Community: It has been a lifelong goal of mine to make it to NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts). Before the shop ever existed I was throwing at the Ann Arbor Art Center and pugging on my off days to afford the classes. This obsession hit a breaking point with my wife when I wouldn't go to the hospital to be treated for walking pneumonia because I didn't want to miss a firing. Though I no longer make ceramics(I was never very good), it is still my favorite material. Raw, honest and so versatile. It's amazing what people can make out of mud.
This year NCECA has finally come to Detroit. Anyone that is into ceramics professionally or casually, I highly suggest you make it at least once. Demonstrations, meetups and break out events all week long. There is an amazing sense of community right now not only within the walls of the conference center but the surrounding Detroit area as well.
FYI you don't need to pay for a badge if you just want to shop in the gallery section in the front.
Day run down in pictures-
1. Tinosophes- Amazing breakfast place 7 minutes away from the conven
tion center. Everything is served in local handmade pottery(the egg breakfast sandwich and Chai has never let me down) and they are having an exhibition for Chris Riddell in their adjacent space. Bonus point- People's Records is right next door....favorite record store in Detroit.
2. Met up with @_katiebramlage_ who is an amazing maker & friend, the perfect guide for the day's festivities.
3. Met up with Adam & Barbie of Egenolf Ceramics for our annual pickup and filled up my car with some amazing crystalline pottery.
4. One of the highlights for me was the artstream nomadic gallery which is an airstream trailer filled with a great cross section of amazing ceramicists. 
5. CCS Alumni Exhibition- we visited Katie's work among many other amazing artists like this wall by @kaisersudan
6. But if I am honest my favorite moment of the day was the exhibit on the second story of the historic scarabclubdetroit. The Scarab Club brings a very specific moody vibe. Once that is mixed with the ceramic vessels and the ikebana art it has this amazingly rich/layered effect that I keep thinking about. It's just so well done.
There are events happening all over town depending on how much time you have. I highly recommend exploring and checking out locations like Pewabic Pottery which is a bit further out but very much worth the trip.
Welcome to Detroit and if I can help with anything feel free to message us!
-Colin
