Last weekend, I had the chance to participate in the first annual Mooresville Fine Arts Festival, and it ended up being one of the most thoughtfully organized events I’ve attended as a ceramic artist. As someone who primarily works in South Charlotte, I’m always grateful for opportunities to meet new communities, and this festival brought together a warm, engaged crowd who genuinely appreciated handmade work.
A Juried Event That Felt Meaningful
One of the things that immediately stood out was that the festival was juried. The application process was simple and professional, and submitting my photos, artist bio, and website through the portal made everything straightforward. Knowing that each artist was intentionally selected gave the event a strong sense of quality and curation. It also made me proud to be included among such a talented group of makers. As part of my submission, I shared images of some of my favorite pieces:
One of the pieces I submitted was my sculptural coastal platter. I chose this ceramic platter because its soft coastal blue and flowing form reminded me of the shoreline textures I use when creating in my studio.
Another piece I submitted was a textured ceramic bowl. I chose this one because the ruffled edge and the layered blues and purples feel alive in a way that’s hard to capture in a photo. In person, the glaze shifts softly with the light, giving it a calm, organic presence that feels at home in almost any space.
A Vendor Experience That Was Truly Considered
Setup took place on Friday afternoon, and from the moment I arrived, it was clear that the organizers had planned every detail with vendors in mind. A table and chairs were already waiting, along with a small gift bag, which was such a thoughtful touch. The festival team immediately offered help unloading my pottery, which was a kind gesture. Little things like that take so much pressure off the start of a show day and let me focus on getting my pieces arranged the way I want them.
A Smooth, Welcoming Morning Start
Saturday morning began with fresh coffee and pastries, which set a relaxed tone before the doors opened. We were given plenty of time to make final adjustments to our booths, and the atmosphere felt calm and friendly. It’s small things like this that make an event stand out for makers who spend so much time preparing for show days.
A Diverse Gathering of Artists
As the festival got underway, I made time to walk around and see the work of other artists. The range was impressive: woodworking, mixed media, painting, ceramics, glasswork, and more. The lighting in the venue was good, and the layout made it easy for visitors to explore without feeling rushed or crowded. Being surrounded by so many different styles and techniques was inspiring and reminded me how much creativity exists across North Carolina’s art community.
Connecting With Over 2,000 Visitors
More than 2,000 people visited the festival throughout the day, and the energy was wonderful. Many visitors were genuinely curious about the process behind my work, how each piece is hand built, bisque fired, glazed carefully by hand, then high fired to achieve durability and depth. I love these conversations because they slow things down and turn a quick hello into something real. They offer insight into what people connect with, and they remind me why handmade work matters to so many.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
One of the parts of the day that meant the most to me was being able to bring my daughter. She even brought a few of her own handmade ceramic birds and proudly sold several. Watching her talk to visitors, answer questions, and share her own creativity added a special layer to the day. The festival felt safe, welcoming, and full of people who truly appreciated the arts, a place where families could enjoy the day together.
For this event, I brought a range of pieces including custom-made ceramic bowls, stoneware vases, small sculptures, and pottery trays. It was rewarding to see visitors interact with the stoneware, noticing the weight, surface texture, and subtle variations in glaze movement. High-fire glazes behave differently depending on the kiln atmosphere and the way light hits them, and watching someone tilt a piece to catch those shifts is always one of my favorite moments.
Final Thoughts and Gratitude
The Mooresville Fine Arts Festival exceeded every expectation I had. From the curated artist selection to the thoughtful vendor support, the friendly visitors, and the vibrant mix of art forms, the entire event felt meaningful and uplifting. Here’s a Facebook Live from the Mooresville Fine Arts Festival featuring all the talented artists, including a few glimpses of my booth. It was such a fun day connecting with this creative community
If you weren’t able to attend, you can explore the pieces I brought to the festival, along with new work on my website. I hope you find something that adds warmth, character, and a touch of handmade artistry to your home.
