Last weekend, Montblanc once again became the capital of artistic ceramics

Terrània, the International Ceramics Festival of Montblanc, has closed its 21st edition with a satisfactory outcome. In the year in which it received the National Craft Award in the Prestigia category, the festival consolidates itself as a national benchmark with international recognition, linked to its quality and good organization.
The number of visitors slightly decreased, with an estimated total of around 4,000 people over the three days of the event. Sales also dropped compared to previous editions, totaling 23,405 €. The impact of the current economic crisis has been evident in all events of this type, and Terrània was no exception. The average sales per ceramist were just under 950 €, while last year they exceeded 1,100 €
The old church of Sant Francesc hosted the work of twenty-six ceramists from five countries, including five representatives from Belgium, the guest territory. As every year, the variety of techniques, styles, and materials used in the exhibited work was highly appreciated.
With the collaboration of Ceràmica Collet and Subministraments Anper, family workshops were held with El Pardal Creatiu, rakú workshops with Montse Llanas, and nativity figure-making workshops using molds with the Nativity Museum of Catalonia. There were also demonstrations by Soberado Atelier, Anna Maria Redón, and Lluís Soler, which generated great interest.
On Sunday, the En blanc i negre exhibition by Montblanc ceramist Ramon Fort closed at the Sala Sant Miquel, having welcomed nearly 800 visitors. At the El Be Negre Ceràmica gallery, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of its opening, the Rastres exhibition by Montse Aiguadé was on display.
Two exhibitions will remain open. At the County Museum until November 10th, Ceràmica, l'evidència material features a collection of pieces from the MCCB archive. And at the Ester Ramon Escultora gallery, until November 30th, Camina trepitjant terra will be on display.
As usual, on Saturday evening, the winner of the award for the best artistic unit presented was announced. The participating ceramists were responsible for voting. The first prize went to Valérie Ceulemans, Valloma, from Belgium; second place was Mon Bertran from Mediona; and third was Mimie Poterie from France.
The first prize includes the acquisition by the Montblanc City Council of a piece valued at 500 €, which will be added to the municipal collection. This year, a selection of this collection could be seen inside the old church of Sant Francesc. The second and third prizes were ceramic tools, courtesy of Subministraments Anper.
In the coming weeks, the organization will start working on the main details of the 22nd edition of Terrània, which will take place on September 26, 27, and 28, 2025. The name of the prestigious ceramist to whom the central exhibition will be dedicated will be announced soon.
As is the case every autumn around this time, this week the old church of Sant Francesc will once again be transformed to host Clickània, the Playmobil festival, which will be held over two weekends, on October 12, 13, 19, and 20.