CLAYFEST - Pottery Making Competition For Artists & Amateurs June 27, 2008

CLAYFEST 6/28/2008 - 6/29/2008 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Soda Springs Park : Manitou Springs, Colorado
Contact: Mark Wong (719) 685-1460

Pottery making competition for artists and amateurs on Sat, June 30. Workshops, demonstrations, etc. Visit our website for all the updates and details.

Clayfest Potters' Games & Mud Ball By GREG MARSHALL
There are some interesting things about Manitou Springs, Colorado. This village of about 5,000 residents nestled at the base of Pikes Peak has been attracting diverse groups of people since the 1800s. Tourists, artists, and entrepreneurs have all been enticed by the natural beauty and mild climate of the area. Manitou Springs now hosts an assortment of events and festivals throughout the year.

One of the more unusual ones takes place every June in the form of the "Annual Clayfest and Mud Ball." Twelve years ago, a couple of Manitou artists came up with the idea of hosting the "potters' games." The idea was to have an event that would encourage potters from the area to get together, socialize, show off their pottery skills, and have a good time. They contacted a few other potters in the area and bounced ideas off of them. The response was good. It sounded like fun, but how do you go about getting an idea like that off the ground?
...Clay suppliers in the area were enthusiastic right from the start. Both Laguna Clay and Mile High Ceramics in Denver have donated clay for the events as well as equipment and tools for prizes. Over past years, the list of donated prizes has grown from gift certificates for meals at local restaurants and a few various pottery tools to include products from clay suppliers all over the country. At this year's 12th Annual Clayfest and Mud Ball, the major contributions include 4,000 lbs. of clay from Laguna Clay Co., a gift certificate for a workshop at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, 500 lbs. of clay, a Giffin Grip, and a test kiln from Skutt.. Over 40 other suppliers and businesses have donated a variety of items including a Talisman sieve, magazine subscriptions, gift certificates, t-shirts, and cash.

Each year, three artists, potters, or people involved in the arts are invited to serve as judges for the events. Past judges have included Paul Soldner, Doug Casebeer, Henry and Ro Mead, and Bob Smith. This year's judges include ceramic artists Michael Parry, and Zed Benge. The Business of Art Center in Manitou Springs, a major sponsor of the festival, also hosts a workshop every year the day before the events.
Read more: http://www.clayfest.com/about.php

In a Nutshell or ... the whole ball of mud
The Potters Games Saturday, June 28th
The potters games begin at 9:30 am. You can register here or on the day of the games for any remaining events, so don't wait and get signed up now! If you've missed the deadline (registration forms must be postmarked by June 13th) don't worry, you can come down and register all day long.

The Workshop - We've got a great workshop this year! Colorado artist Elizabeth Robinson will be hosting a ceramic decal workshop on Friday, June 27th. We will then fire the peices on Saturday while the games are being contested, then the workshop continues on Sunday from 10 a.m.to noon with critique and review of how everything worked — what went right, and what went wrong.

FOOD!!! - Hungry? Well, of course you will be. Many of Manitou's restaurants will be offering a 10% discount in honor of Clayfest. Coupons will be available from Clayfest staffers and at the registration/sales desk.

Throwing Lessons - There will be throwing lessons all day for anyone interested for only $5.

Kid's Area - We will have an area for kids to learn about ceramics and clay, and an plenty of clay to play with!

Contact Info: For sponsorship questions, event questions, or general info send us an email.

If you need to speak with someone 'live', you can call us at: (719) 685-1460

The 18th Annual Clayfest almost here. If you love it as much as we do, you'll be happy to help us get the word out ... right .... RIGHT???

Maybe you're a veteran ... in which case all you need is the registration the registration , or maybe some information on the great workshop we have in store this year to get an idea of what else we offer besides a rousing competition.

The Potters Games: What is it? The Potter's Games are a collection of competitions for ceramic artists such as blindfolded throwing, team speed relays, fastest throwing, and largest pots, and Siamese throwing among others. Trophies, prizes and ... uh, medals (more like tiles) are awarded to competitors, plus there are t-shirts free for all competitors!

The games will be MC'd by the poet-orangutan, Jim Jackson. Jim Jackson has worked in professional theater and circus for over twenty-five years as an actor, clown, director, teacher and writer. In 2001 Jim and his wife Birgitta DePree founded the Manitou Art Theater in Manitou Springs.
But Wait! There's More!
Friday and Sunday there will be workshops hosted by David Pinto and Alleghany Meadows! : : more : :
There is a clay area for children, lessons on wheel work by Shane Jarrett, booths from major ceramic vendors, a raku make-and-take area, and a food vendor.
http://www.clayfest.com/games.php

Registration: DON'T FORGET - you MUST sign the Release Agreement at the bottom of the registration form before you send it in! If you don't, you will NOT be recorded for any events!! Don't forget to check your T-shirt size, too!
http://www.clayfest.com/registration.php

Maybe you've never heard of this before and would like a quick run-down of the games ... or maybe a little background. You probably want to know what the rules are ... hey, it ain't the 60s anymore, we gotta have a little structure.

Regardless, it's always good to know a little about Manitou ... especially places to stay and eat. Whether you will be competing, or simply spectating, you'll need a schedule of events.
Other information: To Contact us about the Website.

For info on the Manitou Springs area.
Helpful Links
Beautiful, and historic Manitou Springs, Colorado!
http://www.manitousprings.org/
If you don't want to camp out, http://manitousprings.org/Accommodations/campgrounds.htm
Here are some other lodging options for you. Accommodations: On the following pages, you will find a list of all the different types of lodging available in and around the Manitou Springs area. All of the listings are members of the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. We hope you find the accommodations to suit your needs. For more information, please call the Manitou Springs Chamber at 1 (800) 642-2567, or fill out our handy contact form. Find Motels | Cabins | Bed & Breakfasts/Inns | Campgrounds | Condos
http://manitousprings.org/accommodations.htm

http://www.clayfest.com/links.php
Click here for maps and directions.
http://www.clayfest.com/maps.php
Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.manitousprings.org/ASP/CalendarItem.ASP?NUMBER=73
See wonderful Photo: http://www.gardenofthegods.com/

Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
Send responses to [email protected]
http://www.manitousprings.org/

Official Website: http://www.clayfest.com