During the entire month of June 2018, the artist Mitch Kimball from Paducah Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, participated in the Pottery Workshop and had the opportunity to experience life in Jingdezhen, as well as explore traditional Chinese methods of ceramics production.

The Pottery Workshop of Jingdezhen is an international ceramics center focusing on the development and enrichment of ceramics in China and abroad. Thanks to their Residency Programs, it is possible for international artists to immerse in a porcelain producing city where all the pieces are finished and fired by the artisans in the community.

Through the exchange of creative production processes, the two cities demonstrated the potential of a precious ancestral crafts and intangible heritage.

"Going to Jingdezhen has always been a dream of mine since college when I first learned of the origins of porcelain. […] Having time to focus on my work without distractions of daily living was so instrumental in my professional growth. I can't wait to showcase the work I made there in Paducah."

In preparation for the residency, Kimball organized dinners at Paducah presenting his ceramic work and Jingdezhen pottery workshop. He now plans to share this inspiring experience during post-residency events in Paducah.