Mata Ortiz Pottery Sale
From September 18-21, 2024 White Bear Center for the Arts’ Community Studio will be lined with beautifully intricate pottery from Mata Ortiz, Mexico during a weeklong sales event. With earth-toned glazes and strong geometric lines, Mata Ortiz pottery is recognized and sought after, worldwide.
Mata Ortiz pottery is a unique style of ceramic art based on pottery found at the archaeological site of Casas Grandes in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Artists from the town of Mata Ortiz, led in the 1970s by Juan Quezada Celado, used that ancient artwork as a starting point, and have since developed their own unique look sought after by art collectors worldwide.
Throughout the week, José Mario Jimenez, art dealer and presenter, will speak about the history of the pottery style and its cultural significance and join us for pottery demonstrations and workshops led and taught by Mata Ortiz potter Cesar Bugarini.
For those who want early access to the pottery, get tickets for our pre-sale event on Tuesday, September 17, from 6:30-8:30 PM. Tickets are $25 and available to the public.
Mata Ortiz Pre-Sale Event
Tuesday, September 17, 6:30-8:30 PM
Event ID: GS71
Pottery enthusiasts and shopping aficionados — don't miss this pre-sale event. The first 100 people to purchase a ticket will get early access to the pottery, grab a $25 ticket before they're gone. Credit/debit cards will be the only accepted form of payment at the sale.
Mata Ortiz Sales Event
Wednesday, September 18-Thursday, September 19, 10:00-7:00 PM
Friday, September 20-Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Shop from a curated collection of over 250 Mata Ortiz pots crafted by 37 different artists, alongside a selection of artisanal textiles from the region. Credit/debit cards will be the only accepted form of payment at the sale.
Presentation & Demo
Thursday, September 19, 4:00-5:00 PM
Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Hear José speak about the village of Mata Ortiz and learn about the origins and history of the pot-making process — from the sourcing of clay to the meticulous steps of shaping, drying, sanding, engraving, and firing each piece.
Handbuilding Workshop (FULL)
Thursday, September 19
6:00-8:00 PM
CLASS ID: CPW5
Delve into the origins and construction basics behind crafting Mata Ortiz pottery led by José and Cesar. Work with clay sourced directly from the hills of Mata Ortiz. Registration required.
Mata Ortiz Firing Demo
Friday, September 20 & Saturday, September 21
1:00-3:00 PM
Watch the final step in the creation of a Mata Ortiz pot: the firing process. Rooted in the ancient pottery traditions of the region, pots are fired on the open ground using split wood. Observe as the smoke and flames adjust to the heat giving the clay a glass-like finish.
