Much of our world is automated and manufactured by machinery – Roomba vacuums, the ATM, and the cars we drive. These inventions bring convenience to our busy lives. Yet, one thing that still remains true is that there is beauty in unique, hand-crafted items. Ceramics bring an essence of authenticity because not only are they made by artisans, but there is physical evidence of the maker in the finished product – fingerprints in the clay; the arch of the eyebrows in a figurine’s facial expression; a drip of glaze down the side of a cup. These little ‘makers marks’ are proof that a person was there.  

The ceramicists in the JCC Denver’s (the J) Ceramics Program produce functional and sculptural artwork of all kinds year-round – dinnerware, figurines, vases, mugs, hanukkiahs, and mezuzahs. And it’s the artists behind these pieces that you catch glimpses of within each finished product. Ari Shahbazi, Ceramics and Fine Arts Engagement Program Manager at the JCC Denver, highlights some of the people you might see around the J studio. She shares, “Lauren Sabour has been part of our studio for about ten years now. She is an experienced potter who can create with a pile of heavy clay and then has a delicate process of carving into the bowls she throws. It creates a sculptural element to her work. The juxtaposition of the process versus the product is amazing.” Alternatively, some artists at the J are just beginning their careers. Jackie Newman started classes at the J when he was fourteen and has evolved from being a student to a valued team member. Ari adds, “Jackie is part of the heartbeat of the studio. He teaches camps and ceramic birthday parties, unloads kilns, and ensures the studio is tidy. Not to mention, he is one of our most talented artists. He just created a lamp, but he also makes candles, vases, cups, and mugs. You can tell when something is Jackie’s by how light it is to the touch. And let me tell you…that’s hard to do!” 

The JCC Ceramic Sale, from November 13 – 20 as part of Denver Arts Week, is a once-a-year exposition that gives the community an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces like Lauren’s bowls or Jackie’s candles. Students of the J Ceramic studio, both past and present, will display and sell their work in the main lobby and the board room. Prices range from $5 to hundreds and proceeds are split between the artists and the JCC Fine Arts program.  

Another artist to look out for at the Ceramic Sale this year is instructor Kayle Lamar. Ari explains that Kayle’s work could be described as “micro-ceramics. Kayle traditionally crafts Judaica art yet, this year, she has created these personable sculptural creatures that hold miniature pots. One creature has a beret hat. Another has a unicorn horn. Seeing them come out of the kiln made me feel like a child playing with little action figures. Functional and sculptural components generally live in different worlds, but she found a way to incorporate both.” 

At the Ceramic Sale this fall, meet the artist that crafted your new, favorite mug in which you will be sipping your morning coffee. Connect with friends who will be selling their art for the first time since picking up their ceramic-making hobby. You won’t find these unique and personal works anywhere else in Denver, and we prefer it that way.