Amateur Pottery Competition Rules and Registration
Enter the 2026 Amateur Pottery Competition
The Amateur Pottery Competition returns to the Minnesota Pottery Festival on Sunday, July 26 at 11 a.m.
The event gives recreational potters and pottery students a chance to take the festival stage, test their throwing skills, and compete in front of a very enthusiastic pottery-loving crowd.
Participation is limited and registration is first come, first served.
Participants must check in at the competition stage by 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Any space not claimed by check-in may be released to another competitor.
Who May Enter?
This event is intended for amateur and recreational potters. Participants should have enough wheel-throwing experience to center clay and independently create basic forms.
Professional potters participating in the Minnesota Pottery Festival are not eligible.
Competition Format
The 2026 event will include two heats, with up to four competitors throwing at the same time.
Each participant will complete two timed challenges:
Challenge One: Widest Bowl
Competitors will receive three pounds of clay and five minutes to throw the widest bowl possible.
The finished bowl must rise at least three inches from the bat and retain enough structural integrity to remain standing until it is measured.
Challenge Two: Tallest Vase
Competitors will receive another three pounds of clay and five minutes to throw the tallest vase possible.
The vase must have a bottom and an opening at least three inches wide. Each participant will wire the piece from the bat so judges can verify that it has a bottom.
Measuring and Scoring
Competition officials will measure each qualifying piece. Both measurements will be added together to determine the final score.
Pieces must remain standing until they are measured. If a pot collapses before the official measurement, it will receive a measurement of zero.
The competition’s tape measure is the official tape measure.
Equipment
The festival will provide:
—Pottery wheels
—Clay
—Bats
—Basic tools
—Water buckets
—Sponges
—Towels
Participants may not bring or use their own tools.
Clay may be wedged before the challenge, but centering and throwing may not begin until the official start.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top competitor. All competition decisions are made by the Pottery Festival Board
Ready to throw?