The project will explore throughout 2026 the region's natural clay resources, historical pottery traditions through expert presentations and the opportunity to harvest, process, create and fire with this natural resource. Different parts of the project will be accessible and free to the public at Studio Sales Pottery studios and other locations in the Genesee Valley River Valley.
The project is scheduled to launch on February 14, 2026 with a lecture to highlight the evolution of clay usage in the Genesee River Valley, from its primary Indigenous roots to its early colonial uses. This lecture is free to attend:
Woodland America Uses of Clay: Peter B. Jones, a renowned Onondaga artist and potter, will provide an overview of Indigenous clay traditions. Jones is known for work that incorporates traditional Haudenosaunee pit-firing and hand-built coiling techniques.
Historical Valley Pottery (18th–19th Century): Mark Presher, Master Potter at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, will present on pottery making from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century. His expertise focuses on salt-glazed pottery and the transition into the Industrial Revolution.
Location: 74 Genesee St, Avon, NY 14414, 3rd floor of the Avon Town offices, Opera Block Meeting Hall
Time: 12:00pm to 2:30pm
This project is made possible with funds from the Aid to Localities Program through the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts and The New York State Senate.
Also check out other Arts events in Avon, Meetups in Avon.
