What are member challenges?

SCCA has created a series of pottery projects meant to inspire + challenge you to create projects that you might not otherwise make. These are created for wheelthrowers or handbuilders to complete each month.

How do I participate?

No sign-up needed - just start creating projects each month. When you’re done creating your project each month, show a staff member and we’ll keep track of how many challenges you’ve completed. Once you’ve reached certain challenge milestones, you’ll receive a prize + a badge for your member shelf.

What if I’m confused about a challenge project?

Ask a staff member for advice! We’ll also have example photos of monthly projects available at the front desk, or you can view samples and descriptions at the top of this page. We strongly encourage members to work together on their projects too. This is a great time to get to know your fellow members and collaborate on projects!

Does the item have to be fired by the end of the month?

Most of these challenge pieces do not have to be fired at all if you don’t want! There are a few challenges that might require your piece to be in the glaze stage. As long as you fully created/finished your piece within the specific challenge month, it will count towards your quota.

What if I have already made an item I made in the past that fits a specific monthly challenge theme?

Sorry, we won’t accept any pieces that you’ve made in the past for this challenge - everything should be newly created. This encourages people to make a different variation of a past piece, and to participate in the camaraderie of making with others. If you want to start planning for pieces in advance of the month of the challenge, that’s totally fine.

Can I substitute any of the prizes for something different?

We won’t be providing any alternative prize options, even if you already have one of the prize items.

Is this challenge for SCCA members only?

Yes, this challenge is for active SCCA members only. If non-members want to participate, they are welcome to on their own time, but SCCA won’t keep track of your challenge completions. Only SCCA members are eligible for prizes.

What are the 2024 prizes?

4 projects completed: SCCA Sticker
8 projects completed: One “skip the queue” pass*
*Cannot be used in December, up to 2 half-shelves of work will be fired, must be ready to fire (bone-dry) to be accepted, expires 1 year from date of issue.
12 projects completed: A special piece of pottery from SCCA

I’m nervous about some of these challenges - what if I can’t complete a project?

We’re not looking for picture-perfect pieces to come out of these challenges. The important thing is that you TRY to create something new. If you’re nervous, chat with a staff member. We want to help you succeed!