Academy Presents: Clay Festival
Celebrate the rich tradition and creative future of clay at the Academy Clay Festival—a one-day event highlighting the best in pottery and ceramic arts. Set against the backdrop of crisp fall air and golden leaves in downtown Lynchburg, this festival brings together potters, sculptors, wheel throwers, and hand builders from across the region for a celebration of craftsmanship and community. Stroll through artisan booths filled with functional wares, bold sculptures, and one-of-a-kind treasures, just in time to kick off the cozy season.
Guests will enjoy artist demonstrations, educational talks, and live pottery-making in action. Don’t miss your chance to connect with makers, shop locally made ceramics, and soak in all the warm, autumn vibes.
New this year, the Academy is proud to introduce its first-ever National Juried Ceramic Exhibition, expanding the festival’s reach to showcase outstanding ceramic artists from across the country. Interested in being included in the National Juried Ceramic Exhibition? Submit your work here.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Apply now to be part of this year’s Academy Clay Festival and showcase your work among the region’s best ceramic artists!
Key Dates:
August 22 – Deadline for artist/vendor application
August 29 – Artist Notification
October 18 – Academy Clay Festival!
Tickets: Free
For more information or to reserve tickets to this performance, contact our Bank of the James Ticketing Office at (434) 846-8499.
Sponsored By:
Know before you go:
Accessibility & Sensory Advisory
Please visit this page to learn more about accessibility at our venues.
Some performances may include flashing lights, strobing effects, loud sounds, haze, or other sensory elements. Guests with photosensitive conditions, hearing sensitivities, or other health concerns should review show information in advance or contact us at boxoffice@academycenter.org for guidance.
Age Requirement
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket for this event unless otherwise stated.
Camera Policy
Videography and audio recording during the performances are prohibited. Photography of the set on stage is allowed pre-show, post-show, and during intermission. But we do ask that you show our designers and visiting performers some love by crediting them (and by tagging us) in your social media posts.
Content Advisory
The Academy Center of the Arts offers a diverse selection of entertainment. Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every guest or for all ages. Ticket buyers should take responsibility for making informed decisions regarding their purchases. We recommend visiting the official show website of each show you are coming to see at the Academy. If you ever have questions about the content or appropriateness of a show, please contact us at boxoffice@academycenter.org.
Doors Open
Unless otherwise noted, our lobby doors open 60 minutes prior to show time and house doors open 30 minutes prior to show time for seating.
Parking & Directions
Parking is available on-site and throughout downtown Lynchburg. Our parking map (linked below) shows all of the free public and paid parking available. In addition, street parking is also available on most streets.
Ticketing Policies
Ticketing purchases are non-refundable. By purchasing a ticket to an event at The Academy Center of the Arts, you are agreeing to our ticketing policy. View our full ticketing policy.
Volunteer
Want to volunteer and see this show for free? Contact Kyle Greaney, kgreaney@academycenter.org, for more information.