AAPA Convention and Show Start Next Week

Bringing people together to share their love for art pottery since 1983, the American Art Pottery Association continues its grand tradition for holding their annual convention and show starting Wednesday, April 25th in Ames, Iowa. It will feature a walking tour of the Iowa State University campus, educational seminars, a benefit auction, and culminates with its spotlight art pottery show and sale.

The 2018 Convention, Show, and Sale will be held at the Gateway Hotel and Convention Center in Ames, Iowa, from Wednesday, April 25 through Saturday, April 28, featuring a tour of the famed Iowa State University campus art collection. Original murals and sculptures by Great Depression-era artist Grant Wood and the Stone City Art Colony, as well as more contemporary works, can also be viewed throughout the campus.

Activities kick off with a lunch gathering and display of art pottery made by former Iowa State College Professor Paul Cox and instructor Mary Yancey. Thursday features seminar presentations on the Handicraft Guild of Minneapolis and Abingdon Pottery by AAPA members Steve Schoneck and Christine Boone. Expert Lea DeLong will conduct a program exploring long-time Iowa State faculty member and sculptor Christian Peterson and his influence over Iowa State’s and local art culture with his acclaimed sculptures.

On Friday morning, following an interactive presentation given by Journal editor Linda Carrigan and pottery expert Riley Humler on collecting pottery, the Art Pottery Show will open for convention attendees only. The show will open to the public Saturday morning at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free.

A new feature this year is the AAPA annual fundraiser auction.  They will auction off approximately 30 donated pots during the Wednesday evening Meet & Greet for convention attendees only. Please consider offering a pot or two for this cause. Proceeds will be fully deductible and monies collected will allow the AAPA to continue producing the best (and only) periodical dedicated to American art pottery.

The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center has already started taking reservations.  AAPA has a block of rooms available at $129 per night.  Call 1-800-367-2637 and identify yourself as an American Art Pottery Association member, as the number of rooms booked reduces what AAPA will charged for meeting rooms. For those of you unable to drive, the Des Moines airport is located about 45 miles south of Ames. Shuttle and car rental transportation is available.

Please take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity!

For more information and to see registration forms, please go to http://www.aapa.info/.