The Potters’ Guild of Frederick was founded in 2007 with the mission of promoting high standards in both expressive and functional ceramic art, to exchange ideas, provide educational opportunities in the ceramic arts, to stimulate community interest, and provide a sales venue for its members.

 

During its first year, the Guild held two weekend sales at the Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Frederick.  In the fall of 2008, the Guild was offered the space, which was named The Yellow Brick Gallery at 227 N. Market Street, across from Volt Restaurant.  This storefront allowed the Guild to have a presence in the thriving, downtown arts scene and a showcase for the fine, handcrafted work of its members. In 2010 the Guild relocated to the Gallery at the Cultural Arts Center, 15 N. Market Street and in 2013 the Potters’ Guild of Frederick Gallery opened at 14 South Market Street.  The Guild members volunteer their services to allow the gallery space to be open on Wednesdays through Sundays, with special event and holiday hours.

 

The Guild is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization open to the general public. Annual membership dues are $75.00.  Meetings are held monthly, and a portion of each meeting is devoted to educational enrichment, demonstrations, information exchange, and networking. It is actively involved in supporting the ceramics community, including pottery studios, schools, and galleries, promoting other clay workshops and demonstrations in the area.

 

Members may elect to exhibit their work and participate in the Gallery experience. The Guild takes 25% of pottery sales. New gallery members are required to undergo training in staffing the Gallery. Once they have demonstrated their ability to operate independently, they are eligible to sell their work in the Gallery. All members are asked to contribute to the Guild in a variety of volunteer opportunities.

 

Interesting Guild-sponsored activities have included: Movie Night, Clay Book Exchange, DIY Clay Tools, a Swap Meet, and “Clay Olympics”. All members, as well as the general pottery community, are invited to all guild-sponsored events. More workshops are planned! 

 

The Guild sponsors community outreach activities as well, including ceramic workshops and pottery demonstrations, with hands-on opportunities for children at the In the Street Festival. The Guild has held highly successful “Brain Freeze” events, a community fundraiser supporting The Frederick Rescue Mission. It has also participated in donation programs, such as the "Trim a Tree" program hosted by the Downtown Frederick Partnership. Guild Shows have been held at the Hodgson Art Gallery and Frederick Community College. "Take a Turn at the Wheel" is a 3-hour class sponsored by the Guild and the Frederick Arts Council (FAC), and taught by Guild members.

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The Guild has been awarded education grants by the FAC, which have funded pottery workshops including workshops featuring Matt Hyleck , Nan Rothwell, Annie Chrietzberg, and others.  A Public Relations grant from the FAC has funded the printing of promotional materials.

 

For more information about membership or the Guild, browse this website or contact us at info@pottersguildoffrederick.com