Mugs, tumblers and pitchers in every shade from golden earth tones to deep blues, reds and greens line the shelves of the Carbondale Clay Center’s gallery. An array of shapes and sizes, some are decorated with intricate, whimsical scenes while others are textured and dripping with glaze. But each vessel has one thing in common — they’re all completely original, hand-crafted pieces of functional art.

The “Pairings” exhibition at the Clay Center is a tradition that spans well over a decade.  Each year, the show features ceramic drinkware created by local and national artists, celebrating the beverage and reminding visitors that artistic beauty can be found in everyday objects. This year’s show, which runs until June 28, features 22 artists including Anne Goldberg, Brian Chen, Chris Alveshere, Giana Grossman, Ishara Sweeney and Laura Casas. There are even pieces by Matthew Eames, Carbondale Clay Center’s operations manager.

The exhibition’s main event — the beverage reception — is slated for 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 6. The event is a “friend” raiser that supports artists and local businesses while strengthening community ties. The Clay Center grounds will transform into an outdoor tasting room highlighting the handcrafted drinks of local businesses including Carbondale Beer Works, Marble Distilling Co., Mountain Heart Brewing Co., and Bom Dia Brazilian Bubbles. Purchases from the exhibition can be redeemed for a free beverage during the reception, “pairing” each handmade vessel with a drink of the buyer’s choice.

“I have loved being part of ‘Pairings’ over the years,” local artist Ishara Sweeney said in a news release from the Clay Center. “As an artist who lives in the Roaring Fork Valley, this is a show dear to my heart because it has the best of everything. It brings together the community, artists, and local businesses that fill the mugs and cups — one of the most intimate objects a potter makes — with libations. This show exemplifies what makes the Carbondale Clay Center, truly a center — a place where we gather and celebrate both art and community together.”

Each of the “Pairings” mugs made by Eames were created using white clay and dipped in shades of purple, light green, teal, dark green or dark blue. Thrown on the wheel and shaped with a slight “hip,” the mugs feature a bright splash of color melting into thick glaze droplets.

“I always enjoy the opportunity to pick out a cup and head on over to the vendor and use it for the first time,” Eames said. “There is something uniquely special about a handmade ceramic cup that has a different kind of connection to the user, the way it feels on the mouth, on your lips, and your fingers, how you hold it, all those different things.

“I love to get that experience every time that I get to do this ‘Pairings’ event,” he added.