Mark your calendars for Dec. 6 because the Carbondale Clay Center’s (CCC) beloved Cup Auction is back on First Friday. Starting at 5pm, members are invited to attend the mug preview where they can place early bids, sip on drinks, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and celebrate ceramic art together. Doors will open for the general public at 6:30pm and bidding will last until 8:30pm. Non-members can attend the preview by becoming a member at the door.
This year, the 26th annual event will be hosted by Marble Distilling, located at 150 Main Street. With its upscale, but down-to-earth atmosphere, the distillery is sure to facilitate a memorable night. Attendees can grab a signature drink from the bar before meandering through the Barrel Room where most of the mugs will be on display. After placing a bid, the spacious patio presents the ideal spot to gather around the fire and catch up with old friends, or to keep an eye on your mug.
“We knew we wanted to bring this back to First Friday and the Main Street area,” said Matthew Eames, CCC’s manager of operations. “Marble was really excited by the idea of hosting for us this year.”
As one of the most popular events of the year, the Cup Auction is a remarkable opportunity for art enthusiasts to find a well-crafted, rare piece of work. Historically, the auction has featured over 200 mugs donated by a national assortment of nearly 100 student and renowned ceramists alike. By gathering this array of artists, the Cup Auction highlights fresh perspectives and stories that are sure to inspire the Carbondale community. Additionally, the non-local artists can showcase their work for an audience who might not witness their craft outside of the event.
“I talk to a lot of different people to build our list [of artists] asking them to donate. It really creates a diverse collection,” said Eames. “I’m always excited to see the boxes come in and to see how many cups from different artists we get.”
Attendees can also bid on mugs created by well-known and respected local ceramists, including former 2004-2005 CCC resident artist Lea Tyler. Tyler, who currently teaches Introduction to Wheel Throwing, has donated two mugs for this year’s event. She said that all former residents donate a mug, and that she looks forward to reconnecting with her colleagues and celebrating their work.
“Last year I got a cup from someone I went to college with,” said Tyler. “Cups come from near and far, and it’s just so fun to see.”
While the auction guarantees a night of connection, wonder and awe, it also doubles as CCC’s oldest fundraiser. Nearly 30 years ago, while attending the National Council of Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) convention, founder Diane Kenney was inspired by the extensive community of artists who generously donated their work to the exhibition and sale that supported the NCECA’s Fund for Artistic Development. Wanting to bring a collaborative fundraiser to Carbondale, Kenney and a group of local ceramists wrote donation requests to their network of potters.
The requests were well received, and since 1999, the auction has successfully grown to host hundreds of attendees, collectively raising thousands of dollars for CCC. Currently, funds raised for the nonprofit will directly support operational costs that include, but are not limited to, the Artists Residency program, educational programming for adults and children, community outreach and exhibitions. Additionally, with CCC’s upcoming expansion, now is a great time to consider contributing regardless of the amount.
“Any person’s contribution, big or small, is making a difference,” said Eames. “The cost of living has become so outrageous that we as employees struggle, but we do it for the love of the CCC. And the community showing that love back is really incredible.”
While the auction’s bidding component might intimidate potential attendees, both Eames and Tyler emphasized this event is for everyone. Entrance is free and attendees can peruse the mugs without placing a single bid, although Eames said that even small bids can be beneficial.
“It’s my favorite fundraiser they do, and it’s accessible to everyone,” said Tyler. “You can spend as little as $20 and get a great cup. And it benefits the CCC.”
Regardless of the night’s outcome, CCC’s hopes everyone can bring home a story to add to their collection.
“We can connect to moments, to the artists and to an organization, and all those stories come together when we sit down and have our morning coffee or tea when using that object,” said Eames. “The Cup Auction is a great embodiment of the opportunity to have these kinds of dialogues.”
Tickets are not required to attend the CCC’s Cup Auction. Visit www.carbondaleclay.org to learn more.