American Pottery Festival

Friday-Sunday: For fans of handmade, functional pottery this is a must-see, must-do, must-buy event. For three days the Twin Cities is the epicenter of all things clay as platters, vases, cups and jars by more than 20 national talents vie for attention in an extravaganza of temptation. There's modernist elegance, funky glazing, rough stoneware, refined drawing, innovative forms and more. Devotees can also attend workshops, meet and greet artists, dig for "wild clay," and get the inside dope on glaze formulas, luster chemistry and "how to carve a chicken in 15 minutes." Sue Tirrell of Livingston, Mont., made the charming bunny platter shown here. (Opening reception 6-9 p.m Sept. 11, $25. Workshops, talks, demonstrations and other events $5-$120. Northern Clay Center, 2424 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. 612-339-8007 or northernclaycenter.org)

Mary AbbE