Once upon a time a potter joined the Business of Art Center (now the Manitou Art Center) fresh out of college... From an offhand remark to the director-- "wouldn't it be cool to hold a pottery olympics"-- Clayfest was born. Our Potters' games hadn't  been seen in 16 years and we changed that in 2022 with a triumphant return. This year's 'fest will happen on Saturday September 27th. Prizes will be given AND FUN WILL BE HAD...

We are located in Manitou Springs, Colorado and affiliated with the Manitou Art Center. Our games and teaching event will be held on September 27th and 28th at the Soda Springs Pavilion here in Manitou Springs

The Potters Games will be held Saturday with a free teaching event Sunday-- 10am-5pm both days. 

  TENTATIVE 2025 SCHEDULE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE

· 9:00a-10:00 – PARTICIPANT SIGN UP

· 10:00-10:30 – FASTEST BUCKET 

o Professional: 8 1-lb balls

o Amateur: 4 1-lb balls

· 10:45-11: 15 – RELAY TEAMS COMPETITION (teams of 4)

o One pot each contestant 

· 11:30-12:00p – BLIND FOLDED THROWING

o Professional: 5-minute time limit

o Amateurs: 10-minute time limit

· 12:00p-1:00 – DEMOS AND LUNCH

· 1:00-1:30 – PARTNERS HANDLE PULL ( 10-minute time limit)

o Professional:

o Amateur: 

· 1:30-2:30 – MATCHED SET OF 4 POTS 

o Professional: 10-lb ball, thrown off the hump, 15-minute time limit

o Amateur: 4 2-lb balls of clay, 30-minute time limit

· 2:30-3:00 – ASTHETIC THROW

o Professional: 10-minute time limit

o Amateur: 15-minute time limit

· 3:00-3:30 – TANDEM THROWING 

· 3:30-4:00 – LARGEST POT (with 5-lbs of clay) Height x Width at the top!

o Professional: 10-minute time limit

o Amateur: 15-minute time limit

· 4:00-4:30 – NO HANDED THROWING (judged by crowd response)

FREE FOR ALL!!!!!

Manitou Art Center

Amaco

Giffin Grip

Rocky Mountain Clay

Stone Leaf Pottery

Garrity Tools

GR Forms

Mayco

The Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Initiative