04/26/2025
This weekend, 500 artists and crafters will display, demonstrate and distribute their work during the free and public Gathering of The Guilds and OPA Ceramic Showcase at the Oregon Convention Center.
A guild is a group of people who make art and crafts in sculpture, jewelry, metalwork, ceramics, beading, woodwork or woven textiles.
Janet Buskirk is a board member of Oregon Potters Association and says that her guild provides social and professional support in an otherwise solo career. She says most of her friends are potters she knows through her guild.
“Professionally, being a part of the potters association, I know who to call if I need to fire a piece of pottery in a certain way with a certain kiln, or who to borrow material from,” Buskirk said.
The Oregon Potters Association holds membership meetings every two months.
“Before the pandemic, not many people - especially young ones, were showing up,” Buskirk said. But post-pandemic, Buskirk says on average, 100 people are attending the member meetings, including 30-somethings.
About half the people at the show make all or part of their living with their artwork. “This is something that you can do as your passion and your job,” Buskirk said.
The Gathering of the Guilds and Ceramic Showcase is often the first show that emerging artists partake in and the organizers recognize that with a mentorship program to teach new members how to do a show.
“You have to haul in your own supplies, tables, lighting, and that can be daunting,” said Buskirk. “For newbies, we have a bunch of shelving and storage - and someone shows them how it all happens.”
Art Beat featured artists Uli Kirchler, Gesine Kratzner, Lani Ching and James Jones will be participating in the event.
The Gathering of the Guilds and Ceramic Showcase
April 25-27 (hours vary)
For more info visit: https://gatheringoftheguilds.com/
To learn more about woodworker Uli Kirchler check out our story in the first comment.
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Janet Buskirk Pottery
