Where Craft Meets Character: The Story of Motawi Tileworks

It all started in a garage.

In the early ’90s, Nawal Motawi was handcrafting ceramic tiles in her Ann Arbor garage and selling them at the local farmers market—long before “artisan” was a buzzword. Inspired by the curves of Art Nouveau and the geometry of Midcentury Modern, her designs struck a chord. People couldn’t get enough. In 1992, Motawi Tileworks was born.

Today, over 40 tile lovers carry on the tradition in our Ann Arbor studio, making tiles that are anything but ordinary. Each piece is crafted by hand with intention and artistry. Motawi’s colorful, dimensional tiles appear in gallery displays, kitchen backsplashes, fireplaces, bathrooms, and large-scale public installations across the country.

From original designs to licensed collections with Frank Lloyd Wright and Charley Harper, our tiles are sold in 300+ shops across North America.

As Nawal says, “It’s fun to be good.” We live that out daily through collaboration, artistry, and a culture that values people as much as product.

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108|Contemporary is a nonprofit arts organization in the heart of Tulsa’s Arts District dedicated to advancing contemporary fine craft.

As Oklahoma’s only organization focused solely on contemporary craft, we serve artists and the public through thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programming, and community engagement.

Each year, we present a robust calendar of exhibitions that highlight both local and national artists working in fiber, ceramics, wood, metal, and other craft media.

Our programs include artist talks, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with schools and social service organizations to ensure the arts are accessible to all. Through our exhibitions and outreach, 108|Contemporary nurtures creative dialogue, supports artists’ careers, and connects Oklahomans to the power of craft.

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We are a non-profit art center in South Carolina that produces contemporary art exhibitions, offers year-round cultural programming, and a variety of events that are free and open to the public. These include performances, workshops and classes that embrace not only visual arts but also theater and dance.

Housing both a gallery and an adjacent live-work studio for an artist-in-residence program, CCA provides artists with resources to develop, create and exhibit their art, frequently in conjunction with performing, literary and media arts.

The Center is financially supported by diverse sources including business, government agencies, foundations and private individuals through memberships, visitor donations, and grants.

Founded in 2007, and opened one year later, CCA continues to be dedicated to enhancing the interaction between artists and the public. The Center is located at 701 Whaley Street, in the former community center of Columbia’s Mill District.

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The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the handmade. Building upon a 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation, ACC is part of a growing coalition of organizations, makers, and advocates leading a movement that supports craft-centered livelihoods and ways of living. Together, we can build a future where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects. Learn more and take part at craftcouncil.org.

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ArtFields was founded in 2013 to revitalize Lake City, SC, bring access to the arts to an underserved area, and celebrate artists living and working in the South. Our flagship event turns the town into a gallery with artists competing for $100,000 in prizes. We host rotating exhibitions in three galleries, maintain a public art collection, and provide art education for local youth.

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The American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) champions the art, history, creation, and technology of ceramics through exhibitions, collections, outreach, and studio programming.

With rotating exhibitions across our four galleries, there’s always something new to explore. AMOCA offers in-house field trips, MudMobile visits, teen programs, college/adult tours, and family events to provide opportunities for all to experience the wonders of clay. In person and virtual programing includes opening receptions, artist talks, exhibition tours, and monthly pay-what-you-can First Fridays.

Our Ceramics Studio offers classes and workshops, studio rentals, firing services, and an artist-in-residence program.

For current public hours, exhibitions, programs, classes, workshops, and more, visit our website at www.amoca.org.

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The Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California is dedicated to establishing and maintaining high standards of craftsmanship and design in clay and glass. ACGA began as the Association of San Francisco Potters in 1945. We now have over 300 members including clay and glass artists, students, patrons and supporters, galleries, network organizations and corporate sponsors from throughout California.

A primary goal of ACGA is to provide opportunities for our members to exhibit and sell their work. The Association regularly presents museum and gallery exhibitions of clay and glass, and we present the annual Clay and Glass Festival in July at the Palo Alto Art Center.

We invite you to add your name to our mailing list or join ACGA. All members receive our monthly newsletter. Artists may apply to become exhibiting members at semi-annual jury sessions. Artists, collectors, art professionals, corporate sponsors, students, and friends are always welcome to join our ranks.

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The Asheville Art Museum was founded in 1948 by a group of artists to champion the creativity of Western North Carolina (WNC), bring art of national significance to the community, and encourage dialogue. Through generations of experienced and dedicated volunteer and professional leadership, the Museum continues to realize its mission: to engage, enlighten, and inspire individuals and enrich community through dynamic experiences in American art of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The Collection houses over 8,500 works in all media, including regionally and nationally significant paintings and drawings, prints, photography, sculpture, craft and decorative arts, and focal collections of works by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Appalachian artists, Black Mountain College artists, traditional and studio craft, and regional architecture. The Museum has been particularly active in collecting historic and contemporary craft and studio glass with a focus on the Southeast and WNC.

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The Art Complex Museum is located in the historic town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, 33 miles south of Boston. It houses the impressive art collection of the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser family.

The collection includes over 8,000 art objects, including American and European prints, rare books, American paintings, Shaker furniture, Asian art, and additional treasures.

The museum offers a year-round schedule of exhibitions, featuring thematic shows from the permanent collection and shows by contemporary artists. Additional programming includes lectures, concerts, education programs, demonstrations and Japanese tea ceremonies, fulfilling the founders’ vision that their family’s many interests be shared with the community.

This unique venue offers visitors an inviting place for viewing and learning about art in an intimate and comfortable setting.

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