Since its opening 20 years ago, the Northern Clay Center has grown from a regional studio into an international showplace of ceramic arts. It's celebrating this weekend with discussions by former Regis Master potters including William Daley, Warren MacKenzie, James Melchert, Ron Meyers and Patti Warashina, whose sassy "Fat Cat" sculpture with oil-can hat is shown here. (12:30-2 p.m., 2:30-4 p.m. Sun., free. Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S.) Always a welcoming place, the NCC boasts that at least one couple met at the 10th anniversary and ended up marrying. So, as the NCC says, "if you're looking for love and a good time," dance to the Swamp Boogie Kings, and celebrate clay at Saturday's party. (7-11 p.m. Sat., $35. Northern Clay Center, 2424 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. 612-339-8007 or www.northernclaycenter.org.)

MARY ABBE