpalmer@cityofnewberry.com