Archbold potter Mark Nafziger and his wife, Joyce, recently returned from Bhaktapur, Nepal, where they participated in the prestigious Arts Envoy program, a cultural exchange initiative organized by the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The couple led a week-long pottery workshop, sharing their expertise with local artisans while gaining new perspectives on the challenges faced by craftspeople in Nepal.
Mark, who owns Brush Creek Pottery in Sauder Village, and Joyce were among the first potters invited to participate in the program. After receiving the invitation in September, they spent two months preparing for their November 18 departure.
“We packed three-and-a-half suitcases full of tools and materials,” said Mark. “It was an incredible opportunity, and we wanted to be ready to share as much as we could.”
A Workshop in Bhaktapur
The workshop was held in Bhaktapur’s historic merchant square, a hub of craftsmanship where locals sell handmade goods to tourists. The Nafzigers worked with a group of female artisans, many of whom rely on pottery sales as their primary source of income.
Mark and Joyce introduced new decorative techniques while encouraging a collaborative approach. “It was a back-and-forth exchange,” Mark explained. “I demonstrated, they asked questions, and we learned from each other.”
Joyce described the week as an experiment. “We tried new techniques and worked with different types of clay,” she said.
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The artisans were eager to incorporate modern design elements into their traditional styles to appeal to contemporary markets. “They weren’t looking to abandon their heritage,” Mark noted. “They wanted to enhance it and make their work more marketable. Their excitement was inspiring.”
Mutual Learning
The Nafzigers found the experience humbling, as they discovered the resource limitations their Nepali counterparts face. “As potters, we all deal with the same challenges — firing, material issues, and troubleshooting,” said Mark. “But in Nepal, access to materials is so limited. It gave me a new appreciation for the resources I have in the U.S.”
Joyce echoed the sentiment. “The openness of the women and their willingness to learn and share was remarkable,” she said. “Not all of them were potters — some worked in other art forms — but their enthusiasm for creating was universal.”
Culmination and Beyond
The week concluded with an exhibit showcasing the pieces created during the workshop. Mark and Joyce also spoke at Kathmandu University’s Department of Arts and Design, attended a reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, and were interviewed by Nepal’s national press.
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“Being treated as special guests was surreal,” said Mark. “Everyone was so attentive and appreciative of what we shared.”
After the program, the Nafzigers spent a week exploring Nepal, including a visit to Mount Everest.
From Sauder Village to Nepal
The opportunity to join the Arts Envoy program stemmed from a connection with U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson and his wife, Jane, who grew up in northwest Ohio. In 2022, Mark contributed pottery for the Art in Embassies program, which decorates U.S. diplomatic residences with local art.
Reflecting on the experience, Mark said, “We’re so thankful to have been invited. It was an incredible exchange of ideas and culture.”
Joyce agreed. “It was such a good experience,” she said. “We’re still having dreams about Nepal.”
