1001 Pots: North America’s Largest Outdoor Ceramics Exhibition Returns to Val-David This Summer
Every summer, the village of Val-David in Quebec, Canada, transforms into a vibrant epicenter for ceramic arts. Until August 17, 2025, the 36th edition of 1001 Pots, North America’s largest outdoor ceramics exhibition, invites visitors into an extraordinary experience where contemporary ceramics meet art, nature, and community.
More than 100 ceramic artists are presenting their work in this unique open-air gallery, attracting over 50,000 visitors from across North America and beyond.
“1001 Pots is much more than an exhibition. It’s a place for connection and knowledge-sharing, where concerts, workshops, and talks unfold in harmony, all with deep respect for art, nature, and creativity,” says Sacha Ghadiri, Executive Co-director of 1001 Pots.
Set amidst the lush private gardens of Val-David, the event offers a contemplative yet dynamic space where visitors can wander along tree-lined paths, meet ceramicists, attend musical performances, and take home truly unique, handcrafted works of art.
A Showcase of Contemporary Quebec Ceramics
Since Kinya Ishikawa founded the event in 1989, 1001 Pots has grown into a landmark event in the North American ceramics community. Each year, Val-David becomes a gathering place for artists, collectors, and curious visitors who are eager to explore the vast possibilities of clay.
The diversity of work on display is remarkable, ranging from minimalist tableware to large-scale sculptural pieces, delicate tea bowls to experimental forms that push the medium’s boundaries. In addition to admiring and purchasing pieces, visitors are also encouraged to engage in meaningful exchanges with the artists on site.
But what truly distinguishes 1001 Pots is its ability to bridge diverse audiences. It is an event that speaks to connoisseurs and casual visitors alike. Whether you come to find the perfect handmade mug, to sip tea in the garden, or to spend a day with family, the exhibition offers an inclusive experience.
Visitors are also invited to stroll through the Jardin de Silice, a beautifully curated garden space that weaves nature and ceramics into a seamless landscape. Here, art is not confined to gallery walls, it lives in the open air.
Spotlight on Myriam Bouchard: Guest Artist at Espace K
A major highlight of this year’s edition is the launch of Espace K, a newly created exhibition zone dedicated to celebrating the work of renowned ceramic artists. The first guest artist to inaugurate this space is Quebec’s own Myriam Bouchard, who presents a compelling body of both functional and sculptural ceramics.
Trained in graphic design and ceramics in the United States, Indonesia, Japan, and Europe, Bouchard is known for her exceptional mastery of traditional Anagama wood-firing techniques. She is currently completing a two-year research project around the creation of large-scale artworks—sculptures and container pieces for which she received a grant from the CALQ (Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec). She is conducting this project in France, in collaboration with the Centre de céramique contemporaine de La Borne (CCCLB)—a major hub for contemporary ceramics and wood firing. Their Anagama kiln is ideal for firing Myriam’s large flame-shaped pieces, revealing a rich and unique surface texture born from the direct interaction of clay and fire. The 1001 Pots exhibition showcases her newest creations along with a wide array of her previous work.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Education and knowledge-sharing have always been at the heart of 1001 Pots. The 2025 edition features an expanded program of over 50 workshops and courses designed to welcome participants at every level—from children discovering clay for the first time to advanced ceramicists refining their practice.
For beginners, hands-on activities such as wheel-throwing workshops offer an accessible introduction to the material. For more experienced participants, intensive masterclasses present opportunities to deepen technical skills and explore new creative approaches.
Visitors can also enjoy inspiring encounters with experts, including a masterclass on local Quebec clays led by Linda Swanson, a talk on eco-friendly ceramics hosted by Cindy Labrecque and Loriane Thibodeau, and a talk about wood-firing techniques by guest artist Myriam Bouchard.
A vibrant music and theatre program
Beyond ceramics, 1001 Pots distinguishes itself through its vibrant cultural programming, which transforms the exhibition site into a dynamic festival space throughout the summer.
Every Friday evening, the Jardin de Silice becomes the backdrop for intimate concerts featuring a range of musical genres: the voice and guitar duo Hélène Picard and Steve Cowan, harpist Valérie Milot, the Stone Bonnets Choir, the Beija-flor duo (flute and guitar), and sitar virtuoso Uwe Neumann. On Saturday afternoons, the site comes alive with live jazz performances, offering a rhythmic, casual ambiance as visitors meander through the exhibits.
Visitors will also enjoy the vibrant cultural life of the village of Val-David, and in particular the 1001 Patentes qui Bougent festival (1001 Things in Motion), from August 1 to 10, which celebrates the arts of masked performance and puppetry, with roaming acts and interactive street performances that delight audiences of all ages. The cultural programming at 1001 Pots is a testament to the event’s holistic approach, celebrating creativity in all its forms.
More information at www.1001pots.com
Photos © Virginie Blais
