Welcome to NCECA’s 61st Annual Conference, Charm in Baltimore, MD.
Registration for the 2027 Charm Conference opens in Fall 2026.
NCECA’s 61st conference, Charm, takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, March 10 - 13, 2027.
Baltimore Convention Center
1 W Pratt St, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
Registration for the 2027 Charm Conference opens in Fall 2026.
NCECA’s 61st conference, Charm, takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, March 10 - 13, 2027
Charm, the 61st annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) takes place from March 10–13, 2027. Your research, creativity, and knowledge can be shared with thousands of clay enthusiasts from throughout the U.S. and worldwide to learn from one another, investigate, and grow. The diverse qualities of Baltimore’s historic neighborhoods, the energy of its enterprising harbor, varied natural features, and the warmth of its people give rise to the identity of The Charm City.
The etymological roots of charm are connected to the Latin word carmen, meaning song or incantation. In modern usage, charm can be a quality, object, or action, and can function as an embellishment or a spell of transformation. Charm occupies a liminal space that resonates within the tactile materiality and elemental energy essential to ceramic art. Chance and intention, mysticism and meaning are the call and response in ceramic art's ancient and ever-evolving song of alchemical invention.
Across cultures and centuries, people have shaped earth and fire into forms of utility, beauty, and expression. Ceramic art has the power to make everyday life extraordinary. As we gather in Baltimore, a city of resilience and creative spirit, we invite you to consider how your work in clay enchants the world around you. Share your voice and vision in this celebration of ceramic arts - where tradition meets transformation, and material becomes meaning.
2026 NCECA Volumes Conference, Kiwi Underglaze Sponsor
2027 NCECA SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE TODAY!
DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026. For Purchases and Artwork. Payment is due at the time of purchase.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the Charm, the 61st annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. We are excited to have you join us in Baltimore, Maryland! We have inspiring exhibitions and programming lined up. Learn more about raising the visibility of your exhibitions, programs, services, and more while supporting NCECA.
Download the Sponsorship Packet PDF to review sponsorship packages, advertising opportunities, and benefits. Purchases and payments can be made through the NCECA Online Store.
Planning to exhibit in the 2027 NCECA Resource Hall? Qualifying Corporate and Institutional Members who purchase a sponsorship will receive Priority Sponsorship Booking for booth space. Priority Booking opens Monday, September 14 at 12:00 PM/ET and closes Tuesday, September 22 at 5:00 PM/ET, providing the earliest opportunity to select preferred booth space.
You can quickly make purchases and payments through the NCECA online store. For more information or questions about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Edith Garcia at communications@nceca.net.
2026 NCECA Volumes Conference, Mudtools, Resource Hall
2027 NCECA RESOURCE HALL INFORMATION! SUBMIT A GENERAL INTEREST FORM TODAY!
Any company or non-profit entity that manufactures or provides products or services to the ceramic arts and education is eligible to represent itself in the Commercial & Non-Profit Resource Hall (formerly known as the Exhibit Hall). The purpose of this hall is to promote products, services, technology, resources and missions of businesses and non-profit organizations that support the field.
Please visit the 2027 RESOURCE HALL page to submit a GENERAL INTEREST FORM to let NCECA know that you are interested in participating as a Resource Hall Exhibitor for the 2027 Annual Charm, Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
Information provided in the form will be used to compile communication lists and prepare floor plans for the 2027 Resource Hall. This form does not constitute an agreement to exhibit with NCECA.
Visit the 2027 Resource Hall page for all available information at this time and submit a Resource Hall General Interest Form today.
2026 NCECA Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition
APPLY FOR THE 2027 NCECA CHARM CONFERENCE EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES TODAY!
Submit an exhibition entry for Charm, NCECA's 2027 conference in Baltimore, Maryland! The call for Featured Exhibitions and Clay Around Town opportunities are now open! Exhibitions will run concurrently with Charm, the 61st annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, in Baltimore, Maryland, March 10–13, 2027.
NCECA is committed to the exhibition and expansion of contemporary ceramic practice, including diverse approaches that range from utilitarian and designed objects to sculpture, installations, site-specific, and performance works.
Visit the 2027 NCECA Exhibition Opportunities website page for detailed information about each unique opportunity, and submit today!
Please read the full exhibition descriptions before starting your application. For questions about exhibitions, please contact: exhibitionsupport@nceca.net.
2026 NCECA Volumes Conference, Detroit, Michigan
2027 NCECA GALLERY EXPO
CALL FOR ENTRIES! NOW CLOSED
DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026, (11:59PM ET) (Please note time zone - late entries will not be accepted)
2027 NCECA Gallery Expo features displays of unique works in clay presented by galleries from across the United States and abroad. Works in this showcase may be functional, decorative, or sculptural and should be available for purchase by collectors.
A committee will select the galleries to participate based on the quality of submissions and alignment with programmatic goals and objectives.
Read through the Gallery Expo PROSPECTUSprior to submitting an application or reaching out with questions.
NCECA actively promotes inclusion, equity, accessibility, and diversity within the ceramic arts. We strongly encourage Gallery Expo applicants to represent artists from historically marginalized communities and to reflect a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, voices, and identities. This includes—but is not limited to—diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and age.
If you have questions about eligibility or submission rules that are not answered in the prospectus, please contact jessie@nceca.net
2026 NCECA Emerging Artist, Maxwell Henderson
2027 NCECA CALL FOR PRESENTATION PROPOSALS! NOW CLOSED
Now is the time to submit presentation proposals for Charm, NCECA's 2027 conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
The annual NCECA conference is dedicated to creation, teaching and learning through clay. Programming highlights stories, research, and experiential learning that represent the diversity of contemporary and historic ceramic practices featuring local, regional, national, and international presenters.
Your voice and vision can contribute to this diverse, inclusive, and engaging event. Community-generated presentations showcase future directions, best practices, influential collaborations, lessons learned, and solutions to emergent issues. NCECA welcomes submissions from those involved in all realms of ceramic art and education. Participation is generally limited to one presentation per conference.