Autumn Jennings looking at her garden and holding a mug

Autumn Jennings Ceramics: DIY Festival Artisans

Art

It’s that time of the year again! The Utah State Fairpark opens its gates to the 18th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented By Harmons. Being Utah’s largest local-centric arts, music, science and technology festival, DIY Fest is a three-day event. Experience the best of our state’s creative culture with over 500 local artists and makers, three stages for music and dance performances, a youth entrepreneur area, a STEM building with hands-on exhibitions, dozens of food vendors and more. Kids of all ages and dogs are welcome — find more info and get tickets at craftlakecity.com!


Autumn Jennings making pottery
Jennings carves intricate flowers, trees and mountain vistas onto each piece. Photo: John Barkiple

For Autumn Jennings, pottery has been a lifelong companion. After moving to Utah from California, she found immediate inspiration for her sketches in the abundant nature across the Wasatch Front. Jennings hand-sculpts mugs and bowls in her new at-home studio, which her family affectionately refers to as the “pottery dungeon.”

After the pieces are formed, the real work begins. Jennings carves intricate flowers, trees and mountain vistas onto each piece as a tribute to the beauty she finds along hiking trails or in her garden at home. “Flowers always feel like a treat,” Jennings says. “A beautiful garden just feels magical.” Jennings teaches high school ceramics and shares her passion with a new generation. Being a teacher is a special feeling for Jennings. Teaching supports her passion and gives Jennings a chance to work on what she loves.

While this will be the first DIY Fest for Jennings’ ceramics, she has been selling her art actively for over a year. When asked about what she enjoys most about the festival experience, she says, “The best part is getting to spend all day talking to people about artwork. Everyone is so cool, friendly and positive.” Jennings will be bringing a variety of ceramic mugs and bowls to her festival booth this year. Each will have their own wonderful personality and design and will make the perfect addition to any collection. —Aaron Ashton

Read about previous DIY Fest artisans:
Sin Eaters Lament: DIY Festival Artisan
SoyMurga: Craft Lake City Artisan

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