The Everson Museum of Art will host the 36th annual Feats of Clay event on May 2, a dynamic ceramics competition that brings together hundreds of students and educators from 40 regional high schools to showcase their artistic talents and celebrate the power of collaboration and creativity. This long standing event, established in 1987, highlights the vital role of arts education in fostering creativity, community engagement and personal growth.
The event features a series of unique challenges designed to challenge students’ creativity and skill in ceramics, with the focus being on the artistic process. Feats of Clay is more than a competition; it is a testament to the strength of community partnerships and the transformative impact of the arts. Highlights from last year’s competition included creating a pottery wheel piece without using hands and racing to craft as many ceramic mugs as possible within a set time limit. These activities emphasize teamwork, innovation and the joy of artistic expression.
The community collaboration provides a unique experience for participants and spectators alike. In addition to hosting the event, the Everson Museum will curate a special two-week exhibit featuring select student works from April 12 to May 9, offering the community a chance to celebrate and appreciate the talents of these young artists in a venue that is one of the largest collections of American ceramics in the United States.
“This event highlights the artistic process in a way that cannot be explained in words—it must be experienced,” said William Jones, Arts-In-Education Coordinator at CiTi BOCES. “Through collaboration and creativity, Feats of Clay underscores the value of arts education in building connections, inspiring students and enriching our communities.”
Even the coveted trophy is a testament to the rich collaborative legacy of Feats of Clay and celebration of arts collaboration—it is a massive, intricately designed ceramic sculpture that grows in significance each year as the winning team adds their own artistic touch to it.
Together, CiTi BOCES Arts-In-Education, the Feats of Clay Board, Clayscapes Pottery, the Independent Potters Association, Syracuse Ceramics Guild, Syracuse Food Truck Association and the Everson Museum of Art help make Feats of Clay a cornerstone event that demonstrates the profound impact of arts education on students and the broader community.
About Feats of Clay:
Founded in 1987, Feats of Clay is an annual ceramics competition that has evolved from a small local event into a celebrated regional tradition, inspiring high school students’ passion for the ceramic arts and fostering a growing sense of community and artistic collaboration. The event brings together schools from across the region for a day of creativity, competition and camaraderie. Hosted at the Everson Museum of Art, Feats of Clay has become a beloved tradition celebrating the artistic achievements of young talent and the power of the arts to unite communities.
