Immerse yourself in the world of fine ceramic artwork, drink estate-grown wines from master vintners at D.A.Ranch and indulge in delectable wood-fired foods from a James Beard award-winning chef.
The three-day pottery sale and exhibition begins on Friday, November 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a preview of the work from talented ceramic artists — most from Arizona. The roster includes Heather Spontak, Augusta Smith, Heidi Kreitchet, Bettina Chow, Sam Chung, Mike Upp, Jamie Parrish, Rena Hamilton, Magda Gluszek, Tiffany Bailey, and Chris Pate.
Alexis Petznick and her husband Trey are part of the family behind D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards and are excited about this year’s festival. “We are honoring the Verde Valley Pottery Festival tradition while adding some new elements to our event, like the Collectors’ Dinner,” said Alexis Petznick. “It’s fun to see our property transform into an interactive space for the community to enjoy.”
In 2023, D.A.Ranch hosted the Verde Valley Pottery Festival with more than 1,000 attendees. Many of the same artisans who participated in last year’s event have returned for this year’s festival.
The Petznick’s, who are also artists, believe that art connects us.
“We can find appreciation and commonality in art, music and food. It’s a way to take what’s inside of us and share it with others. Art is a way for us to recognize the intrinsic beauty within ourselves and to share that beauty with others,” says Alexis. “Art can create a lasting impression.”
The expression of art, especially the ancient form of pottery, will be showcased by each artist uniquely and timelessly during the festival.
“There are plenty of reasons to come to the festival this year,” says Augusta Smith, one of the potters participating in the event. “For those who have been before, you’ll catch up with the artists and meet the new ones joining us this year. A ton of great work will be available for sale in an incredible venue with amazing wines and some killer views — what else could you ask for?”
Augusta will showcase a new collection of wood-fired and soda-fired work. He will also bring a selection of homewares and restaurant tableware, including a limited quantity of the Bacanora Home Collection that he created in collaboration with Phoenix restauranteur and chef Rene Andrade.
On Friday, November 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. collectors get an exclusive first look at the artwork and make purchases. Tickets are available online for $20 at https://www.firedartsfestival.com/. The ticket provides admission to First-Look Friday, light shared hors d’oeuvres, wine, live music and the opportunity to purchase your favorite handmade ceramic work of art before the event opens to the public on Saturday.
After delving into the world of handcrafted ceramic art, you are invited to experience a culinary art form — a dinner prepared by world-renowned 2024 James Beard Award winner, Chef Rene Andrade of Bacanora in Phoenix. Recently, Chef Rene was honored as the “Best Chef: Southwest” category. The Collector’s Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $350.
Not only will you savor Chef Rene’s Sonoran-style cuisine, but you will also have the opportunity to mingle with like-minded artisans, foodies, wine connoisseurs and art collectors.
“You can expect to eat off of my handmade plates if you choose to come to the Collector’s Dinner,” says Augusta Smith. “I will have a selection of tableware from my restaurants in Arizona, California and Mexico City. You can expect a truly incredible dining experience from Chef Rene with exquisite wood-fired flavors, wine pairings and a family-style dinner complete with great conversation.”
The festival officially opens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to the public. The first 30 guests will receive a free handmade ceramic wine cup created by the participating artists.
D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards Tasting Room opens at 11 a.m. There will be 100% Estate Grown Arizona wine, live music, wood-fired pizza by sommelier and Chef Josh Ivey of Craft Wood Fired and Argentinian provisions by Tomas Agostino of Dellepiane, as well as a “try it yourself” zone hosted by PIP Coffee + Clay, and the opportunity to add beautiful ceramic work from this year’s artists to your collection.
Throughout the weekend, attendees will view artist talks and live demonstrations including wheel-thrown jar forms, glazing, slip transfers and more.
Ceramic artist Mike Upp states, “The people who attended the festival in the past appreciate pottery and especially enjoyed attending the demonstrations. D.A.Ranch is such a beautiful setting for this type of festival which combines food, music and art all in one spot,” he said.
To learn more about the Fired Arts Festival at D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards visit www.firedartsfestival.com or call 928-247-6868.
Sponsored by:
D.A.Ranch Estate Vineyards, Augusta Pots, Verde Valley Wine Consortium, Dialog PHX, Zonies Galleria, El Portal Hotel, Sedona Artists Market, Sedona Film Festival, Urban Revival Interiors, Shemer Art Center, PIP Coffee and Clay, Cadigan Marketing, Spark Twenty-Six Permanent Jewelry. Interested in sponsoring or volunteering? Click “Sponsor/Volunteer” at www.firedartsfestival.com.
