REGISTRATION FOR THE 41st ANNUAL ALABAMA CLAY CONFERENCE

Your registration to the Alabama Clay Conference, as always, includes admission to the main presentations, vendor halls, exhibitions, lunches on the two main conference days, and all receptions. You will also have a choice of two workshops to attend. See the workshop options below. You can add two to your cart before clicking on red cart at the top to check out. If sold out, email alcchost@alvisarts.org to be added to the waitlist.

Your Special VIP Benefits include:

• Early Access: 30 minutes of priority Clay Market & Vendor shopping before the official opening

• Extra Chances: 6 tickets for the CERF raffle

• VIP Seating: A special badge with reserved priority seating in the front rows of the Presenter's Hall

Your registration includes admission to the main presentations, vendor halls, exhibitions, lunches on the two main conference days, and all receptions. You will also have a choice of two workshops to attend. See the workshop options below. You can add two to your cart before clicking on red cart at the top to check out. If sold out, email alcchost@alvisarts.org to be added to the waitlist.

Must present a current College or University Student ID by email and at the registration desk and complete 6 hours of volunteer work to qualify for the student discount. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to you to assist in selecting your volunteer role. Your registration includes admission to the main presentations, vendor halls, exhibitions, lunches on the two main conference days, and all receptions.

Your registration includes admission to the main presentations, vendor halls, exhibitions, lunches on the two main conference days, and all receptions. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to you to assist in selecting your volunteer role. Thank you for volunteering to help make the ALCC a success!

Microwave Raku has been gaining attention on social media lately. However, the microwave raku that is usually presented is very basic and limited. Specific information on how to do it successfully is hard to find. Safety and best practices are rarely even mentioned, and no one talks about how to achieve the best results. In this hands on workshop, we will of course start with the basics of equipment, including what sizes of microwave kilns are available and how to take care of them. Safety will also be covered in full with explanations of all safety equipment you should have on hand and how to have it prepared to save valuable seconds in the case that something goes wrong. Then we take it to the next level! Denise will explain how the strength and durability are increased by firing to vitrification versus the bisque state that almost everyone associates with raku. Specifics about glazes and glaze application will prepare participants to get best results. We will also enhance results by discussing which types of glazes need to come out quickly and which need a moment to develop before the reduction. We will cover using wire within the microwave kiln safely and effectively even though metal is usually not microwave-safe. I will give detailed information on making several different types of modifications to add height to the microwave kiln and hang jewelry pieces so that all sides can be glazed. For the finale, participants will be ushered outside to the firing demonstration. From beginners who have never seen this technique to those who have been curious but didn’t quite know where to start, there will be something for everyone!

Denise Muckleroy Young discovered clay in her late-thirties, during somewhat of an existential crisis. As a busy mom of kids with special needs, she spent much of her time advocating through school meetings and volunteer work. Feeling burnt out and needing a purpose of her own, she signed up for a Ceramics class. Working in clay, she found her voice and a community where she thrived and felt valued for herself. She continued her non-traditional education for the past 16 years, collecting a myriad of skills and ceramic knowledge, and continues to learn every day. She has attended workshops all over the USA to enhance her development as a ceramicist. Alternative firings and Glaze Chemistry are her favorite areas of study, but she is most interested in doing experimental work with both ceramic and non-ceramic materials. She enjoys mentoring and presenting demonstrations in many techniques. She enjoys throwing, sculpting, and hand-building in her home studio, pulling Raku on her driveway, and making ridiculously tiny earrings. A lifelong Texan, she lives with her family and mini-herd of cats in the suburbs of Dallas/Ft Worth.

Throw it BIG: David will demonstrate step by step on how to center larger amounts of clay on the wheel and how to use effective throwing methods to create your largest bowls yet.

David received his M.A. in Ceramics from University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa; B.A. in Studio Arts from University of Alabama in Huntsville. He currently teaches at Sullivan Pottery, and has taught at Calhoun Community College as Adjunct Instructor in Ceramics. Managed Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment Center. Served as Program Assistant at The Arts Council, Inc. in Huntsville. Participated in exhibitions, festivals, and shows in Alabama such as the Monte Sano Art Show, Panoply Festival of the Arts, Kentuck Festival of the Arts. His work can be located at The Source (Huntsville) and Kathleen’s (Decatur).

Unleash Your Inner Potterpreneur: Master the Art of Clay Business and Creative Balance! Are you a clay artist dreaming of turning your passion into profit, but feeling overwhelmed by the business side of things? Join us for an inspiring 1-hour lecture designed to equip you with the essential knowledge to start and successfully maintain your own clay art business. We'll delve into the practicalities of setting up shop, marketing your unique creations, and managing the day-to-day operations, all while providing invaluable strategies to balance the demands of entrepreneurship with nurturing your creative spirit. Discover how to thrive financially without sacrificing your artistic integrity. This is your chance to gain actionable insights and unlock the secrets to building a sustainable and fulfilling clay art career.

Audry Deal-McEver is a full-time clay artist based out of Nashville, TN. In addition to earning a BFA in Ceramics from Ohio University, Audry's education also includes studies at Burg Giebichenstein School of Art and Design, and short-term residencies at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Red Lodge Clay Center, Hot Springs National Park, and the University of Alaska. She has had work in over 50 solo and group exhibits across the US. She has also received numerous grants, and her studio practice has been featured in Ceramics Monthly. Audry currently teaches ceramics at Belmont University, workshop centers across the country, and privately out of her home studio.

Throwing Tips and Tricks: Unlock your pottery potential with personalized one-on-one mentoring sessions and Q&A session designed to conquer throwing challenges. We'll delve into common hurdles, focusing on ergonomic principles to ensure comfort and efficiency at the wheel in a 15 minute session as others wait and observe for a chance to do the same. Whether you're a beginner struggling with consistency or an experienced potter seeking to refine forms, this will provide focused guidance you need to elevate your craft tailored to your needs and skill level. NOTE: This workshop requires 4 hours and will count for 2 slots for signup

Artist and instructor in ceramics at Huntsville Museum of Art for over 20 years. Taught at The Studio in Huntsville. Attended Alabama A&M University, majoring in fine arts. Works in all clay forms from handbuilding to wheel throwing techniques with sculptural qualities, and is a local bladesmith.

Rocket City Space Shuttle: Come to a special offering with local artist Wallace Turman and celebrate Huntsville's "Rocket City" legacy. In this unique class you'll learn to hand-build your very own clay Space Shuttle. Wallace will guide you through the process of creating this iconic vessel, utilizing handbuilding construction and sculpting principles to capture its form and detail, a symbol of American ingeniuity and a tribute to the city's rich history in space exploration. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pottery, this workshop is a fun way to honor Huntsville's aerospace heritage and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Deacon Wallace Turman is originally from Union Springs, Alabama, where he began exploring his creativity by playing in the sand around his grandmother's house. In 1979, he discovered his passion for pottery while studying at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama, under the mentorship of renowned art professor Dr. Clifton Pearson.

Wallace showcased his pottery for the first time at the HALMA Salon on January 12, 1986, alongside several other artists. Shortly thereafter, on June 16, 1986, he became a member of New Jerusalem Missionary Church in Harvest, Alabama, under the leadership of Dr. Ricky L. Sykes. Since then, he has served as an ordained deacon for over 31 years, holding various leadership positions within the local Church Brotherhood and the Flint River Association in Huntsville, Alabama. He was also the Past Vice President of the Southern Region Convention and the Past Vice President at Large of the Progressive National Baptist Convention's National Laymen’s Department.

Throughout his pottery career, spanning over 30 years, Wallace has participated in numerous craft fairs across the Southeast, including the Web School Fair, Arts Alive, Art on the Lake, Meriwether Lewis Craft Fair, Helen Keller Festival, Panoply Art Market, Chunnuggee Fair, Shrimp Fest, and the Alabama Renaissance Fair. Since 2003, he has been a member of the Northeast Alabama Craftsmen Association (NEACA), where he held the Vice President.

In December 2017, Wallace opened his pottery studio, now located at 2317 Meridian St N, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35811, continuing to share his passion for pottery and artistry with the community.

Easy peasy transfer squeezy: This workshop offers a focused exploration of image transfer techniques on clay, teaching you to permanently embed diverse visual content onto ceramic surfaces. Moving beyond traditional glazing, you'll learn practical methods to integrate photographic images, intricate patterns, and textures into your pottery. This class is designed for ceramic artists looking to broaden their technical skills and expand the expressive potential of their work by introducing complex graphic elements and detailed imagery. Elevate your functional and sculptural ceramics with these transformative techniques.

Dillan is an artist in resident at Art Center West in Roswell, GA with an MFA from University of Alabama and BFA from University of Southern Mississippi. Born in Slidell, Louisiana, they were highly influenced by the culture surrounding New Orleans while growing up. Jazz, graffiti, and bright murals captivated their interest in the arts at an early age. After receiving their BFA in Sculpture from the University of Southern Mississippi, they studied education while teaching in Mississippi and received their MAT shortly after. Currently, they enjoy combining their love of clay with their interest in traveling. More information can be found at ladnersculpts.art

Preventative Exercises and Stretches for Clay Artists: designed for clay artists who want to proactively safeguard their physical well-being and extend their creative longevity. Learn a targeted series of ergonomic principles, preventative exercises, and stretches specifically tailored to address the unique strains and repetitive motions inherent in pottery. We'll focus on strengthening core muscles, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and back, empowering you to work comfortably and minimize the risk of common studio-related injuries. Discover how simple, consistent practices can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy, sustainable artistic practice.

Jesse graduated from Tennessee Technological University with his Bachelor's of Science in 2013. There he met his wonderful wife, Cassie. After graduating from Tennessee Tech he started pursuing his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Tennessee State University. Upon obtaining his doctorate he began his career in multiple settings such as; acute care, skilled nursing, home health, and primarily outpatient. Jesse has a passion to learn new techniques to improve his ability to treat his patients. Jesse enjoys playing guitar at church, running, biking, kayaking, and going on adventures with his two sons and wife.

Guadalupe is known for her intricate design and slip work on her pottery. In this workshop she will demonstrate to participants how she developes her designs then transfers her ideas on to her pieces.

Guadalupe is a ceramicst and quilter that has been working in Huntsville since moving from her native Mexico in 1985. She studied ceramic arts at Centro de Artesanias y Artes Plasticas Independencia, Mexico City. She has been twice recognized as an Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship recipient and has received a number of awards throughout her career. "A great fascination with different-colored clays and their texture has led me to experiment and study clay for the past forty years. I have great reverence for the idea of craftsmanship and it is a factor I try to maintain. My work has developed from the respect I have for the material and the joy I experience when working with it. Making objects of integrity that could contribute to the traditions in pottery thousands of years old is a continuous responsibility. After living in Alabama for so many years, something of the Southern Culture was bound to influence me. Quilting has become a source of artistic integration."

Robert will demonstrate his signature techniques of transforming finely textured slabs into dynamic functional sculptural teapot forms. He will also include tips and tricks for handbuilt spouts, handles, and snug-fitting lids.

Robert Lawarre III is a ceramic artist working and teaching in central Florida. His work can be found at The Design Gallery in Burnsville, NC; Mudfire Gallery, Decatur,GA; Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL; C'Komsa Gallery, Vallauris, France; and Contemporary Ceramics Gallery, Sanyi, Taiwan.
Lawarre was born in February 1972 in Lima, Ohio and moved to Titusville, Florida at age 13. At age 14 he started working in his family’s aerospace business as a machinist’s apprentice and began working on cars. In the early 1990’s his family sold the business and started a stockcar race team; a continuation of a family tradition that started back in the 1960's with a dirt sprint car and an Indy team. Working for this NASCAR team would allow Robert to develop mechanical and fabrication skills, which he used to create his unique texture tools from discarded automobile components, and was an essential part of developing Lawarre’s visual language. References to automotive industry often appear on his work in the form of riveting, nuts and bolts, casting marks and upholstery stitching.
Lawarre started working in clay in 1990 but did not realize his attachment to the clay medium until 1997 as he completed his AA degree at Valencia Community College under the direction of Michael Galletta. His education continued at the University of Central Florida, where he earned a BFA in Ceramics under Professors Robert Reedy and Hadi Abbas. Lawarre's true education started as he began work as a "Teaching Artist" in summer camps and public schools in central Florida. It was this interaction with kids that inspired the youthful mindset of his work. Playful exploration of materials, techniques, and forms is at the core of what he does. Lawarre’s approach to everything art related can be summed up as having “Serious fun”.
Robert’s work has been displayed at galleries and museums nationally and internationally, totaling more than 130 shows in the last 9 years. His international exposure, including publications, extends through the USA, Canada, China, Korea, Taiwan, Austria, Croatia, Italy, France, Germany, Slovenia, and England. He has earned 33 national and international awards since 2006.

Embrace the Unpredictable: Unleash the exciting and unpredictable world of Raku/Obvara firing in this dynamic workshop! This is a fast-paced, low-fire ceramic process known for its dramatic results, producing unique metallic lusters, crackle glazes, and smoky black carbon effects. In this hands-on session, you'll experience the thrill of pulling red-hot pottery from the kiln and witnessing the mesmerizing transformation as it interacts with combustible materials.

Bring 1-2 pieces of your own bisqueware! Vertical pieces are best. This is a fantastic opportunity to transform your pre-made ceramic pieces into stunning works of art. We'll provide a selection of commercial glazes [or sourdough?] specifically formulated for Raku, and guide you through the firing process, emphasizing safety and successful outcomes. Get ready for an exhilarating day of discovery and leave with uniquely beautiful pottery!

NOTE: This workshop requires 4 hours and will count for 2 slots for signup, we will focus on one piece of bisqueware, possibly two if there is enough time and space to support

Jack Marks is an Instructor, Social Media Specialist, and Photographer at Sullivan Pottery in Huntsville. He has been sharing the art of Raku for over nine years, drawn in by its spontaneous, sometimes unpredictable results. He loves how each firing feels like an experiment, revealing surprises that can’t always be planned. He considers himself a scientist of the art—constantly testing new materials, methods, and ideas to push creative boundaries. Raku keeps him curious, and that curiosity keeps the process alive and evolving. It’s as much about discovery as it is about creation.

Join Sara as she demonstrates how she merges 3d sculpting with 2d illustration to create her vibrant ceramic flowers. She’ll begin by walking us through her building process: from planning her piece to using soft porcelain slabs for a form suitable for painting. She’ll then show us how she maps her imagery onto the bisqued sculpture and uses underglaze to bring her stylized flowers to life. Attendees will learn techniques for sculpting with porcelain, building with soft slabs, underglazing bisque, and merging 2d imagery with 3d forms.

Sara Morales-Morgan is an artist based in Huntsville, AL. Through ceramics and illustration she creates artwork for lovers of flowers, dark whimsy, and magic. Sara exhibits her award-winning fine art nationally, has been a resident artist at multiple craft institutions, and has had her work included in many publications, including the cover of Ceramics Monthly in 2023. She has a master’s degree in Ceramics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of South Alabama. Sara works out of her home studio with the help of her feline assistant, is married to her best friend, and has a few chronic illnesses.

In this hands-on workshop, ceramic artist Calvin Hubbard will guide participants through the process of creating two unique pieces: a charming cerami turtle and a quirky "ugly jug." Using various techniques, participants will have the opportunity to shape, sculpt, and personalize their creations.

Calvin Hubbard, a native Texan, infuses his pottery with a distinct Southwestern influence. His earthy-toned ceramics pots and sculptures radiate warmth - not just inviting, but blazing with intensity. While his textures and colors evoke the resilience of a sun-scorched landscape, his subject matter bursts with life. His work features wild animals, significant historical figures, and powerful symbols of family and faith, seamlessly blending artistry with storytelling. Each piece reflects his deep appreciation for nature, history, and culture.

A limited number of participants will join Cat in using prepared slab-constructed cylinders to transform into life scale human heads using basic pressing and additive techniques. Instruction on proportion, form, and sculpting techniques will support artists of any level to foundational success.

RC.A. “Cat” Traen is an international teaching artist working in clay since 2002, leading to a BA and MEd from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Motivated by enriching others through community building and collaboration, Cat has mentored thousands of students and teachers to equip and ignite the next generation in clay.

Since relocating to Memphis in 2017, Cat serves as faculty in the ceramics department at University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University in addition to working as an educational consultant for regional school districts with a mission to support start-up clay programs at underserved public schools.

Internationally active since 2015, Cat teaches workshops, exhibits, and is collected in the US, Europe, and Asia. Notable awards include Bronze Medal in the 2020 International Gold Teapot Prize in Taiwan and Silver Award in the Fu Le Ceramic Arts Museum Emerging Artist Exhibition in Fuping, China.

Beyond her work as an emerging international teaching artist, Cat and her partner, Robert LaWarre III are developing an international 3D arts incubator space in Memphis slated to open in 2026 to connect people and expand professional opportunities worldwide through clay.

Join Sarah Bowen for a demo on creating pendant lights. Sara will discuss how to ensure your pendant shade fits the hardware, as well as details about design and installation.

Sara received her B.A. in Art History from Birmingham-Southern College. Bowen’s interest with ceramic pottery goes beyond simple aesthetics, deep into the history of useful objects throughout the centuries. Although her interest in throwing unformed clay into pots, bowls, planters, and vases began in high school, it was her college education that unlocked her understanding that functional art objects carry the stories of those who once used them far into the future. Currently, she has a home studio. Artist Website: sarabowenpottery.com

"Clay Tetris – Handbuilding in Bits and Pieces: Join ceramic artist Wendy Converse for a dynamic handbuilding demonstration that explores her distinctive approach to creating industrial and robotic sculptures. Wendy will share her process of combining slabs, coils, and extruded elements to build complex, sectioned sculptures, along with her process for finishing and firing the works.

We’ll discuss: Creating foundational elements using both soft and leather hard slabs Integrating coils and extrusions to add volume, rhythm and structural support Managing the drying stages during assembly to achieve strong, seamless joints Bringing personality, expression and gestural movement into your work Adding finishing details to bring the whole piece together into a clear, unified vision

As part of the workshop, we will create a single, large group sculpture, using components created by each participant. This workshop is ideal for clay artists looking to expand their handbuilding skills, experiment with form, and discover new ways to think about construction. Whether you’re creating functional ware or sculpture pieces, you’ll leave with new techniques and inspiration to incorporate into your work.

"Wendy has been working in clay for over 20 years. In 2014, she moved from Massachusetts to the tiny town of Salem, SC with the goal of spending more time focusing on her art and family. Since setting up her own studio and becoming involved in the woodfire community, her work has quickly evolved into her own unique style. “I have always been excited by old structures. I love to explore how time and life wears down even the most unyielding of materials… rocks carved by wind and rain; steel that was once unwavering reduced to paper thin. And yet, little details shine through the decay giving us a glimpse of the past. This is the jumping off point for much of my artwork.”