New Orleans Clay Fest began in 2023 as a vision to showcase the breadth and diversity of the local ceramics community. Co-founders, Molly Gleason and Faye Kennelly, wanted to create an event to feature the work of both novice and experienced artists, to create connections within the community, and to share the vast knowledge of NOLA ceramicists through educational programming.
Through hard work and community support, NOCF has grown into a beloved annual event that ceramic artists and the wider community look forward to every fall.
We plan to continue this tradition for years to come; uplifting our incredible community and making space for ceramic artists to gather, connect, and celebrate.
Our Story
We believe that clay people are inherently generous, collaborative, and community driven. With that in mind, we seek to create an event that is both community led and that serves the community. As stakeholders, we believe that community members should not only be participants, but should play a part in organizing the NOCF and shaping its future.
We seek to dismantle existing hierarchies. We believe that a strong, equitable, and integrated community consists of ceramics artists:
of all ages, skill and experience levels
who work in different techniques and modalities
of all race and gender identities
from a range of studios, institutions, or educational backgrounds
of varying socioeconomic status
Our Values
To create a diverse and inclusive community event that fosters connection, creates opportunity, and spreads knowledge.
Our Mission
Inclusivity | Equity | Education | Community Engagement
Our Philosophy
Our Team
Co-Founder
2023, 2024, & 2025 OrganizerFaye Kennelly is a mixed media artist, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and Ceramics Educator, and now one of two founders of New Orleans Clay Fest.
Art is the focal point of every role she inhabits.
Faye considers herself to be ambitious and passionate about connection in all forms which was the impetus behind New Orleans Clay Fest.
Co-Founder
2023, 2024, & 2026 OrganizerMolly Gleason is a proud Louisiana native, neurodivergent sculptress, and specialty coffee barista based in New Orleans. With a Bachelors of Fine Art with concentrations in Sculpture and Ceramics, her work focuses on tableware that is durable, adaptable, and spectacularly functional. She enjoys exploring the relationship between specialty coffee and the handmade vessel in which it is served. As an avid trinket collector, she also produces miniature sculptures!
Ina is a driven maker. She engages with materials & communities to make artwork & connections as an active practitioner. She is a trained printmaker and has grown to include various interdisciplinary works to explore mark-making & expanding material boundaries.
In addition to her studio practice, her interest extends to pedagogy & curation. She is passionate about developing new initiatives, implementing projects to engage with the community, & participating in responsive practices.
2025 & 2026 Organizer
Maranda is a curious ceramicist who enjoys exploring any method of working with clay available to her. She has experience wheel throwing, hand building, 3D printing with clay, mold making, and slip casting.
She is a studio tech and instructor at Clay Center of New Orleans and a perpetual student at Tulane University.
In addition to her ceramics work, Maranda is a metal smith and seamstress, and recently earned a BA in health and wellness.
2026 Organizer