Things to Do

Texas Clay Fest Celebrates Its 25th Birthday in Gruene

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Tony Maples Photography

 

If you love admiring beautiful, hand-crafted pottery and enjoy the ambiance of historic Gruene, in New Braunfels, be sure to check out the Texas Clay Fest, happening in Gruene on Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29. The event is held on the grounds of The Barn Pottery in Gruene, Texas.

Featuring over 70 of Texas’ finest clay artists. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the artists, view and purchase their latest work, and watch demonstrations throughout both days. It’s been called a two-day clay love-fest.

Fun for the Whole Family

clay fest

Photo: Facebook/Texas Clay Festival

Clay enthusiasts are invited to observe demonstrations in wheel throwing, sculpture, handbuilding, and surface decoration techniques throughout the weekend. This is the perfect time to watch and learn different ceramic techniques that the participating artists use to shape and decorate their work. Crowds also gather to watch Raku firing demonstrations. In this firing method, pots are quickly heated in small gas kilns. The pot is removed while glowing red-hot. Using tongs, the potter carefully places the red-hot pot in a container filled with straw, wood-chips, newspaper or other organic materials. After a short cooling period, the finished pieces are revealed – a shimmering, glazed pot with the mark of the fire. During demonstrations questions and feedback are encouraged in a casual and friendly atmosphere that is a hallmark of the festival.

Enjoy Scenic Gruene, Texas

Texas Clay Fest

Photo: Facebook/Texas Clay Fest

Students and educators, professionals and collectors – anyone with an interest in clay — can be found in Gruene, Texas on the 4th weekend in October to celebrate the ancient art of ceramics. Having a good time, celebrating the media of clay, and educating the public in the ceramic arts has been a goal of the festival organizers since its inception in 1993 – this is not just another craft show!

To learn more about this event, visit the website for Texas Clay Fest or follow them on Facebook.