The Shawnee Hills Pottery Trail Marks 11 Years of Local Craft on May 2nd and 3rd

Date/Time
Date(s) - 05/02/2026 - 05/03/2026
12:00 am

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This first weekend in May, regional potters from Southern Illinois open their studios for the 11th
Annual Shawnee Hills Pottery Trail. On Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday, May 3rd from 10am –
5pm, visitors can explore seven studios across Carbondale, Murphysboro, Alto Pass, and Ava,
meet the artists, and see their creative process firsthand. Along the way, guests can discover a
wide range of functional and decorative pottery, offering a unique chance to bring home a piece
of our region’s unique and rich ceramic tradition. This family-friendly event is a rare, hands-on
way to experience local craft.
Each year, participating potters open their studios with education and ceramic appreciation at
the forefront. Visitors can talk with artists about their techniques, see how work is created, and
learn about the dedication behind each piece.
The artists showcase a variety of styles, techniques, clay types, firing processes, and glaze
surfaces. From bright glaze colors of electric firings to warm ash glazes and the crisp
translucency of celadon from gas kilns, there’s something to match every taste. Guests can also
discover sculpture, wall pieces, and large vessels, all crafted by local artists.
This year’s trail features seven stops with 13 participating potters:
1. Dan Johnson, Alto Pass
2. Steve Grimmer, Keren Ya’ari & Rob Lorenz, Alto Pass
3. Harris Deller and Sara Ballek, Carbondale
4. Cameron Smith and Karen Fiorino, Murphysboro
5. Darby Ortolano, Murphysboro
6. Stephanie Dukat and Kari Woolsey, Ava
7. Kit Davis & Michael Polkinghorne, Carbondale
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives between each studio stop and explore local wineries, coffee
shops, farmers’ markets, and restaurants along the way. For those making a weekend of it,
nearby accommodations along the edge of the Shawnee National Forest offer walking trails and
outdoor recreation.
For maps, artist details, and additional information, visit potterstrail.wixsite.com/pottery-trail,
follow on Facebook at facebook.com/PotteryTrail, or Instagram @shawneehills_potterytrail.
For press inquiries or additional questions, contact potterstrail@gmail.com or Kari Woolsey at
kariwoolsey@gmail.com