Feats of Clay returns: Lincoln competition begins April 25

The Art League of Lincoln is reviving Feats of Clay, the international clay competition that was held at Gladding McBean for 25 years. If you were lucky enough to attend this event, you had the privilege of touring the Gladding McBean facility and viewing the Feats of Clay Competition/Exhibit inside a bee-hive kiln. Don't miss the 2025 exhibit, or being part of it as an artist or supporter. If you're new to Lincoln, you might not know about Feats of Clay. This is the first of a series of articles leading up to Feats of Clay, designed to educate, share history and share information about the 2025 exhibit and events. Lincoln grew because of the rich clay that was discovered here, and the establishment of the Gladding McBean factory. Gladding McBean is one of the oldest companies in California, a pioneer in ceramics technology and a company which has "contributed immeasurably" to the state's industrialization. During the heyday of architectural terra cotta, the company dominated the industry in California and the Far West. Charles Gladding, along with Peter McGill McBean and George Chambers, established Gladding-McBean in 1875 after learning about the rich clay in Lincoln. Its original product was clay sewer pipe. By 1883, the company had grown to 75 employees, and it then evolved into a major manufacturer of architectural terra cotta. Many international and national historic buildings feature iconic architectural terra cotta, including gargoyles, scrolls and angels. 2025 marks the 150-year anniversary of Gladding McBean. "Feats of Clay" began in 1987 when Ray Gonzales, renowned local ceramicist and art educator, and on the Lincoln Arts board, was seeking a showcase event to promote the arts in Lincoln. Since the Gladding McBean clay plant, known affectionately by Lincoln residents as "the pottery," was one of the largest employers of the area, it was reasonable to focus on clay as their medium of choice for an exhibition. They were thrilled when the owners of the factory enthusiastically accepted the idea that the show would be held within their walls. Gonzales, along with Lincoln Arts and community members, assembled to create a regional ceramic art competition, naming it Feats of Clay. By 2007, the competition was international, attracting thousands of spectators and artists to Lincoln. The 2025 competition and exhibit is national and will be held at the Art League of Lincoln from April 25-June 29, with a public reception on April 26 from 5-8 p.m. The Art League is accepting artist submissions through March 30. Sponsorships are available through April 1. For more information, visit www.artleagueoflincoln.com. Next week's installment will feature an interview with Feats of Clay founder Ray Gonzales, who is co-leading the revival of Feats of Clay. For a video walking tour of Feats of Clay, enjoy this video at https://www.gladdingmcbean.com/the-factory-gmb.