About the Guild
The San Antonio Potters Guild was established as a nonprofit organization in 1995. The membership is diverse, representing working potters, sculptural artists, and students, as well as supporters of the ceramic arts. The Guild’s mission is to cultivate and nurture clay artists and collectors while at the same time celebrating and extending humanity’s ten thousand-year heritage of fired clay.
In addition to the charity event Empty Bowls, the group sponsors an annual juried exhibition, scholarships, a members’ art sale, and hosts various workshops and regular educational programs. Membership is open to potters as well as friends and sponsors interested in the field.
Programs & Workshops
The Guild sponsors special workshops and regular educational program meetings for members and nonmembers. Workshops feature instruction from expert clay artists in many functional and sculptural areas that encourage the technical and artistic advancement of participants, whether beginners or seasoned potters. SAPG brought in Belgium “naked raku” expert, Wally Asselberghs. Plans are in the works for the Guild’s next workshops.
SAPG also hosts regular programs on topics of interest to members as well as those interested in learning more about the field. Most programs are held on the second Wednesday of the month. Program highlights include speakers on the work of the Mata Ortiz, history of the early Native American potters and their techniques, making paper clay, scholorship presentations and examples of Japanese pottery. We've begun a Facebook Page and a Blog
About our name
“Guild” is a time-honored term used to describe a group of people interested in pursuing the traditions as well as the newer developments in a particular field. The San Antonio Potters Guild is an association of individuals interested in the many aspects of ceramics. The group includes traditional potters and sculptors as well as artists who include clay in their multimedia work. The Guild also includes new artists in the field as well as individuals who wish to gain more knowledge about collecting ceramics and understanding the long history of fired clay.
The San Antonio Potters Guild has an open membership that does not require a certain level of proficiency in ceramics -- just a shared interest in fired clay. Our membership includes professional potters and clay artists, sculptors who work in clay and mixed media, as well as students, beginners and friends of clay -- individuals, collectors and patrons interested in supporting the future of ceramics in San Antonio and the surrounding area.
The Guild offers learning opportunities through programs, workshops and scholarships. Members frequently exchange ideas and techniques. Members’ interests include the appreciation of the history of clay as craft and art, as well as the creative and technical aspects of creating work today.
Some of the benefits of membership include:
- Updated Blog
- Member work shown on the official web site
- Links to member web sites through the official web site
- Access to a members only web site
- Discounts on some fees, including entry fee for the Annual Juried Exhibition
- Participation in the members' annual arts show & sale
- Members' social gatherings and special interest groups
- Workshops including the T.I.P.S program to help members set up their studio and learn the business of ceramics
- Educational programs
- Scholarships
Remember, you don't have to work with clay to join. We welcome members who share our interest in ceramics. We welcome members who can bring their own special skills in other areas to help the Guild improve and grow.
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Purpose:
This scholarship honors fellow potters Frank Gaudot and Kevin Finegan. Frank was an integral part of
the San Antonio potters’ scene, a charter member of the SAPG, and supporter of the ceramics
program at the Southwest School of Art & Craft (SSAC). Kevin was also an active member of the
Guild and much-loved leader of the potters’ community. This scholarship is to support class tuition
and/or supplies for clay artists needing support to attend the SSAC Ceramics Department programs
or any other community college or university ceramic program.
Guidelines:
At least once a year, funds permitting, the SAPG will award 1 or 2 full or partial scholarships for tuition
and/or supplies to a talented, highly motivated individual.
Selection will be made by the Scholarship & Awards Committee and the chair of the department
into which the recipient will enroll. Applicants will be judged on an application and an essay outlining
the need for the award.
Application Deadline:
Applications may be submitted at any time in person, by email to Guild Committee Scholarship
Chair, or by US mail, postmarked at least 4 weeks before registration, for use during that year.
Scholarship Conditions:
Scholarship monies will be paid to the attending institution. Recipients will be asked, at the
conclusion of the class, to present a short wrap-up briefing on the semester’s activities. This will be at
a General Meeting, or in writing.
Individuals can receive only one scholarship every 3 years.
Application must include:
1. Formal application
2. Essay detailing need or other pertinent information (less than 250 words)
3. Resume and letter of recommendation from department head.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 10th Christmas Party 6 p.m.
January 11 General Meeting TBA