Strictly Functional Pottery National

PRESS RELEASE

The Strictly Functional Pottery National©, the best in contemporary American functional ceramics, is changing the exhibition date from spring to fall! The 2009 17th Annual SFPN will be held September 26 through October 25, 2009, with the Opening Reception on September 25.

The previous timing of the SFPN made it quite difficult for previous academic jurors to come to Lancaster, PA just when their semesters or quarters were ending.

The application deadline will be June 10, 2009 instead of immediately after the holidays as in previous years. This new "Call for Entries" date means that students will be able to enter work from that current school year. Other ceramic artists benefit by the later date since they won't be caught short after holiday sales. Another benefit to the date change means the SFPN applications will be available at NCECA, the national clay conference held in March or April. A survey among jurors and participants found this new timing to be better for all concerned.

The 2009 SFPN Juror is Pete Pinnell, Professor of Art and Art History at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He is well known as a teacher, lecturer, writer, and juror. His work in clay has been shown in numerous books and journals, and in exhibitions around the world. He is a regular columnist for Clay Times. He has been quoted as saying "My work is intended to be both utilitarian and decorative, with both aspects being equally considered.

Applications for the SFPN may be downloaded from www.strictlyfunctionalpotterynational.net. The web site has further information about the show and will be updated frequently. Visitors have the opportunity to view the past five exhibitions all year long.