Art lovers and ceramic enthusiasts unite! Ceramic Showcase, the country’s largest all-ceramic show, returns with the Gathering of the Guilds and a 2026 fundraiser theme of ‘Charms and Chimes’ at the Oregon Convention Center, the last weekend of April.

In its 43^rd year, this special community event offers free admission and features 300 exhibiting artists – 200 of them Oregon Potters Association (OPA) members. Visitors can meet ceramic artists who specialize in a variety of handmade pottery, ranging from sculptures to functional art, and can view and purchase these one-of-a-kind pieces through a cashless checkout system. There is also an emerging artists booth that introduces promising up-and-coming OPA members, as well as a high school gallery that awards a scholarship during the event. Nine studio partners will also participate in the event, including After Pottery Studio, Fine Things, Fancy Banana, Pursuits Studio, Mudville Clay Studio, Heirloom Ceramic Studio, Nola Clay, Camp Clay, and á la mud ceramics studio.

The showcase proudly runs concurrently with The Gathering of the Guilds: Creative Metal Arts Guild, Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, Pacific NW Glass Guild, Portland Bead Society, Portland Handweavers Guild, and Pacific NW Sculptors. Attendees can also win prizes, participate in public outreach programs and educational opportunities, and donate to key fundraisers.

In an effort to give back to the community and cultivate the next generation of talented artists, the ‘Charms and Chimes’ fundraiser will support OPA’s Artists Within Education (AWE) program, a K-12 "Clay in Education" initiative that places professional ceramic artists into Oregon classrooms for week-long residencies. This program is designed to bring hands-on professional pottery experience directly to students, often focusing on schools with limited resources. The Charms and Chimes fundraiser will also benefit the Oregon Food Bank, which aims to build community connections to help people access nutritious food and help eliminate the root causes of hunger.

Oregon Potters Association president Noah Smith said, "For over 40 years, Ceramic Showcase has brought fine craft and functional art into the spotlight, elevating your daily rituals and moments. Through our scholarships and fundraising events, we also provide young artists with the means to continue making these traditions. I am honored to continue carrying the torch of this organization and am so excited to see our community flourishing this year!”

The 2026 Ceramic Showcase and Gathering of the Guilds will take place April 24^th through April 26^th in Exhibit Hall D at the Oregon Convention Center, and will be open Friday, 10 am to 7 pm, Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. 

Plan to join in the creative fun this year! Visit the Ceramic Showcase site to learn more about this event and prepare your visit.