CLAY NATION. Six weeks, 170 exhibits and at least 878 artists: Tour de Clay, billed as the nation's largest visual arts event, hits the greater Baltimore area Feb. 19-April 3. Your own hands can get into the mix with workshops on Maryland's official Clay Day ( March 4). Highlights include gallery talks, exhibitions and the April 3 "Bike Tour de Clay Challenge" between several venues. For wearable fashion and other media crafts, head to Charm City's American Craft Council Show (Feb. 25-27). Let the designer-created "room vignettes" inspire you.
Tour de Clay: Hours, venues and prices vary throughout the Baltimore area. 410-578-1919, www.tourdeclay.com. Craft Council: $12. 40 minutes from the Beltway at 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore. 410-583-5401, www.craftcouncil.org.
-- Anne McDonough
