Breathing New Life Into Old Forms
Modern Influences on Tradition
With Acclaimed Seagrove Potter
Matthew Kelly
Saturday - Demonstration
Sunday - Hands On Workshop
(Registration Type A & B)
2 Day Demo/Workshop Event - Almost Sold Out
If you are interested in going on the Waitlist for the 2 day Demo/Hands On Event, please email us at SWFLPottersGuild@gmail.com
1 Day Saturday Demo only, still available.
(Registration Type D & E)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, February 22, 2026 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda, Florida
Want to refresh your approach to design and form? On Saturday, acclaimed Seagrove Potter, Matthew Kelly will demonstrate various throwing techniques and tricks including two part forms, throwing larger pieces, as well as wider pieces. He will share his methods of glazing and slip decorating along with his techniques on carving, handles and more. Matthew will also touch on how he uses social media to both promote and sell his work.
Sunday is all about hands-on. Matthew will work with each participant at their wheel, guiding them in their journey to bring new life into their pieces. He will also include a couple of quick demos at the wheel that participants can either try to emulate or use as inspiration.
Workshop fee includes 25lbs of clay. Limited to 14 participants.
Location
Workshop will take place at the Visual Arts Center, 210 Maude Street Punta Gorda, FL 33950. The Visual Arts Center is four miles from the Punta Gorda airport, serviced by Allegiant Airlines. Participants can also fly into The SWFL Intn'l Airport in Fort Myers, which is less than an hour drive to Punta Gorda.
Room Share – For those interested in a room share, please contact Chris Colle (Chris.SWFLPottersGuild@gmail.com) and she will match you up with another participant.
Schedule
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Continental Breakfast..................................................8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Demonstration.............................................................9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lunch..........................................................................12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Demonstration.............................................................1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Continental Breakfast..................................................8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hands On Workshop...................................................9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lunch..........................................................................12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hands On Workshop....................................................1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Included each day:
Continental Breakfast
Beverages (soda, water, coffee, tea)
Breaktime Snacks
You may bring your own lunch or order locally and we will arrange for pick-up. We will have menus available to choose from.
Artist Bio
Matthew started his adventure into ceramics as a freshman in high school. He found his first job as a potter at age 16, working for two traditional Seagrove pottery shops, Holly Hill and JB Cole. In 2013, after almost 20 years as a journeyman potter, Matthew started the journey of making his own work. He uses local glaze materials and clay to produce elegant forms that are fired in multiple kilns and atmospheres. Electric, gas, and wood fired kilns are used combined with meticulous slip work and glazing to create decorative and functional works of art. Matthew believes in challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of excellence in his field.
Matthew continues to live and work in the Seagrove area. His desire is to inspire the potter and collector alike in his process and finished pieces. YouTube has become one of his favorite platforms to share his process. After finishing construction of his first wood fired kiln in late 2019 Matthew is now hosting kiln opening sales at his studio for sharing his work with collectors. He also has seasonal online sales for those who may not be local. Matthew has shown his work at Charlotte's Potters Market At The Mint, Hickory's Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival, and the Celebration of Seagrove Potters in Seagrove, NC.
Cost
The cost of this 2-Day Event is $315.00 for Guild members and $350.00 for non-members. (Cost includes 25 lbs. of clay for each participant.)
Enrollment is limited to 14 participants. 2-Day participants receive priority seating for Demonstration on Saturday. (You can become a member on this website.)
The cost of the 1-Day Demonstration Only for Guild members is $100, and for non-members is $110. Enrollment for the 1-Day Only is limited to 30 participants.
*** Early Bird Special***
Receive 10% off posted prices if you register and pay for workshop by August 31, 2025.
For 2 Day Workshop - Use Code: 2DMK-10
For Demonstration Only - Use Code: MKDEMO10
Workshop Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received at least three weeks before the workshop date will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.
Cancellations received less than three weeks before the workshop date receive a 50% refund, unless we can fill your seat. If we can fill your seat, you will still receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee.
There are no refunds for cancellations received less than 72 hours before the workshop.
Please note: You may transfer your ticket to another person at no cost! Please let us know who the new ticket holder will be.
All cancellation and/or transfer requests must be made via email: Chris.SWFLPottersGuild@gmail.com
