President's Message
As I reflect on another successful NDPCS Convention, I am filled with gratitude for the many individuals who stepped forward to make the weekend a success.
First, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors and Executive Council. With fewer volunteers available this year, many of you willingly took on additional responsibilities in planning the convention, organizing activities, and helping wherever needed. Your dedication, flexibility, and countless hours of service ensured that our members enjoyed a memorable and well-organized event. Thank you for your commitment to our organization.
I also want to thank everyone who participated in our member discussion sessions during the convention. The conversations surrounding membership growth, promoting the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society to the public, and encouraging members to serve in leadership roles were thoughtful, honest, and inspiring. The willingness of so many members to share ideas, ask important questions, and explore new possibilities gives me tremendous hope for the future of our organization.
One of the greatest takeaways from those discussions was the recognition that the future of NDPCS depends on all of us. Whether serving on a committee, helping plan a convention, contributing to a special project, or accepting a leadership position, every volunteer strengthens our organization and helps preserve the rich history of North Dakota pottery for future generations.
I am especially pleased to recognize three members who have already stepped forward to lead important efforts. Thank you to Diego Herrera for volunteering to chair the Convention Planning Committee, Ted Kmpotich for volunteering to chair the Commemorative Committee, and Rick Henderson for volunteering to chair the Auction Committee. Your willingness to serve is greatly appreciated and sets a wonderful example for others who may be considering becoming involved.
The truth is simple: without volunteers, our society cannot continue to move forward—let alone exist. Every member has talents, ideas, and experiences that can make a difference. Whether your contribution is large or small, your involvement helps ensure that the North Dakota Pottery Collectors Society remains a vibrant organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating our state's pottery heritage.
I would also be remiss if I didn't thank all of the members who continue to attend our annual convention year after year. Your enthusiasm and support are what make this gathering so special. I never tire of meeting new members, hearing collectors' stories, learning about treasured pottery finds, and renewing friendships with familiar faces. Those conversations and connections are truly the heart of our society.
As my term as president continues, I am encouraged by the enthusiasm I witnessed throughout the convention. The ideas shared, the friendships strengthened, and the commitment shown by our members remind me why this organization is so special. Together, we can continue to celebrate, preserve, and share the history of North Dakota pottery while ensuring that NDPCS remains strong for generations to come.
I'm looking forward to another great year with NDPCS! Enjoy the rest of your summer, and if you're on Facebook, consider joining the ND Pottery page. Share your latest pottery finds—we love seeing your discoveries and celebrating with you as you add those special North Dakota pottery pieces to your collection.
Thank you for your continued support, your participation, and your belief in the mission of our society.
Happy collecting!
Ann Dietchman—President, North Dakota Pottery Collector’s Society
2026 Convention Wrap-Up
FARGO, ND
We are soon heading into July 4th weekend, celebrating 250 years of America!! This also means our NDPCS convention for 2026 has concluded.
I must admit, as I write this article, I was a little anxious going into this year's convention. We had a new format for Saturday, with the exclusion of our member auction. So we changed it up! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised at how things turned out! Plus all the positive feedback we received! So, we can change things and have a positive outcome! Let's face it, we love to gather and talk all things NDPCS pottery, catch up on family, travels we have had, and the crazy finds we have come across in various antique or second-hand stores.
Russ Carlson's Road Show presentation was a huge hit Friday night. Everyone enjoyed the “Collector's Chat” on Saturday morning. Bingo Saturday night proved to be fun and a little competitive. Room sales each night are always a good time.
I want to thank those of you who helped make this year's convention a success. Especially Ann, David, George, and Jeremy. It truly was a TEAM effort. Thanks also, to the many others who led groups, were participants in the “Collector's Panel”, emcee Tess Erickson Cain, Russ Carlson for presenting the Road Show, and Linda K Otterson for helping with registration.
It truly was a joy to be part of this collaborative effort. Now, we are passing the 'baton' on to a new convention chair for 2027! We look forward to next year's convention June 11-13, 2027.
Have a great rest of the year! Continue the search for your favorite North Dakota Pottery!
Linda Fiedler2026 Convention Chair
2026 NDPCS 37th Annual Convention Highlights
FARGO, ND
Commemorative Mug
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Commemorative Chair George Myhre with Gwen and Earl Hodson The Board decided to make this year’s commemorative a surprise! Each commemorative mug was individually designed by Wesley Smith, professor at University of North Dakota. This process captures the pure magic of handmade pottery. Every sip of coffee will carry the memory of the clay's transformation—from an uneven lump on the wheel, through the potter’s shaping hands, to the final artistry of glaze and fire for each individually created mug that reminds us of handmade pottery, especially UND pottery. Thank you NDPCS Board - members who attended the convention not only enjoyed the convention but also received a commemorative mug.2026 Convention Pin
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A pin was given to members who participated in the raffle.Welcome New Members
Rick Teske and Rick Henderson with membership chair Linda Fiedler.We are thrilled you could join us at the convention and as a member!Bus Trip to Bonanzaville (PT 1)
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NDPCS members boarded the bus on Saturday and ventured to West Fargo to visit Bonanzaville ‘s main museum and the “Art from the Earth: Pottery at the University of North Dakota” on display. The mosaic tiles were made by Margaret Kelly Cable and students at UND for display at 1933 Chicago World Fair. The tiles were made using native clay and featured themes of North Dakota industry and history. In 1892, Earle Babcock, chemistry instructor at UND published a study about the special qualities of clay found in ND. He commissioned ceramic artists to use the clay to create decorative pottery, finished pieces were displayed at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition.Bus Trip to Bonanzaville (PT 2)
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Along with the North Dakota Pottery exhibit, our guide treated us to a tour of the main museum which featured:All in a Day’s Work — Women on North Dakota Bonanza Farms. This exhibit explores the crucial role of female laborers and managers on massive industrial farms. The display features the histories of four local women and uses artifacts and local historic homes to bring these women's stories to life. Did you know that in 1910, more than 1,900 women in North Dakota listed their occupation as farm laborer!
Fargo and Farming – a new exhibit that traces the formation of Fargo from its frontier origins in 1870s through the rise and fall of Bonanza farming in the Red River Valley. Explore how railroads, land and agriculture transformed the area, and how those changes still echo today.Table Discussions
Boosting Our Organization: The Table Discussions generated fantastic ideas to recruit new members and promote NDPCS and volunteer and leadership opportunities! Key ideas included connecting withcommunities through the Road Show; spreading the word at local pottery studios, coffee shops, and art festivals; and expanding our social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.Road Show - Russ Carlson
What a wonderful time and amazing experiences at this year’s convention! Can you believe this was the 37th convention?! Presenting the NDPCS Road Show was an honor, generating at least 2 (and possibly 3) more presentation dates. September 12, 2026, at 10:00 am, Russ will be presenting the roadshow at the Fargo Public Library. An NDPCS member who saw the Road Show at the convention indicated she has a contact at the Bismark Public Library, so I am going to be pursuing that potential Road Show engagement. Another avenue being pursued iswith the Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS). Again, this contact was made through an NDPCS member who saw the Road Show at this year’s convention. Plans are in the works with RWCS to present at a major event in 2027! Thank you to those members for sharing opportunities to spread the word! Feel free to reach out to me at: farmer_russ200@yahoo.com with other potential contact for NDPCS Road Show engagements. Looking forward to seeing everyone at next year’s convention, with some new faces too!Collector's Chat
Thank you Pat Abel, Joel Abel, Quent Christman, Brad Bird, Sharon Smith, Sandy Short for sharing your stories, your history, and your passion in North Dakota pottery. Memorable highlights included: Sandy served as the club's first membership chair when NDPCS had just 50 members. Brad began by selling pottery but soon found himself becoming a collector. Sharon admitted she wasn't initially interested in pottery, but thanks to Brad, every birthday, Christmas, and special occasion brought another pottery gift. Quent showcased a true treasure: a 1940 Rosemeade Pottery model of the North Dakota State Capitol building. Joel joked that he's happy when he leaves the convention with money in his pocket. Pat amazed everyone by revealing a collection of 12,000 salt and pepper shakers. Despite different journeys, they agreed what keeps them coming back to the convention year after year: the friendships they've built, the opportunity to enjoy the displays, the satisfaction of completing a set, and the excitement of discovering that next special piece. Hosted by Tess Erickson Cain
2026 NDPCS Auction
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