The Clay Cup
Claymakers' 25th Anniversary Throwdown
Compete in electrifying clay challenges
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 6:00-9:00 PM
Silent Auction & Raffle!
25 years, 50+ prizes! Check out our silent auction and raffle, you won’t be disappointed. Pottery from local greats, clay supplies, awesome experiences and gift certificates… hard to go wrong!
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 25 years of Claymakers!
The Clay Cup brings together our community for an electrifying pottery competition featuring potters competing head-to-head for studio glory.
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 + Time : Friday, November 21, 6-9 pm
Location: 470 Salem Street, Durham, NC 27703
Weather: Rain or shine! We’ll have both indoor and outdoor activities.
Parking: Carpooling, biking, and ride share strongly encouraged! Limited on-site parking with overflow parking available at nearby lots.
Accessibility: Claymakers is wheelchair accessible. ADA parking is available in our main gated lot at 470 Salem.
Event Tickets
We’ve got three ticket tiers—choose the one that’s right for you.
Each ticket helps us keep our mission going: bringing people together through clay and shaping the next 25 years of creative community. If you’re able, consider joining us at the Gold Luster Champ level for a bigger impact (and a special-edition handmade cup!).
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
1 drink ticket
Event entry
Screen-printed commemorative poster
2 drink tickets
Handmade tumbler
VIP seating
Children Under 12 - FREE: Must be accompanied by ticketed adult. Includes event poster.
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
Who can Compete? Anyone!
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!
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. All attendees receive a free poster.
Silent Auction: Bid on exceptional ceramic work and experiences.
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.
Full Event Schedule
6 PM — Doors Open
Competitor check-in, community clay station, screen printing, and food trucks all open.
6 - 7 PM — Social Hour
Grab a drink, browse the silent auction and raffles, try the clay station, or get your event poster printed as the crowd rolls in.
7 - 8:45 PM — The Main Event:
6 lively pottery showdowns with our talented competitors going head-to-head.
8:45 - 9 PM — Awards Ceremony
Raise your mugs for our ceramic champions with a medals ceremony.
9 PM — Wrap-Up & Auction Pickup
Anniversary auction and raffles close at 9 pm. Pick up your auction winnings and celebrate with our winners!
Compete
Show us your skills and compete for glory! Not feeling competitive? Cheer participants on with an event ticket!
Ways to Participate
Volunteer
We’re looking for volunteers to help bring this event to life! All volunteers receive free event admission.
Bid
25 years, 50+ prizes! Join our anniversary auction and raffles for your chance at one-of-a-kind ceramics and amazing experiences.
25th Anniversary Design
Congrats to our 25th Anniversary Design Contest winner, Katie Kirke! Katie’s winning artwork will be featured on a limited run of shirts, totes, and posters—available exclusively at The Clay Cup.
Want one? Just grab an event ticket—her design appears on totes included with select tiers and on limited-edition anniversary tees available only at the event.
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:
1,300+ students educated annually
21+ scholarships awarded annually to increase access
9 studio assistants trained in studio management annually
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? Once you have an event ticket, yes! Competition entry costs $5 per event (maximum 3 events per person). Register for the contests here.
Can I drink alcohol at the event? Yes, we'll have a cash bar with beer, wine and themed cocktails. 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.
