Open Today: 10AM — 5PM En Español

Mata Ortiz Trunk Show with Hector Gallegos & Laura Bugarini

Sep 11, 4:30 PM–7:00 PM

Great Hall

Don't miss this two-day trunk show featuring original Mata Ortiz ceramics by master potters Hector Gallegos and Laura Bugarini. Rooted in the ancient Casas Grandes tradition of northern Chihuahua, Mata Ortiz pottery is celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary hand-coiled forms and intricate, hand-painted designs. Gallegos and Bugarini will be on -site both days to meet visitors and discuss their work, with pieces available for purchase. 

We will also be joined by Charmayne Samuelson, award-winning author of Mata Ortiz: Poetry of the Clay and the 2024 biography of anthropologist Spencer MacCallum, the man credited with introducing Mata Ortiz pottery to the broader art world. Copies of her books will be available for purchase. 

The event opens Friday evening with an exclusive preview reception from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., featuring refreshments, opening remarks by the artists and Samuelson, a book signing, and the first opportunity to purchase pottery. 

Samuelson will present a short talk, “The Magical Meeting in Mata Ortiz: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Spencer MacCallum and Juan Quezada,” three times on Saturday (10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.). 

Join us Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for a traditional quema, an open-air pottery firing—one of the most ancient and elemental moments in the ceramic arts. 

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