Sponsorship Opportunities
Since its groundbreaking debut in 2017, Woodfire NC has grown to become a vital gathering for the wood-firing ceramics community. Our 2022 conference was an incredible success drawing over 400 attendees and dozens of renowned artists from across the U.S. and beyond. This year, we aim to make it even more extraordinary—and we would love for you to be part of it!
Your Impact is Doubled
Thanks to the generosity of the Windgate Foundation, every sponsorship dollar you contribute will be matched 1:1, up to $17,000! This means your support will have twice the impact, directly helping us elevate this conference to new heights. With your help, we can ensure Sustain: Wood Fire NC 2025 remains an unparalleled educational and artistic experience for our global community of artists, scholars, and enthusiasts.
A World-Class Lineup of Artists
This year’s conference will feature an impressive roster of international artists and U.S.-based creators, all representing diverse traditions and techniques. We are honored to welcome esteemed artists such as:
• Natasha Alphonse (First Nations Dene, Seattle WA)
• Rob Barnard (US)
• Priscilla Mouritzen (Denmark)
• Matthew Blakely (Australia)
• Nancy Fuller (Scotland)
• Juana Gomez Ramirez (Mexico)
• Chris Gustin (US)
• Brenda Hornsby Heindl (US)
• Ray Meeker (India)
• Joe Molinaro (US and Mexico)
And many more.
These incredible artists, alongside others from India, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Europe, and tribal nations, will bring their wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovation to the event.
An Unmissable Experience
Each day of Sustain: Woodfire NC will begin with inspiring plenary speakers—leading artists and scholars who will set the stage for thought-provoking discussions and hands-on learning. Attendees will also enjoy:
• A stunning exhibition at Starworks, showcasing some of the world’s finest wood-fired ceramics.
• A special juried student exhibition, celebrating the next generation of woodfire artists.
• Dynamic presentations, live demonstrations, and valuable networking opportunities with fellow artists, collectors, and scholars.
Your Continued Support Matters
By partnering with us, you’ll be directly supporting the continued growth and vibrancy of the wood-fired ceramics tradition, while gaining exceptional visibility within this passionate community. Please see below for sponsorship levels.
Why North Carolina?
North Carolina has one of the longest traditions of wood-fired ceramics in the United States. Yet there are many issues facing North Carolina wood-firers that also affect wood-firers all over the world, including environmental issues, changing aesthetics, and access to natural resources. Because it has one of the largest concentrations of wood-firers kilns and firers in the country, North Carolina is uniquely suited to provide a forum for many of these critical issues. A series of panels and demonstrations will explore all aspects of wood-firing, beginning with a lively discussion of historical, ethical, and environmental issues pertinent to our field. Interspersed throughout the proceedings will be plenary sessions and keynote address from some of our field’s most noted thinkers, as well as simultaneous demonstrations featuring sculptors and functional pottery makers.
Thank you to Windgate Foundation, Uwharrie Bank, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Montgomery County Tourism Development Authority, and Insurance Associates of the Triad for their support of this conference.