Doylestown, Pa — For more than a century, the tiles made at The Moravian Pottery and TileWorks have told stories — about places, people and craft traditions passed down through generations. On May 17 and 18, TileFest ’25 brings those stories to life with a two-day event featuring a marketplace of tilemakers from across the country, hands-on experiences, and a look at how clay connects past and present.
This year’s theme, “Stories in Clay,” highlights the way tiles capture social, political and cultural life across humanity, throughout human history and today. Visitors will meet artists from Alaska to Florida, California to Maine, browse and purchase unique ceramic tiles, and experience the processes that bring clay to life.
TileFest ’25 is proudly sponsored by TileWorks, the County of Bucks, the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, the Tile Heritage Foundation, Merola: Tile Distributors of America, Penn Community Ban and William Penn Roofing. For more information, visit [email protected] or to get tickets and learn more about classes and events at TileWorks, visit thetileworks.org.
There are still opportunities for volunteers for the event. Sign up here.
One feature of the event is The Great Tile Throwdown, second annual edition. This maker station invites all festival goers to make and leave a tile. Guest jurors will score all the pieces and prizes will be awarded to winners, with a grand prize of a free booth at TileFest ’26. Melissa Michael Clay Art won the inaugural contest last year, among 200 creative contestants. Visit her booth at TileFest ’25!
Other events
TileWorks will host Bluegrass at the courtyard Sunday afternoons in June, July and September. Click here for dates, details on the bands and tickets. Doors open at 1 p.m. and enjoy music from 2 – 6 p.m.
Classes
Summer Solstice Coil Tile Class 5/30 and 6/13 – Amanda Gerace guides students into molding clay into intricate designs, using Mercer designs and inspiration from the sun’s energy. Participants will glaze their pieces in the second class. Find out more here.
News
Camp Pathfinder: Plus Ultra takes place 7/14 to 7/18 and 8/4 through 8/8. It will bring to life the graphic novel by co-authors Francesco Sedita and Prescott Seraydarian, inspired by Henry Chapman Mercer (aka Henry Merriweather in the book) through an experience of discovery and exploration. Find out more here.
Museum Director Vance Koehler curated a new book that is a compilation of images from in and around The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, and supporting quotes. Find out more here.
The TileWorks Team just completed two projects. The first was three accent walls and all apartment number plaques at the 12-story, 173-unit, inclusive housing development by NewCourtland called the Tower at Henry Ave. in Philadelphia. This new tower features brand new apartment for low and moderate income senior, individuals with disabilities and market-rate units. Find out more here.
The second project was crating a mosaic to celebrate 50 years of the Doylestown Farmers Market, working with Kelly Unger, Pat Achilles and the market team, honoring the legacy of longtime vendors like Trauger’s Farm Market. Mayor Noni West and Doylestown Public Works provided support.
The team also can work with you to reinvent your home with a Moravian tile installation. Call or email to schedule a free consulation: 215.239-9797 ext 2; [email protected] or [email protected].
Find out more about a TileWorks membership for yourself or as a gift. Find out more here.
