TileFest '23 & the Moravian Tileworks and Pottery

One of the many pieces I’ll be displaying at the craft show.

Today I'm off to TileFest '23, previously known as the Moravian Tile Festival and still hosted by the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Doylestown, PA. It's the first craft fair I've attended since the pandemic's start. I thought this part of my career was over, but after they called a few times and I talked with my husband, we decided to take the road trip. Getting my husband, whose approaching 70, onto the path of being a studio roady took a bit of convincing.

A view of the Moravian Pottery and Tileworks, the festival is on the other side of the building.

Concrete and ceramic columns by Henry Mercer.

Along with being home to Henry Mercer's Pottery and Tileworks, Doylestown and Bucks County are also home to the Mercer Museum, a six-story reinforced concrete castle designed by Henry Mercer (1856-1930) completed in 1916; it houses over 50,000 pre-Industrial tools and features national traveling exhibits. His home, Font Hill Castle, is another museum made from poured concrete and tile. Henry feared fire. The Pottery's tiles grace many of the municipal buildings throughout the county. Henry Mercer's impact weaves through Doylestown's history, making it proud. While I staff the booth, my husband will be enjoying the town.

The Mercer Museum, six story poured concrete castle completed in 1916.

Henry and his dog Rollo.

I love doing this show for a simple reason. On Saturday night, they feed us. The food is tasty, but what's really delicious is the opportunity to meet and visit with the other artists. I wouldn't call it a party because we're all tired. Still, we're eager to hear each other's stories and talk shop, making TileFest '23 very satisfying.

Thanks to all who came out to our Mother’s Day Flower and Clay Event. I appreciate you.