What kinds of events does ACGA organize for artists and the public?

ACGA organizes and co‑organizes exhibitions, including its signature Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival, and supports member shows in galleries, museums, and regional venues around California. These events provide juried sales opportunities, public outreach, and visibility for clay and glass artists.

How can artists become members of ACGA?

Prospective members typically apply through ACGA’s official website, submitting images of recent work and professional information for a juried review. Membership is oriented to active clay and glass artists who meet the association’s quality standards.

How do I exhibit at the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival or other ACGA events?

Exhibitors for the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival and other ACGA‑supported shows usually apply via online application forms linked from ACGA’s site or event communications. Calls for entry specify eligibility, booth fees, and jury requirements, and accepted artists receive setup, logistics, and marketing details from the organizer.

How can visitors find information about dates, location, and admission for ACGA events?

Visitors can attend ACGA‑organized public events such as the Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival by checking dates, hours, and location details on the ACGA website or the event’s dedicated page. Admission information, programs, and any workshop or demonstration schedules are published ahead of each edition.

Association of Clay & Glass Artists of

Q: What is the Association of Clay & Glass Artists of California (ACGA) and what does it do?

ACGA is a California‑based nonprofit association of professional and emerging artists working in clay and glass media. It focuses on exhibitions, sales events, and education that promote contemporary ceramic and glass art across the state.

Organizer

California’s professional association promoting excellence in contemporary clay and glass art through juried festivals, exhibitions, and artist support.

Directory listing reviewed June 2026

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About Association of Clay & Glass Artists of California (ACGA)

Geographic reach: State, Regional, National

The **Association of Clay & Glass Artists of California (ACGA)** is a non‑profit, artist‑run organization dedicated to promoting excellence in ceramic and glass art throughout California. Founded to support professional and emerging makers working in these media, ACGA provides a collaborative platform for exhibition, education, and market development for clay and glass artists across the state.

Through juried membership, the association maintains high artistic standards while offering its members visibility, networking, and sales opportunities in key California markets. ACGA’s best‑known public program is the **Palo Alto Clay & Glass Festival**, a long‑running outdoor art fair and selling exhibition that brings together dozens of juried artists for a weekend of direct interaction with collectors, designers, and the broader public.

The festival showcases functional ware, sculpture, architectural pieces, and studio glass, and often integrates artist demonstrations and educational activities to build appreciation for contemporary craft. In addition to this marquee event, ACGA supports and co‑organizes smaller regional exhibitions, gallery shows, and pop‑up sales in partnership with museums, civic venues, and retail galleries, giving artists year‑round channels to reach buyers and curators.

The association positions itself as both a **professional guild and advocacy body**, working to expand markets for handmade clay and glass, encourage high‑quality craftsmanship, and strengthen the economic viability of artist studios. It leverages its website and membership directories to connect architects, interior designers, galleries, and private collectors with qualified makers, while also sharing calls for entry, educational resources, and technical information relevant to the ceramic and glass community.

With membership and events concentrated in California but attracting visitors and buyers from the wider West Coast, ACGA functions as a key infrastructure hub for the region’s clay and glass ecosystem.