Clemson Ceramic Bowl Sale: A timeless tradition cultivating student creativity and entrepreneurial spirit

The ceramics studio in the Department of Art at Clemson University will host its annual Fall Ceramics Bowl Sale from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, in the hallway in front of the Lee Gallery in Lee Hall. This popular event, a tradition for over 30 years, brings together the talents of Clemson's ceramics students and faculty, offering a selection of handcrafted bowls and other functional works at various price points.
Proceeds from the sale directly support student travel scholarships to the upcoming National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference and other professional activities that promote student research, networking, and collaboration. By participating in this event, students have the opportunity to showcase their work and gain exposure to the broader ceramics community.

"The annual ceramics sale provides me with an opportunity to learn how to market my work and present myself as an artist. It allows me to price and organize my inventory for sale while creating an environment to improve my technical and conceptual art practices," remarked Hailey Blackwelder '24, student representative of the Clemson Ceramic Association. "This is especially impactful in my role as CCA president. "Seeing Clemson community and surrounding areas come out to buy original artwork created by students helps build our confidence and emphasizes the importance of the skills we are learning and how to apply them to our future careers as working artists."

Chair of the Department of Art, Valerie Zimany, emphasized the importance of the bowl sale to Clemson's educational mission.

"This event not only celebrates our students' incredible skill and creativity but also provides them with crucial opportunities to engage with the national ceramics community," Zimany said. "It aligns with the goals of the Clemson Elevate strategic plan by fostering hands-on learning, innovation, and the entrepreneurial and professional aspects of art. Every purchase helps our students grow as artists and young professionals."

From noon to 1 p.m., members of the Clemson Ceramics Association will serve hearty homemade soup for free with the purchase of a bowl, allowing visitors to enjoy a warm meal while supporting student art.

"The Clemson Ceramic Bowl Sale is about more than just bowls," said ceramic faculty member and event organizer John Cummings. "It's a chance for a community to connect over a shared appreciation for handmade works of art while supporting student artists."

The Fall Ceramics Bowl Sale also serves as a prelude to the annual Spring Ceramic Sale, which will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Both events highlight Clemson University's commitment to amplifying academic success through experiential learning, a key pillar of the Clemson Elevate strategic plan. This comprehensive plan focuses on enhancing the student experience and encouraging a culture of innovation.

A select number of ceramic pieces will be available for purchase that support the Hurricane Helene relief fund and assist artists in N.C. who suffered due to the hurricane. For further details about the Fall Ceramic Bowl Sale, contact Art Department Chair and Professor Valerie Zimany at [email protected] or Lecturer of Art in Ceramics John Cummings at [email protected].