Program Overview (click here for complete schedule)

Here’s an update on the programming we have put together for next year’s Alabama Clay Conference. To those of you who have registered, we thank you and hope it lives up to your expectations. For those of you who have yet to decide whether or not to attend next year’s Alabama Clay Conference, we hope this helps with your decision.

The conference begins Thursday night February 16th, 2012 with a reception of the Alabama Clay Market, a week – long pottery and sculpture sale of some of the state’s best ceramic artists. Held at Art Folk Gallery at the Young & Vann Building, 1731 First Avenue North, the Market will bring together the work of approximately 30 ceramic artists, with styles ranging from folk to modern. The event will be open to the public, and all pieces will be for sale. Onsite conference registration for those who have not yet done so will become available at this time, as well as program packets for those of you who have already registered.

Friday morning February 17th kicks off the highlight of ALCC 27 with ceramic artists Sergei Isupov, Lorna Meaden, and Chris Gryder taking center stage at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex at 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North. The three will offer on-stage demonstrations of their work while discussing their processes and inspirations. Clay for the presenters is being provided by Atlanta Clay Company. Registered attendees will also be able to visit a ceramic supply and workshop vendors’ trade show.

Friday evening the Alabama School of Fine Arts at 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd. North will host a reception for an exhibition of work by Isupov, Meaden, and Gryder entitled “Heated Exchange.”

Saturday, February 18th starts off just like Friday with Sergei, Lorna, and Chris continuing their on-stage demonstration at the convention center. At days end we’ll have our ever so popular raffle of items graciously provided by the participating vendors capped off with the annual raffling of a kiln donated by Olympic Kiln.

After all of this, we have decided to give everyone a little break, to relax, have dinner, then get ready to party. Good People Brewery, 114 14th St South will host the ALCC 27 after – party sponsored by Davens Ceramic Center with an added attendee participatory twist; a “Pint Exchange”. We invite and encourage all of you who plan to attend ALCC 27 to start thinking about and making a functional cup/mug/stein/tumbler capable of holding approximately 16 ounces to be exchanged for another attendee’s work. The “exchange” will take place at the brewery where everyone will get the opportunity to sample beers using their newly acquired piece.

Sunday morning gives us the opportunity to sleep in a bit, take it easy, and enjoy our room for a couple more hours before checking out when the Birmingham Museum of Art opens its doors a bit early just for us to examine their awesome collection of ceramics. Believe it or not, 2/3rds of their permanent collection is ceramic, and in 2013 the ALCC and Birmingham Museum of Art are joining forces so to speak to create a contemporary/historical symposium bringing our conference to an all – together different level from we’ve been accustomed.

So join us for this awesome annual clay-lovers event of the South. Register Online

Once you’ve registered you will receive an email from the Sheraton hotel to reserve a room at the ALCC 27 attendee rate. You are not required to stay at the Sheraton, but we encourage you to consider the Sheraton because of their close proximity to conference events.