What are tradesies?
In the pottery world, “tradesies” (also spelled tradsies) are small, handmade ceramic items created specifically for the purpose of exchanging them with other artists. This tradition has grown into a vibrant microculture, especially at large events like the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, where participants “trade small things for other small things” as a way to connect and share their craft. NCECA is the primary hub for “tradesie culture,” where thousands of artists exchange items annually.
Ceramic tradesies are a popular, often informal, exchange of handmade small items (like pins, magnets, or small pots) among ceramic artists, acting as a vibrant microculture within the community to connect and share art. These trades, range from simple, rustic pieces to miniature masterpieces.
Want to make tradesies?
Amory Atelier brings the pottery studio to your location to make tradesies and share ceramic art education to your community. Each workshop is free. We bring the clay, instruction and materials. Each host receives a free mug from our monthly mug membership. Each registered participant receives a free tradesie.
Who are tradesie workshops for?
Tradesie workshops can be an intimate date, a small dinner party, a neighborhood block party, a way for your family to connect, a featured booth or activity at your event, show, or festival, a club activity, for any schools, and curated corporate events. Tell me about your group, and give me some ideas for a collaborated partnership. How can we use ceramic tradesies to strengthen your community?
Sign up to host a tradesie workshop
Sign up below to plan out your workshop:
