About the Jackson Pottery & Clay Guild
Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild History
The Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild emerged from the relatively small clay community in Jackson, Michigan during the 1970’s and 1980’s. JPCG included only a few professional ceramic artists at that time, educational opportunities for ceramicists consisted of Jackson Community College and the Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History as well as several community-based classes for leisure.
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When the ceramic program at the community college ended in the late 1970’s the Ella Sharp Museum became the main resource for both dedicated enthusiasts and those who enjoyed art as a pastime. A desire for more collaboration, education, and shared interests led several local artists and students to consider founding an art center focusing on ceramics. Although the center never materialized, the JPCG did, fueled by the ambition of this group. The founding members explored various out of town pottery guilds and learned about their rules, venues, and events. After many discussions and information exchanges the Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild was established. The Stone Village graciously hosted our meetings, and the artwork of the original guild members was showcased at The Clay Gallery. This marked our humble beginnings and now, many years later, our Guild continues to flourish.
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Our Mission Statement has been our guiding force throughout. Missing a permanent location has meant that meetings, exhibits, workshops, and sales have been flexible and mobile. Our open membership policy has welcomed many clay enthusiasts. We have successfully organized remarkable educational events such as Three Days of Clay, Clay Games, workshops with leading clay artists, and the MCAA. Through these efforts we strive to ensure that ceramic art remains vibrant and meaningful within our culture while supporting the artists who keep the tradition alive. Art is essential for personal fulfillment in society, but ultimately relies on people’s passion and dedication for it’s perseverance.
Mary Humphrey
Ceramic Artist
Founding Member

"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced."
― Leo Tolstoy