Pottery & Ceramics in Indiana
Indiana has a pottery tradition rooted in its artisan communities and strong craft fair circuit. Nashville in Brown County is the state's most celebrated artist colony, established in the early 1900s, when professional artists, many working in an American Impressionist style, came to paint the forested hills. Today the county of about 15,000 residents is still home to working artists, including potters producing functional stoneware and sculptural ceramics from studios along the winding county roads. The Brown County Craft Gallery has operated in Nashville since 1978.
The Broad Ripple Art Fair in Indianapolis brings 185+ juried artists to the Indianapolis Art Center each May, with ceramics as one of the strongest juried categories. The Indiana Artisan program certifies the state's highest-quality craft makers, and the annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace in Indianapolis features nearly 100 certified artisans, many of them potters. From Bloomington's 4th Street Festival to Shipshewana's Amish Country markets, Indiana pottery spans handmade tradition and contemporary art.
Top Pottery & Ceramics Events in Indiana
- Broad Ripple Art Fair — Indianapolis Art Center; mid-May; 185+ juried artists, including ceramics
- Indiana Artisan Marketplace — Indiana State Fairgrounds AgHort Building, Indianapolis; March; nearly 100 Indiana artisans
- 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts — Bloomington; Labor Day weekend; juried outdoor show with pottery and ceramics from regional artists
- Brown County Studio Tour — Nashville/Brown County; October; free self-guided tour of juried artisans' studios (22 studios in 2026)
- Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art — Madison; late September; about 175 exhibitors; juried outdoor fine arts and crafts along the Ohio River
What to Expect
Indiana pottery events offer a range from Indiana Artisan-certified fine craft to community market stoneware. At the Broad Ripple Art Fair and Madison Chautauqua, expect juried ceramics. Brown County studios produce nature-inspired pottery that reflects the wooded hills of south-central Indiana. Amish Country markets in Shipshewana and LaGrange County feature functional pottery alongside handmade furniture and quilts.
The Bloomington Handmade Market leans indie and contemporary, with ceramic artists from the Indiana University creative community. Fountain Square in Indianapolis hosts Art Squared each September with 100+ local artists including potters. Many Indiana potters offer wheel-throwing demonstrations at outdoor shows. The Brown County Studio Tour in October is the ideal way to visit working pottery studios in their natural setting.
Popular Cities for Pottery Events
- Indianapolis — Broad Ripple Art Fair, Indiana Artisan Marketplace, Art Squared at Fountain Square
- Bloomington — 4th Street Festival, Bloomington Handmade Market
- Nashville — Brown County Studio Tour, Brown County Art Guild, Brown County Craft Gallery
- Shipshewana — Fall Crafters Fair, Shipshewana Flea Market with pottery vendors
- South Bend — South Bend Artisan Market at Century Center
Explore more craft events across the state on our Indiana craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best pottery shows in Indiana?
The Broad Ripple Art Fair in Indianapolis (May) is the state's premier juried show with strong ceramics. The Indiana Artisan Marketplace (March) features state-certified artisan potters. The Brown County Studio Tour (October) lets you visit working pottery studios. The 4th Street Festival in Bloomington (Labor Day) and Madison Chautauqua (September) are both juried events with pottery sections.
Can I visit pottery studios in Indiana?
Yes. Brown County's October Studio Tour provides a self-guided route through working artist studios (22 studios and 26 artisans in 2026). Nashville's galleries and craft shops are open year-round. The Carmel Arts & Design District has Indiana Artisan retail presence including ceramics. Many studio potters in Bloomington welcome visitors by appointment.
What is Indiana Artisan certification?
Indiana Artisan is a state-designated program that certifies Indiana's highest-quality fine art, craft, food, and beverage makers. Certified potters are juried into the program and featured at the annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace in Indianapolis. The program also has retail presence at French Lick Resort and the Carmel Arts & Design District.