Spring at River Oaks: Ceramics, Community, and a Full Calendar of Creative Energy
Spring at River Oaks Square Arts Center always carries a special kind of momentum - the galleries are buzzing, the studio spaces are active, and the calendar is filled with the programs and events that make River Oaks the creative anchor in Central Louisiana. This month, we’re spotlighting what’s coming next in ceramics: the 12th Annual Dirty South Cup Call and Competition, the arrival of Guest Juror Amy Kline, and a hands-on workshop that is sure to draw artists from across the region. And that’s not all - Men Who Cook is right around the corner, Summer Arts Studio registration is about to open, and the RoCK Lab continues to grow as one of the most exciting ways to get involved with ceramics at River Oaks.
River Oaks is proud to welcome Amy Kline as Guest Juror for the 12th Annual Dirty South Cup Call and Competition, one of the Arts Center’s nationally recognized ceramic events. Kline brings a deep and fascinating background to her work, shaped by years of studio experience and teaching. Born in Plattsburgh, New York, she studied ceramics at Alfred University and earned an MFA in sculpture from Southern Illinois University. Her career has taken her from Las Vegas to Henderson, Nevada, and she is widely known for her high-fire porcelain forms and her exploration of porcelain as “glass” interacting with slips and glaze. Her work reflects a mastery of form and surface, and her presence as juror adds a major level of depth and excitement to this year’s Cup Call.
As part of the Explore Alexandria/Pineville CVB Education Series, Amy Kline will also lead a special workshop titled All About the Melt: Form, Line, and Design, taking place April 15 and 16, 2026 from 10 am to 4 pm. This intermediate to advanced workshop focuses on building strong form, surface design, and composition in porcelain. Participants will draw directly onto leather-hard thrown cylinders, exploring line and surface in relation to 3D form while learning techniques for refining throwing and altering forms at different stages. The workshop also covers clay bodies, firing temperatures, glaze fit, and the balance between functional ware and sculptural work. The cost is $100 per person, and registration details can be found atRiverOaksArtsCenter.com/workshops.
While next month’s article will dive deeper into the actual exhibition lineup for the Cup Call, it’s worth noting now: the 12th Annual Dirty South Cup Call and Competition will be on display April 16 through May 30, 2026, and will feature 100 cups from artists across the U.S., along with a Friends of the Juror Show and a concurrent exhibition in the Stokes-Harris Gallery. The Opening Reception takes place April 16 from 5-7 pm, with guest juror remarks and the awards ceremony at 6 pm. It’s a favorite event every year for collectors, ceramics lovers, and anyone who appreciates the artistry of functional work.
“This time of year is when River Oaks really comes alive,” says Executive Director Rachael Dauzat. “We have people creating in the studios every day, classes in motion, and exciting events ahead that bring the whole community together. The Dirty South Cup Call continues to shine nationally, and we’re thrilled to welcome Amy Kline for both the exhibition and workshop. Between our RoCK Lab ceramics programming, Men Who Cook, and Summer Arts Studio registration about to open, it’s a great season to be connected to River Oaks.”
Speaking of connection - River Oaks is also excited to see the continued growth of the RoCK Lab ceramics classes, which have been ongoing and gaining strong interest from both beginners and returning students. For those interested in learning ceramics or sharpening their skills, the RoCK Lab offers Beginner classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and additional offerings and schedules are always available through the Arts Center. It’s the perfect way to get involved, meet other makers, and experience the satisfying rhythm of clay work in a supportive studio environment.
On the community event side, River Oaks is already preparing for one of its biggest annual fundraisers: Men Who Cook and Men Who Mix, taking place Saturday, May 2, 2026. Recruitment is currently underway for cooks and mixologists who want to be part of the fun, and this year’s theme will be Louisiana Saturday Nights - a celebration of flavor, personality, and the kind of local charm that makes this fundraiser such a community favorite. If you’ve ever thought about entering a dish or drink and competing for bragging rights, now is the time to get on the list.
And looking just a bit further ahead, Summer Arts Studio registration begins March 17. More information will be posted on the River Oaks website, and registration will be handled through the HISawyer platform at https://www.hisawyer.com/river-oaks-square-arts-center/. Summer Arts Studio continues to fill quickly each year, so families are encouraged to plan ahead.
For more information on upcoming workshops, RoCK Lab ceramics classes, Men Who Cook participation, or Summer Arts Studio registration, call River Oaks at (318) 473-2670, visit RiverOaksArtsCenter.com, or follow River Oaks Arts Center on Facebook for the latest updates.
