Meet the Potter
Artist Bio
Lily Petro is a Downingtown-based ceramic artist who creates functional ceramic art. She grew up in Doylestown PA before going on to earn her BFA in ceramics from West Chester University. She has exhibited in galleries local to the West Chester area and has 2 years of experience vending at local art markets and events.
She worked as the ceramic studio technician at Chester County Art Association for 2 years and taught wheel throwing classes for kids and adults of all levels. She continues to grow her body of work and become more involved in the local art community.
Artist Statement
My work primarily centers around the intersection of form and function. I aim to create pieces that are not only visually engaging but also practical and enjoyable for everyday use.
Functionality and durability are key aspects of my process. I strive to craft pieces that have a tactile, sensory quality—one that can only be truly appreciated in person. I enjoy making functional items such as tea ware, dinnerware, and decorative pieces like vases and planters.
My creative process begins with throwing forms on the wheel, followed by trimming at the leather-hard stage and altering the pieces to achieve the desired look.
Ceramics allows me to express my passion for form, color, and process. Every piece is the product of exploration and experimentation, making each one unique. Experimentation is essential to my process—it helps me avoid overthinking the outcome and encourages spontaneity.
CV
CRAFT SHOWS 2024
11/29/2025 Chester County Craft Show- West Chester, PA
7/18/2025- Craft & Mercantile Night Market – Downingtown, PA
7/4/2023 & 7/4/2024 & 7/4/2025- Good Neighbor Day- Downingtown, PA
9/28/2024 & 9/27/2025 – Chester County Art Walk- West Chester PA
10/6/2024 & 10/5/2025 – Downingtown Fall Fest- Downingtown PA
11/17/2024- Abington Art Center Craft Fair- Abington, PA
12/14/24 – Christmas market- West Chester, PA
EXHIBITIONS
February 2025- Members show, Chester County Art Association
December 2024- Members show, Chester County Art association
December 2024 -January 2025- holiday exhibition- Long view gallery- Chester springs, PA
November-December 2024- Faculty Student Show- Chester County Art Association
October 12, 2024- Art in the Woods show- Chester county art association- west Chester, PA
December 2023- January 2024- Faculty Student Show- Chester County Art Association- West Chester, PA
November 2023- January 2024-Gifted Exhibition- Art Trust- West Chester, PA
October- December 2023- Art of the Cup Exhibition- Goggleworks- Reading, PA
April- May 2023- Senior BFA Exhibition– West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA
April- July 2023 – Spring Revival Exhibition- Scrambled Gallery- New Hope, PA
October 2022- December 2022-Not that Brandywine Tradition, Wild Clay exhibition- West Chester University of Pennsylvania- West Chester, PA
RESUME
Ceramics Instructor -Chester County Art Association – June 2023-November 2025
Ceramics Studio Technician – Chester County Art Association – June 2023- November 2025