The Texas Clay Festival celebrates its 28th birthday Saturday Oct 24 and Sunday Oct 25 virtually! Featuring over 80 of Texas’s finest clay artists. The festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the artists, view and purchase their latest work , and watch demonstrations throughout both days. It’s been called a two-day clay love-fest. Students and educators, professionals and collectors– anyone with an interest in clay—can be found in Gruene, TX on the 4th weekend in October to celebrate the ancient art of ceramics. Having a good time, celebrating the media of clay and educating the public in the ceramic arts has been a goal of the festival organizers since its inception in 1993 — This is not just another craft show!

Clay enthusiasts are invited to observe demonstrations in wheel throwing, sculpture, hand building and surface decoration techniques throughout the weekend. This is the perfect time to watch and learn different ceramic techniques that the participating artists use to shape and decorate their work. Crowds also gather to watch Raku firing demonstrations. This firing method, pots are quickly heated in a small gas kilns. The pot is removed while glowing red-hot. Using tongs, the potter carefully places the red hot pot in a container filled with straw, wood-chips, newspaper or other organic materials. After a short cooling period, the finished pieces are revealed – a shimmering, glazed pot with the mark of the fire. During demonstrations questions and feedback are encouraged in a casual and friendly atmosphere that is a hallmark of the festival.

At the information tent, festival visitors can purchase t-shirts and bid on clay work donated by participating artists at a silent auction that takes place on both days of the event. Auction proceeds are used to help potters in need, award clay related scholarships, and funds festival events. Auction bids are final on Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 3:00 pm.

While in Gruene, plan to shop in the many unique stores, dine in any of the fine restaurants and even kick up your heels a Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall. Gruene is located just four miles north of New Braunfels. From San Antonio take IH 35 north just past New Braunfels to the Canyon Lake exit FM 306. Follow the signs to Gruene Historical District. (Straight about 2 miles and turn left at the second light). This will take you right through Gruene and put you facing the Dance Hall.take I35 north just past New Braunfels to the Canyon Lake exit FM 306. Go left two miles to the traffic light and Hunter Rd., turn left and follow to Gruene. From Austin, Follow I-35 South. Then exit FM 306 (Exit 191) off of 35 and turn right. Follow the signs to Gruene Historical District. (Straight about 2 miles and turn left at the second light). This will take you right through Gruene and put you facing the Dance Hall.

Please join us for the two days of fun and education in the ceramic arts. Start or add to your collection of pottery and sculpture by some of the leading clay artists working today. Admission to the festival is free.