NCECA 2026

We just returned from three days at NCECA 2026 in Detroit, and our heads are still spinning—in the best possible way.

There’s something electric about being surrounded by thousands of people who all understand the quiet thrill of centering clay. From the first moment walking into the conference hall, it felt like stepping into a living, breathing studio on a massive scale. Conversations flowed easily—kiln disasters, glaze wins, favorite

trimming tools—no explanation required.

The presentations were a constant source of inspiration. We found ourselves scribbling notes one minute, then just sitting back the next, completely absorbed in the process and philosophy being shared. What struck the most was the range: from deeply technical discussions about materials to thoughtful reflections on why we make in the first place. It was a wonderful reminder that pottery is both craft and conversation—between hands, history, and intention.

And then… the vendor hall.

If you’ve ever put a potter in a room full of tools, you know what happened next. The phrase "I'll just look” was the initial mantra we repeated for weeks leading up to that first day. That lasted all of about ten minutes. New trimming tools, clever bats, a few glaze samples that were absolutely needed—they all somehow made their way back to North Carolina. There’s a special kind of joy in discovering a tool that makes you think, “Ah, this is going to change how I work.”

But more than anything, NCECA reaffirmed why for various reasons we each fell in love with clay in the first place. It’s not just about the objects we make—it’s about the community, the shared curiosity, and the endless possibility of what comes next.

Now, back to the studio… with a few new toys and a lot of new ideas.