The Clay Cup
Claymakers' 25th Anniversary Celebration
Watch local potters compete in electrifying clay challenges
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 6:00-9:00 PM
The Clay Cup: Claymakers 25th Anniversary Throwdown
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 25 years of Claymakers! The Clay Cup brings together our community for an electrifying pottery competition featuring Durham's most talented potters competing head-to-head in three thrilling rounds.
Whether you're a seasoned potter or simply curious about the magic at the wheel, there's something for everyone. Watch skilled artisans push their limits, try your hand at our community clay station, take home a screen-printed poster, and bid on stunning pieces in our silent auction.
With food trucks, signature cocktails, live screen printing, and an energetic atmosphere, The Clay Cup promises an evening where art, competition, and community collide.
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Claymakers Arts Community, 470 Salem St, Durham, NC 27703
Parking: Carpooling, biking, and ride share strongly encouraged! Limited on-site parking available with overflow parking at nearby lots.
Accessibility: The facility is ADA accessible. ADA parking is available inside our usual gated lot - please see the attendant upon arrival and display your placard for access.
Weather: Rain or shine event with both indoor and outdoor activities
Get Your Tickets
There are three tiers of event tickets! Choose your ticket level below. Every ticket helps keep our mission alive—connecting people through clay and building the next 25 years of creativity. If you’re able, consider joining us at the Gold Luster Champ level to make a bigger impact and get a special edition handmade cup too!
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
Event tote bag
1 drink ticket
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
Event tote bag
2 drink tickets
Handmade tumbler
VIP seating
Children Under 12 - FREE: Must be accompanied by ticketed adult. Includes commemorative poster.
ANYONE CAN COMPETE!
HOW TO REGISTER AS A COMPETITOR:
Purchase your event ticket FIRST
Purchase competition entries SECOND ($5 per person per event, max 3 events)
The Competition
Think you’ve got what it takes? Enter our thrilling pottery challenges and watch clay transform under your hands—or watch others show off their skills live!
Timed Challenges: 4 fast-paced events, 30 minutes each
Ongoing Events: 2 opportunities to create at your own pace throughout the night
Want to Compete? Add competition entry to any ticket level for just $5 per person per event (maximum 3 events). Show us your skills and compete for glory!
HOW TO REGISTER AS A COMPETITOR:
Purchase your event ticket FIRST
Purchase competition entries SECOND
($5 per person per event, max 3 events)
Let the Games Begin
Register for a competition below:
More To Experience
🏺Community Clay Station: Roll up your sleeves! Our hand-building area welcomes artists of all ages and experience levels to create alongside our community. Perfect for families - children under 12 are admitted free with a ticketed adult.
🖼️Live Screen Printing: Watch your commemorative 25th Anniversary poster come to life with on-site screen printing. Every attendee receives a free poster—a keepsake celebrating this milestone moment.
💵Silent Auction: Bid on exceptional ceramic work from local artists and Claymakers instructors. Auction opens at 6:00 PM and closes at 9:00 PM.
🎟️Anniversary Raffle: Enter to win amazing prizes! Raffle tickets available for purchase throughout the evening with winners announced during the awards ceremony.
🥂Cash Bar: Full bar featuring signature clay-themed cocktails and mocktails. Two local food trucks in the parking lot. Porcelain Pal ticket holders receive 1 drink ticket, Gold Luster Champs receive 2 drink tickets.
Full Event Schedule
6:00 PM - Doors Open
Competitor check-in begins
Social hour starts
Community clay station available
Screen printing station opens
Food trucks/vendors open
6:00 - 7:00 PM - Arrival & Registration Grab a drink, explore the silent auction, purchase raffle tickets, create at the community clay station, or get your commemorative poster printed while the energy builds.
7:00 - 8:45 PM - The Main Event: The Clay Cup! 6 electrifying pottery competitions with our talented competitors showcase their skills under pressure.
8:45 - 9:00 PM - Finals & Awards
Final silent auction bidding
Raffle winners announced
Competition winner announcements
Awards ceremony celebrating our champions
Silent auction closes
9:00 PM - Thank You & Auction Pickup Collect your winning bids, celebrate with our champions, and thank you for an unforgettable evening!
Ways to Participate
Want to Compete? Add competition entry to any ticket level for just $5 per person per event (maximum 3 events). Show us your skills and compete for glory!
Want to Volunteer? Sign up Genius is on the way! We need 30-35 volunteers to help make this event spectacular. Roles include setup crew, competition assistants, registration, bar staff, and more. All volunteers receive free event admission.
25th Anniversary T Shirt Design Contest
CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!
Thank you to everyone who submitted designs! Our winner will be revealed early November.
Limited-edition anniversary t-shirts featuring the winning design will be available for purchase at The Clay Cup on November 21st.
Become a Clay Cup Sponsor
Help us celebrate 25 years of community, creativity, and clay!
Contact sandford.jessica@gmail.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Presenting Sponsor - $1,000
4 VIP tickets
Prominent event signage
Verbal recognition
Social media features
Website recognition
Supporting Sponsor - $500
2 VIP tickets
Event signage
Website recognition
Community Sponsor - $300
Event signage
Website recognition
Social media recognition
Why This Matters
For 25 years, Claymakers has been Durham's premier community pottery studio, making ceramic arts accessible to everyone. From beginners taking their first class to professional artists refining their craft, Claymakers has been the place where clay, community, and creativity come together.
This anniversary celebration honors not just our history, but the thousands of hands that have shaped clay—and been shaped by their time—in our studio.
Our Impact:
1,000+ students educated annually
14+ scholarships awarded to increase access
9 studio assistants trained in studio management
25 years of building community through clay
Your ticket purchase directly supports keeping classes affordable and accessible to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this event family-friendly? Yes! All ages welcome. Children under 12 are admitted free with a ticketed adult and receive a commemorative poster. The community clay station is perfect for kids. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Do children need tickets? Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. They'll receive a commemorative poster just like adult attendees. Ages 13+ require a paid admission ticket.
What should I wear? Casual and comfortable. If you plan to participate in the community clay station, wear clothes you don't mind getting a little messy!
Can I compete in the pottery challenges? Yes! Competition entry costs $5 per event (maximum 3 events per person). However, you MUST purchase an admission ticket first. Competition registration will open at a later date (TBA). Sign up for our email list to be notified when competition spots become available.
How many competition events can I enter? Maximum of 3 events per person. Each event costs $5 and you must have an admission ticket first.
Can I drink alcohol at the event? Yes, we'll have a full bar. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol.
Are tickets refundable? Tickets are non-refundable. Event details subject to change.
Where should I park? Carpooling, biking, and ride share strongly encouraged! Limited on-site parking available with overflow parking at nearby lots.
What if it rains? Rain or shine! We have both indoor and outdoor activities.
Can I still donate if I can't attend? Yes! Check back soon for a donate link. All proceeds support Claymakers' mission.
How can I volunteer? Check back soon for a sign up link - volunteers receive free admission and a t-shirt!
