- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- ActivitiesAppreciation
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 13 through 19
- Holiday emoji:
- 🏺
National Clay Week celebrates the artistry and versatility of clay every June 13 through 19. This week-long observance highlights the pottery and ceramics communities, from ancient traditions to modern innovations. Explore local studios, attend workshops, and appreciate the skilled hands that transform earth into art.
Want to sponsor National Clay Week? Learn how
Expected National Clay Week Deals
As National Clay Week approaches, expect a focus on educational and professional development within the ceramics community. While traditional ‘deals’ are less common, many local pottery studios and art centers, such as The Clay Studio or Mudflat Pottery School, will offer discounted workshops, open studio hours, or special demonstrations. Online retailers like Amaco and Laguna Clay Company may feature promotions on clay, glazes, and tools for aspiring and professional artists. Galleries and independent artists on platforms like Etsy might host virtual exhibitions or offer special pricing on handcrafted ceramic pieces. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (N.C.E.C.A.) often promotes events and resources. We will update this page with confirmed live events and opportunities as June 13 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Clay Week
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalClayWeek. Share insights into the professional ceramics industry or highlight career paths.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalClayWeek. Showcase your latest pottery creations, studio tours, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalClayWeek. Share local workshop announcements, community pottery events, or favorite ceramic artists.
National Clay Week Hero
Bernard Leach
History of National Clay Week
National Clay Week has been observed every year since 1950 but the art of pottery is much older than that. Pottery might be the oldest human invention — it’s been around since before the Neolithic period. But why did humans choose clay to make all pottery? That is because clay has two important properties that make it an ideal material — clay can be molded into any shape we desire and, when it is baked, it becomes virtually indestructible and cannot be destroyed by any organic substances. Pots made of clay were used by early humans to store water and grains.
The first earthenware pottery was made more than 9,000 years ago and is in use even today. The color of the artifact depends on the type of clay used but they are often decorated by adding embellishments, embossments, or adding layers of paints. Earthenware pottery has also become a medium of art — artists have painted on them for centuries and they have become important relics of art, history, and culture.
Another form of creation made from clay is ceramics. Some ceramics are made with kaolin or white china clay. As compared to earthenware pottery, ceramics is a fairly new invention. In medieval times, ceramics from China made their way to Europe. They became prized possessions and were displayed at the house of the very rich for their intricate designs. Another form of ceramics, bone china, is easier to manufacture. It is strong, does not chip easily, and is very popular as dinnerware material in Europe.
National Clay Week timeline
Fine white stoneware is made in China.
Porcelain is invented in China.
Tea imported from China to Europe is accompanied by a teapot made of stone.
Pottery factories with automatic dryers and conveyor belts manufacture pottery in masses.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Clay Week
Local businesses can celebrate National Clay Week by hosting open studio events where the public can try their hand at pottery or observe artists at work. Art supply stores can offer discounts on clay, glazes, and tools to encourage new and experienced ceramicists. Restaurants and cafes might feature ceramic artwork from local artists, creating a gallery-like atmosphere, or even host ‘paint your own pottery’ nights. These activations not only boost sales but also foster community engagement and appreciation for the ceramic arts.
National Clay Week FAQs
When is National Clay Week?
National Clay Week 2026 runs from Saturday, June 13 through Friday, June 19, celebrating the artistry and utility of clay across the nation.
How many people participate in pottery and ceramics?
Participation in pottery and ceramics is widespread, with millions of individuals engaging in the craft as a hobby, educational pursuit, or professional career. Thousands of studios, schools, and community centers across the U.S. offer classes and workshops.
What is the economic impact of the ceramics industry?
The ceramics industry, encompassing everything from industrial ceramics to fine art pottery, represents a multi-billion dollar sector globally. In 2026, the market for art ceramics alone contributes significantly to the creative economy, supporting artists, suppliers, and galleries.
What is the difference between pottery and ceramics?
Ceramics is a broad term referring to all objects made from clay and hardened by heat, encompassing pottery, brick, tile, and porcelain. Pottery specifically refers to ceramic objects that are functional vessels, such as bowls, plates, and mugs, typically made on a potter’s wheel or by hand-building techniques.
National Clay Week Activities
Buy pottery
Celebrate National Clay Week by buying and gifting your loved ones pottery. Pottery is wonderful to look at and you can use them to decorate your homes. They make for useful containers too!
Sign up for pottery class
Have you always been curious about the art of pottery? National Clay Week is your chance to finally turn your dreams into reality. Sign up for pottery classes and try your hand at this art form.
Learn more about local pottery
Most places around the world have their forms and styles of pottery. Celebrate National Clay Week by learning about the pottery from your region. Find out about the type of clay and colors used.
5 Interesting Facts About Clay
Clay was the first writing medium
Clay tablets were inscribed using a blunt stylus.
Used in many industrial processes
Clay is used in many industrial processes, such as paper making, cement production, and chemical filtering.
Clay has medical uses too
Iron-rich clay was used to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
It is useless for plants
Clay is not the best type of soil for plants to grow in.
They are used as sealants
Since clay isn’t porous, clay is used as a sealant in dams.
Why We Love National Clay Week
Humankind’s oldest invention
Pottery is humankind’s oldest invention. Can you imagine the innumerable inventions there have been since then and the roles they have played in our advancement? National Clay Week pays homage to the first invention that set the ball rolling.
It’s a form of art
Pottery is a form of art. Both the creation of the artifact and its decoration has been regarded as forms of high art. National Clay Week celebrates this wonderful and ancient artistic expression.
We reconnect with our roots
When we work with clay, we are reconnecting with our roots, lands, and ancient culture. Since pottery exists in every culture, it is also a wonderful way to get to know your culture more intimately.
National Clay Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 13–19 | Saturday–Friday |
| 2027 | June 13–19 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2028 | June 13–19 | Tuesday–Monday |
| 2029 | June 13–19 | Wednesday–Tuesday |
| 2030 | June 13–19 | Thursday–Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for National Clay Week
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