The Hudson Valley Pottery Tour is coming up on October 19-20, 2024, and if you’re even remotely interested in pottery (or just need an excuse for a picturesque fall drive), you won’t want to miss it. This isn’t your typical, stuffy art walk; it’s like getting a backstage pass to some of the most talented ceramic artists in the region. Picture wandering through lush landscapes, stopping by intimate studios, and chatting with artists about their creative process—all while pretending you totally know the difference between a kiln and a wheel (spoiler: I didn’t).
This tour offers the chance to visit the studios of local legends like Doug Peltzman, whose work is a blend of functionality and artistic flair, and Tim Rowan, who digs up native clay from his own property to create earthy, rugged pieces. Other participating artists include Kathy Erteman, known for her modern, minimalist designs, and Bryan Czibesz, who blends traditional pottery techniques with cutting-edge digital design. Whether you’re picking up a mug that’ll make your morning coffee infinitely more Instagram-worthy or a showpiece vase for your mantle, you’ll be walking away with something that feels personal and full of character.
And the best part? The artists are super friendly and passionate about sharing their work. Trust me, there’s nothing like hearing the story behind a piece, knowing it was crafted by someone who walked the same winding Hudson Valley paths you'll find yourself on.
Now, let me paint a picture of the time I thought, "How hard can pottery really be?" So, I signed up for a beginner's class at Montgomery Pottery in Wingdale, and let’s just say things escalated quickly. I had visions of a perfectly symmetrical vase. What I actually ended up with? Something that looked like a lopsided ashtray from the 1970s. But here’s the thing—everyone else’s work also looked charmingly wonky, and we all had a blast. Plus, by the end of the class, I had a newfound appreciation for every single mug, bowl, and plate I’ve ever seen at a craft fair. Spoiler alert: pottery is way harder than it looks.
So, if you’re inspired by the pottery tour and thinking, “Hey, I could do that!” there are tons of spots around the Hudson Valley where you can dive in. Newburgh Pottery offers laid-back, intimate classes focused on wheel-throwing and hand-building. Over in Kingston, Clayspace Kingston is the go-to for those ready to get serious about their pottery game, offering classes for beginners to advanced artists. And for those looking for something a bit different, Fisheye Ceramics Hudson Valley Pottery Tour 2024: Handcrafted Art and Scenic Fall Adventuresin Catskill offers workshops on creating organically shaped, modern pieces.
The pottery tour isn’t just about gawking at beautiful ceramics (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about getting to know the artists, understanding the care that goes into every piece, and maybe even walking away with a little inspiration to try your hand at the craft. You might come for the scenic drives and cute mugs, but you’ll leave with stories, a deeper appreciation for the art, and maybe a new favorite artist to follow.
So, grab a friend (preferably one who can help navigate), hit the road, and get ready to be wowed by what these potters are creating in their cozy studios hidden in the Hudson Valley’s rolling hills. Whether you’re a pottery enthusiast or a total newbie, the Hudson Valley Pottery Tour promises to be the highlight of your fall. And if you decide to take a class after, just remember: even the wobbliest mug can be called *art*.
For more details, including directions and studio information, visit the official [Hudson Valley Pottery Tour website](https://hudsonvalleypotterytour.com)
