What is the OPA Ceramic Showcase?

Since 1983, The Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase is the largest all-ceramic show in the country. 

Featuring over 200 Oregon Potters Association (OPA) members, this three-day event offers visitors the opportunity to meet exceptional ceramic artists who are exhibiting and selling their latest work. Adults and children can both learn a variety of clay-making techniques from professional potters on the Demo Stage and in the Clay Exploration Area.

Other highlights include:

• High School Scholarship display and award ceremony. The winner receives a $1,000.00 scholarship.
• High School Gallery displays student clay works from Oregon schools, exhibiting what they are learning and making this school year.
• Main Gallery features a rotating selection of the finest work by participating members.

Who can participate in Ceramic Showcase?

Membership

Any current member of the Oregon Potters Association. Priority and first pick on booth spaces is given via a points system. Points are earned through serving different leadership roles in OPA and at Showcase. All OPA members earn 1 points for every year they are a member and another point for every year they participate in Showcase. All OPA members are welcome to show in the gallery regardless of points. 

Who can be an OPA member?

Membership in OPA is open to all serious professional and non-professional potters residing in Oregon and in the counties of Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat in Southwest Washington. Click the Membership button above to join or renew your membership.

When and where can I register?

Registration opens on our website December 15th and closes January 31st. Gallery Only registration closes April 5th.

Click here to be taken to the 2025 Showcase Application page. Scroll to the bottom to find the registration form itself. 

How much does it cost to participate?

There is a $20 non-refundable registration fee per person, in addition to booth fees and commission. There is no charge for OPA members to participate in the Gallery only. 

How much are the booth fees?

Booth fees are based on size and location. Participants pay both a flat booth fee and a commission on all work sold. Individual booths pay a graduated commission rate. 

Booth Type	Cost
Gallery	$0
Group Booth	$150
Emerging Artist	$200
5x10 Booth	$275
5x10 Corner Booth	$300
10x10 Booth	$450
10x10 Corner Booth	$500
5x15 End Cap Booth	$500

What is included with a booth?

All booths come with pipe and black drape installed as well as power outlets. The Group Booth and Gallery Only are provided with display furniture.

What kind of work can I sell?

Anything ceramic! Functional, sculptural, earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, wheel thrown, slip-cast, hand built, etc. Keep in mind work must be of a professional quality. The emerging artist booth is for new artists who have never shown at Showcase and are new to ceramics. There is a separate application for the emerging artist booth within the registration form. 

How do I get paid?

After Showcase, participants sales are totaled and issued payment minus their commission. Most payments are issued via electronic direct deposit to the participant's bank account.

What are the other requirements for participation?

Ceramic Showcase is a volunteer run event. There are different work requirements based on the booth types. Most participants do both committee work which happens before Showcase. Committee work can range from posting flyers to security. Committee job description found here. All participants also have workshifts during Showcase in addition to committee work. Workshifts are for cashiering, wrapping and other essential areas. 

In addition, all participants are expected to help set up the showcase prior to the event, on Wednesday April 23rd & Thursday April 24th.

Who will be in my booth if I have workshifts?

Ceramic Showcase is unique because we have a central sales area. Customers are able to shop all the booths and then pay at the end. No sales are taken at booths. Most artists leave their booth empty during their workshifts but some folks ask friends or family to be in their booth while they are gone. 

I don’t have enough work to fill a whole booth. Can I still participate?

Yes! Showcase has a gallery that all OPA members can show in. You can show up to 3 pieces in the gallery. Group booth is another option - participants get a shelf unit and shared pedestal and grid wall on furniture provided by Ceramic Showcase. Some participants also choose to share a booth. I have never shown my work before. Is this show right for me?

Potentially. Most artists at Showcase have been working in ceramics for years. The quality of work is very high. The emerging artist booth is for new artists who have never shown at Showcase and are new to ceramics. There is a separate application for the emerging artist booth within the registration form. 

I would like to help out with Showcase but not show my art. What are my options?

We have volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available. Contact showcasechair@oregonpotters.org for more information. 

I still have questions!

No problem! - Email the registrar or showcase chair. We also have a Showcase Q&A in January 2025 (date TBD) where you can ask questions before you register.