Art + Design From Artists in the Pacific Northwest, Japan and Beyond. | Since 1995
What is The Simple Cup Show?
The show has one mission: to celebrate the wonderful, simple cup. Each year, guest curators invite a list of ceramic artists to create their ode to the cup. In year's past, clay artists from around North America, UK, Thailand, and Japan have participated.
The annual show takes place at KOBO Gallery at Higo in Japantown, and is a collaboration with Seward Park Clay Studio.
Will the cups be available for purchase?
Yes! The cups will be available during the Opening Reception Lottery (see below) on Nov 7 -- this is an in-person event at the Japantown location. The next day, Nov 8, the cups are open to everyone for purchase, at the Japantown location and online, until the show closes on December 24.
What is the Opening Reception Lottery?
The lottery is part of the opening reception and what we do at the start of every cup show. The idea is to pick a random number for a chance to purchase a favorite cup on opening day. This is an exciting event!
This is my first Opening Reception Lottery, what do I need to do?
If you know you'll be purchasing a cup, please either fill out a form with your contact info at the event or go to our website's home page and click on 'Sign In". This info is so we have a record of who purchased the cup. *We will not give out your information or send marketing emails, unless you want to be on our email list. At 1pm, please draw a random number. Then wait for your number to be called!
What to expect after drawing a lottery number at Opening Reception:
At 2pm, we start calling out numbers in groups of 10 (1-10, 11-20, etc.) While you wait, we invite you to mingle with fellow collectors and ceramic artists around the little fire pit in Chiyo's Garden behind KOBO, with a cup of hot cider and snacks. Remember, it's November, so dress for the weather! Also, there's a lot to explore in the neighborhood.
Why can't I take my cup home the same day that I purchase it?
We keep the cups together for two weeks for everyone to have a chance to view the entire show.
May I preview the cups prior to the Opening?
Yes. Preview the cups the day before the Opening at KOBO Gallery in Japantown (11/6), in-person and online.
Anything else I need to know?
All prices are set. One random lottery number per person. The Opening Reception Lottery is an in-person event.
The Opening Reception Lottery event is over, what happens with the remaining cups?
The remaining cups will be available to purchase both in-person and online. *Please note: Cups will be held for two weeks after the opening, then be available for pick-up or shipped.
