Murphy, CA…The third annual Clay Confluence returns to Quyle Kilns over Memorial Day weekend, inviting artists, collectors, and the clay-curious to three days of hands-on demonstrations, pottery contests, vendors, and community celebration. The event runs through the weekend at one of Northern California’s oldest working potteries.

Quyle Kilns is a historic clay and pottery shop at Brice Station, on Highway 4 just above Murphys.

Pamela Quyle, owner of Quyle Kilns, is a master ceramics artist and holds a wealth of lore about the historic property.

Amanda Maule, business partner with Pamela Quyle, created Quyle Kiln’s annual Clay Confluence to create community in the arts in Calaveras County.

Mosaic artist Robin Modlin will be leading a mosaic project that visitors can join.

Visitors can join mosaic artist Robin Modlin in creating a mosaic project on the side of Quyle Kilns building.

Master potter Don Hall will demonstrate coiling techniques to create a large clay project.

What began as a lively gathering three years ago is quickly becoming something more. “I believe that it’s becoming a destination for ceramic artists in Northern California,” said Amanda Maule, ceramics instructor and studio partner. “We have people coming from the city, from all over the region, because it feeds the potter’s soul to be around so many like-minded people.”

The weekend promises a full slate of activity. Visitors can watch a raku firing demonstration, try hands-on projects, and contribute to a collaborative mosaic. Master potter Don Hall will demonstrate how to build a large project from coiled clay, and watercolor artist Maggie Sloan will talk about painting on clay. Once again, mosaic artist Robin Modlin will lead the continuation of a mosaic project on the side of Quyle Kiln’s brick building.

The most entertainingly chaotic part of the whole weekend will be the pottery throwdowns, where artists compete to see who can spin the potter wheel the best under challenging situations. “We’re going to be doing blind throwing,” Maule said. “We might even do musical chairs and let people rotate around.” The result? Equal parts skill, spectacle, and hilarity. “Yeah, it’s very fun,” Maule said.

Around fifteen ceramic vendors, along with other craft and fine artists, will be on site. Food will be available for donation—because, as Maule put it, “What’s better than food and pottery?”

While the festivities are lively, the heart of the event is connection. “Camaraderie,” Maule said. “Meeting new people, meeting new friends.” She notes that one of her favorite parts is watching artists connect and her students grow. “To see them blossom, to sell their work, and be proud of themselves—that’s probably my favorite.”

Quyle Kilns, a family-run pottery founded in 1954, has long been a cornerstone of the local arts community. Today, it continues that tradition by bringing people together through clay.

Learn more about the Clay Confluence at Quyle Kilns website.

The Third Annual Clay Confluence will take place May 23, 24, 25 over Memorial Day Weekend at Quyle Kilns, located just off Highway 4 near Murphys. For more information, contact Pam Quyle at Quylekilns@gmail.com

Name of show or event:  Clay Confluence at Quyle Kilns
Dates:  May 23, 24, 25
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free; donations appreciated
Location:  3353 East Hwy-4
Murphys, CA 95247
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