VisArts Chili Throwdown
VisArts Chili Throwdown presented by TowneBank
Friday, October 2, 2026
The perfect kick-off to fall, the annual VisArts Chili Throwdown presented by TowneBank brings together Richmond’s art- and food-lovers to celebrate clay, community, and (of course) chili. Local potters donate their time and talents to throw and hand build bowls, and restaurants from Tuckahoe to Manchester generously contribute their best chili to go head-to-head in a blind taste-test. Chili champs are decided by both a panel of judges and you!
Join us this October to pick a handmade bowl, sample some chili, enjoy local brews, and listen to live music in VisArts’ backyard. The best part? All proceeds benefit VisArts’ operations and programs.
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Participating restaurants
Whether or not chili is on your usual menu, VisArts welcomes all local restaurants to toss their hats in the ring.
Contact us →
Stay tuned
Details on this year’s tickets, judges, and participating restaurants are coming soon.
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Featured Clay Artist
VisArts has a goal to make 1,000 ceramic chili bowls for this annual fundraiser, and our Featured Clay Artist helps us get there!
Blue Clements (he/they) is an object-maker and tinkerer whose current artistic practice is focused on wheel-thrown ceramics. Their work investigates conventions and forms for functional clay goods through an iterative process which cycles making with reflection, reaction, and research. Blue’s process is rooted in a community studio environment where he is continually influenced by the people and work around him. His practice is motivated by a persistent desire to learn, understand, and connect.
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Donate your time + talent
To help reach our bowl goal, we’re calling on the VisArts clay community to donate your time and talents.
Potters who contribute 10 bowls (thrown, trimmed, and glazed) will receive one free Chili Throwdown ticket (max 1 ticket per person). Sales of these bowls will benefit VisArts’ ongoing operations and programs! Here are two ways to participate:
1. Donate your bowls. Contact VisArts’ clay studio tech, Abby Lee at [email protected] for more details.
2. Join us at a Throw-A-Thon, VisArts’ beloved community bowl-making event led by Featured Clay Artist, Blue Clements. All experienced potters are welcome—wheel throwers and hand builders alike. Please note: This is not a teaching event. Participants must be proficient in clay.
2026 Throw-A-Thons
📅 Sun, Jul 26, 11am – 4pm in VisArts’ Clay Studios
📅 Sun, Aug 2, 11am – 4pm in VisArts’ Clay Studios