ccsa convention 2019

Annual Ceramic Art Studio Convention took place in Buffalo, New York this week with over 300 members participating in professional development classes and enrichment. 

By: Danielle Kearns 
Hello from Buffalo, New York! I am currently writing this between classes, trying to figure out what and when lunch is today, and grabbing my laptop for my business class later. I am overstimulated, under-caffeinated, and absolutely loving every minute of it. And I'm the newest of the new kids on the block here this weekend. 

Not only is this my first ever Convention, but I still haven't had my first birthday in the "paint your own pottery" world yet! But that doesn't mean I'm not soaking everything here up with a synthetic pottery sponge.

Let's just say, we are fired up as a staff -- and not just because kilns are a main topic of conversation around here. Did you know that paint your own pottery (PYOP) studios are most often a part of the CCSA - the Contemporary Ceramic Studio Association. They are responsible for much of the professional development in our industry and provide a wealth of knowledge and materials to set each of our studios up for success. This year, the national Convention is being held for one week in Buffalo, and a few of us staff members are currently in the thick of it! This weekend is FILLED with classes, tutorials, trainings, product debuts, paint demonstrations, mentorship -- and our favorite -- a SNEAK PEAK of so many NEW bisque pottery options.

As a first time attendee, this has been an overwhelming but thrilling experience for me. Never have I ever been in one place with so many PYOP enthusiasts who have the same small business mindset and dedication to the arts as we have. Classes are offered daily, covering all the heavy hitting topics: ordering, hiring, human resources, marketing, techniques, planning, finances, and of course, general art tricks and tips. Since four of us went this year, a record for The Claypen, we were really able to spread out and hit as many of these classes as possible, gaining a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the future at both The Claypen and The Firestone. 

We hope that you have been following along with us on social media. If you have any questions about the benefits of being a CCSA member, feel free to comment below.

Resources
Join the organization​​
Contemporary Ceramic Studios Association​​
Great for FAQs + finding a studio near you
​Paint Your Own Pottery

A big thank you to all the sponsors + contributors that made this weekend so special, especially: 
Bisque Haus
Bisque Imports 
Chesapeake Ceramics 
Duncan
Impress Art 
Gare
Mayco
Social Artworking 
Skutt Kilns