Regional arts organizations and educators join to launch a celebration of ceramic arts on Thursday, August 16, 2007 from 9- 11 a.m.

Pittsburgh, PA – July 30, 2007 – Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is excited to announce the launch of Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh and the NCECA 2008 Conference.

Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh is a regional celebration of diverse expressions of contemporary ceramic art being developed by a consortium of arts organizations, artists, educators, universities and exhibition venues to raise awareness of ceramic art in Western Pennsylvania. As a highlight of Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) will hold its annual conference at the David Lawrence Convention Center from March 19-22, 2008.

On Thursday, August 16, 2007 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild will host a reception to kick-off the event. All community members, arts patrons and media are encouraged to attend. The NCECA conference is expected to draw more than 5,000 people to the region. A brief introduction to the significance of the conference and related events will be given by the Founder of MCG and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Bill Strickland—who has also been selected as the NCECA Conference keynote speaker. Joshua Green, MCG Director of Arts & Education Strategies as well as other artists, educators and cultural leaders will also be speaking at the launch reception.

“NCECA is really looking forward to working with the great arts organizations of Pittsburgh,” says Richard Burkett, NCECA Board Director of Communications and San Diego State University Professor. “Pittsburgh’s geography and history correspond with the theme of this year’s conference—CONFLUENCE: Innovation, Community, Environment. The meeting of the three rivers and the city’s rebirth after the decline of the steel industry parallel the convergence of artists at the conference and the evolution of art as we become more of a global community.”

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is honored to be the site organizer for the NCECA 2008 Conference. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is a not-for-profit association that works to promote and improve the field of ceramic arts through programs, exhibitions and publications available to its membership of artists, educators, students, patrons, retailers and manufacturers.

Media Contact:
Brittany Colatrella
Communications Coordinator
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Youth & Arts
bcolatrella@mcg-btc.org
412-322-1773 x378
1815 Metropolitan Street
Pittsburgh, PA, 15233
www.manchesterguild.org
www.nceca.net