01/02/2026
It is with major GRATITUDE we send this newsletter. So many patrons walked through our door on South Adams, searched through our shelves and walked with smiles through our clay exhibits. Patrons logged on to our online sales site from across the United States and purchased beautiful pieces that we were able to ship right to their doorsteps. Thank you so much for this continued support.
Our exhibition year always begins and ends with our Annual Cup of Joy. This year Trackside featured over 200 cups from across the United States and will close out this exhibit on FIRST FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, from 5 - 8 PM. Over 50 cups still remain and they do not want to travel home to their makers. We look forward to seeing many of our good friends so we can wish all a great 2026!
ONLINE SALES continue for Cup of Joy through January 9th. Free shipping on purchases of $150 and above.
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW:
February - "Altered Connections" Chris Kelsey. This new work was about change using geometric forms and the suggestion of geologic forces to portray the constant change in our world, society, and relationships.
March - "Lunch Hour" Gina Freuen An exhibit of works on paper with a central theme of smoke relating to both kiln firing experiences but also the theme of “blowing smoke,” hiding fact behind a smoke screen of information.
April - Mentor - Regional ceramics faculty and their students. Invited Faculty: Iolanda Palmer - Washington State University and student Jessie Teegarden. Mat Rude - Gonzaga University and students Anna Almond & Sophia Sibulo. Chris Tyllia - Eastern Washington State University and student Josie Flitton. Tyber Newcomer - Spokane Falls Community College and students Nicholas Graham & Vic Kelso. Lance Sinnema - Whitworth University and students Alyssa Sorce & Nolan Bentz.
May - "The Art of Kintsugi Repair" Darya J. Pilram The Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with natural materials and precious metals. A philosophy that resonates deeply with the understanding of value.
June - "Many" J. Casey Doyle. An exhibit as part of the city of Spokane's Annual Pride Month. Casey creates sociopolitical works that question our relationship to gender roles/stereotypes and sexuality. Each of these works began with a question to society and Casey.
September - "Dot to Dash" Israel Davis - Ada MI, Dehmie Dehmlow - Philadelphia, PA, Nancy Gardner - Forest Park, IL, Dennis Meiners - Portland, OR and Taylor Sijan - Netcong, NJ. An invitational exhibit of mid to low range ceramics featuring rendered surfaces in abstract to representational.
October - "Partners in Clay," Chris Kelsey, Mark Moore and Gina Freuen. An exhibit featuring functional and one-of-a-kind sculptural clay-works pulled from our shared kiln firings, both wood and soda, throughout our exhibition year.
November - "Annual Coasters Benefit" 2025 non-profit Manzanita House. Manzanita House is devoted to creating an inclusive space where all immigrants and refugees have a place at the table to freely and fully participate in our community. $1420 was raised through the sale of $10 artist and friends of the gallery hand-designed coasters. Through matching grants this amount was doubled to $2840.
December - "12TH ANNUAL CUP OF JOY" an invitational of cup forms created by over 50 artists from across the United States.
Cup of Joy CONTINUES! Come see us Friday, January 9th and if you cannot come, SHOP ONLINE.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY SUPPORT. See you in 2026
