San Antonio ceramic artists Michelle Hernandez, Hilary Rochow, and Rikkianne Van Kirk initiated ClaySA, a grassroots effort to unite the local ceramics community. The program includes a group exhibition titled "The Mark of the Hand," featuring 23 local artists working in clay, and 12 studio tours across two weekends in November. The exhibition, curated by Rochow, builds on a previous show called "Clay Symphony" and is supported by an all-volunteer committee including Contemporary Art Month Executive Director Roberta "Nina" Hassele and other artists.
ClaySA matters because it highlights the growing ceramics scene in San Antonio, bridging fine art and craft while celebrating handmade work in an era of AI-generated art. The initiative reflects increased community access to ceramics studios and workshops, fostering collaboration and visibility for local ceramic artists. By organizing both an exhibition and studio tours, ClaySA aims to connect the public with the unique, handcrafted nature of ceramic art, reinforcing the value of tangible, human-made objects.