Upcoming Events

    • 21 Feb 2026
    • 22 Feb 2026
    • 2 sessions
    • Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda FL 33950
    • 15
    Registration is closed



    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 - 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, February 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 17 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 27 participants.


    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

     


     



    • 28 Feb 2026
    • 8:30 AM
    • 1 Mar 2026
    • 4:30 PM
    • Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda FL 33950
    • 10
    Register


    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)


    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

    (Registration Type C & D)


    Saturday, February 28, 2026  8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

    Sunday, March 01, 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 28, 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 01, 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 17 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 27 participants.


    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

     


     



    • 20 Mar 2026
    • 22 Mar 2026
    • 3 sessions
    • Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda FL 33950
    • 7
    Register


    Embossed Surfaces on Hand Built Forms

    3 Days with Acclaimed Potter


    Christy Knox

    Friday & Saturday - Hands On Workshop

    Sunday - Demonstration

    (Registration Type A & B)

    3 Day Demo/Workshop Event - Sold Out

    If you are interested in going on the Waitlist for the 3 day Demo/Hands On Event, please email us at SWFLPottersGuild@gmail.com


    1 Day Sunday Demo only, still available - (Registration Type D & E)


    Friday & Saturday, March 20-21, 2026, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

    Sunday, March 22nd, 2026, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

    Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda, Florida

    Want to become a confident hand builder?  Immerse yourself in this hands-on workshop Friday & Saturday with renowned potter Christy Knox!   Working with soft slabs and embossing plates, participants learn a variety of forming techniques including darting, stretching, and assembling skills that allow you to create complex forms.  You will then make your own tools; participants will create embossing plates and learn about pattern making.

    Then on Sunday, Christy will demonstrate various techniques focusing on simple mugs to complex shapes including teapots and present a PowerPoint of her work, past and current. There will also be a refresher on creating your own embossing plates.  Christy will then discuss ergonomics, timing and the drying process, importance of healthy artistic risk taking, and aspects of glazing/finishing for showcasing of texture & embossed surfaces.

    On the first day, students are encouraged to bring a large handful of fresh plant material and/or other textural material they wish to use for embossing. Students create embossing plates and learn about template design for new forms.

    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

    Friday & Saturday, March 20-21, 2026

    Continental Breakfast..................................................9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

    Hands-On Instruction...................................................9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

    Lunch..........................................................................12:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

    Hands-On Instruction..................................................1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Sunday, March 22, 2026

    Continental Breakfast..................................................9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

    Demonstration.............................................................10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

    Lunch..........................................................................12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

    Demonstration.............................................................1:30 p.m. - 3:30 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.


    Participant Supply List

    Participants should bring the following items to the Workshop:

    Serrated Rib for scoring

    Pin Tool

    Rubber Rib (bendable)

    Small Sponge

    Pony Roller

    Banding Wheel

    Rectangular Ware Board, approximately 7" x 14" in order to bring your embossing plate home with you

    For those traveling by plane, we will have some of the "sharp" tools that you can not travel with available.  We will also have a few banding wheels available.


    Christy Knox Background

    My earliest memories are of playing in the garden and walking in the woods. As an Artist, I was lucky to find my way to clay. For 40 years that lovely material has consistently allowed me to work with my hands and freely express my ideas.

    My exploration of form and color has carried me around and through the natural landscape. It is a personal journey, my relationship to the earth. I find myself constantly awe-struck by the visual interplay of color, texture, pattern and natural form. This experience is ever changing, fleeting, and unique.

    Part of the true joy of creating functional art is in the handling and daily interaction with a finished piece of pottery. Whether I am gardening or making pots, seeking out texture and color relationships, sipping tea, or feeding my children, my pots are a part and product of it all. It is my life, and it is what I have to share.


    Cost

    The cost of this 3-Day Event is $405.00 for Guild members and $450.00 for non-members.  (Cost includes 25 lbs. of clay for each participant.)   

    Enrollment is limited to 14 participants.  3-Day participants receive priority seating for Demonstration on Sunday.

    (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.


    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

     


     





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