NCECA, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, is a dynamic membership organization that fosters global education and appreciation for the ceramic arts. NCECA’s programs, exhibitions and public events promote and improve the ceramic arts through education, community-building, research and creative inspiration. NCECA offers programs, events and publications to support its membership of artists, educators, students, individual and corporate art patrons, gallery owners, museum curators and providers of ceramic arts related products and services. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts’ 47th Annual Conference, which is expected to attract nearly 5,000 attendees to Houston, will also be a big draw for local residents. While a fee is charged for registration, many experiences surrounding core programming will be free and open to the community as will several events taking place during the conference, including the Gallery Expo, Projects Space, 21st Annual Cup Sale and more. Additionally, there’s a community service project planned in advance of and in conjunction with the conference, as well as renowned speakers during the conference and a number of pre-and post- conference workshops. Community Service Project: January 30 – February 2, 2013 at 10 am – 3 pm Historic Harrisburg-Jackson Cemetery, 7800 Dahlia, Houston, TX 77012 NCECA Biennial Exhibition: January 25 – May 5, 2013 Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 NCECA National Student Juried Exhibition: February 15 – March 23, 2013 Perimeter Gallery, The Glassell School of Art at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 5101 Montrose, Houston, TX 77006 National K-12 Ceramics Foundation Exhibition: February 21-22, 2013 George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Texas State K12 Juried Student Exhibition: March 15 – April 12, 2013 Houston Public Library Central, 500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77002 NCECA 47th Annual Conference: March 20 – 23, 2013 Projects Space & Gallery Expo: Mar 19 at 6:30–8 pm; Mar 20 & 21 at 8:30 am-6 pm; Mar 22 at 8:30 am-5 pm George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Plenary Session: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 Keynote Address by Janine Antoni – “At Home in the Body”- 7:15- 8:30 pm Randall Session with Bill Bower – “IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING”- 8:45- 10 pm General Assembly Hall; George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Gallery Expo Talks: March 19 at 6:30-8 pm; March 20 at 9:15 am- 5:30 pm; March 21 at 10 am- 5:20 pm; March 22 at 10 am- 3:20 pm Hall B-3 & Room 310 C/F; George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 4th Annual Potters Jam: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 9:30 pm – 1 am George R. Brown Convention Center, Level 2 / Balcony B; 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 21st Annual Cup Sale: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 8 am – 2 pm or until sold out Room 350 D-F; George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Annual Dance with live music from Brave Combo: Friday, March 22, 2013 at 9:30 pm – 1:30 am George R. Brown Convention Center, Grand Ballroom A/B ; 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Closing Lecture by Clayton Bailey – “Whither the Pot”: Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 10:35 – 11:35 am General Assembly Hall; George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 Fees vary. Please visit www.nceca.net for details