Poster designed by Thom Gleason, Clearwater.
Almost as fascinating as watching a pot emerge from the clay is watching a new organization emerge from a group of disparate but like-minded people. In this case, it's The Potters' Guild of the Florida Gulf Coast that has been gathering and growing over the last several months, mostly at the invitation of clay artist Glenn Woods.
Woods' distinctive expanded pottery style has earned him a name here and in Illinois --as well as elsewhere, I'm sure -- and partner, Keith Herbrand, have opened their home/studio the first Wednesday evening of the last few months to "those who love and work with clay either as a profession or a hobby - all skill levels," as Glenn wrote in an email.
After the all-important snack-and-social time and a business meeting, someone demonstrates a skill or technique.
"So far," Glenn writes, "we have had demonstrations on carving in rubber blocks used to print patterns in slabs, measuring and calculating specific gravity for the purpose of mixing glazes that are consistent, and using sewer cloth with clay projects."
This Saturday the group presents their first showcase and sales event, also being held at Woods'/Herbrand's home. For some people, this will be their first attempt to market their work, and they can learn the art of displaying their work from the more experienced artists.
"All kinds of clay works will be there at every skill level and at every price level," writes Woods. "It is my hope that all will do well and the Potters' Guild Annual Pottery Sale will become known for this very broad range of work, as inclusive as possible."
I met Glenn through the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, where he is on the faculty as a clay instructor.
I've learned a lot --make that a LOT -- at DFAC, but the world of clay is bigger than any one teacher, studio, school, or location . The Potters' Guild isn't affiliated with any of the area studios, so it's a good place to meet other clay enthusiasts and to learn even more.
Saturday's pottery market offers a lot of pottery styles and techniques in one place. Demos, too.
Note: Bogie Lane is on the north side of Curlew Rd. between Keene/County Road 1 and Bayshore Blvd.
Left: Muted Melodies, my entry in this year's Student & Member Show at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Sagar fired.
Yup. I'll be doing pot-tery at Art-in-the-Park in Oldsmar this Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No smoking, this time (as in RAKU, people!). Just throwing.
R.E. Olds Park, in Oldsmar, is on the water right at the top of Tampa Bay (directions to the park are below). Sounds as though there will be a great line-up of artists, crafters, and entertainers, including Comic Book artist Mark Pennington, a Paper Airplane artist Dean Mackey, dancers, musicians, spoken word performances, and more!
Look for me next to the concessions stand.
And look for the other half of we right next to me! Anne will be reading from her new book, Insiders' Guide® to the Greater Tampa Bay Area.
R.E. Olds Park is located at 107 Shore Drive West. Take SR580 from either Hillsborough or Pinellas County to St. Petersburg Dr. N. (there's a stoplight there). Turn LEFT if you are coming from Hillsborough County. Turn RIGHT if you are coming from Pinellas County. Either way, you are turning onto St. Petersburg Dr. N. toward Jack Willie's Tiki Bar & Grill. Follow St. Petersburg Dr. N. to Bayview Blvd. Turn RIGHT and go to Shore Drive W. Turn RIGHT and you should see the park. Warning: The Google Map marker shows the park southeast of where it really is.
Caught these two creatures hiding in my clay recently. Must have followed me home from North Carolina last November. Any ideas on what I should do with them?
The National League of American Pen Women has provided professional women writers, artists, and composers with a national network and support system since 1897. Today, the group has branches in most states and counts many talented women among its members.
Our Florida State Association was very grateful to Lee for donating this piece. As our treasurer noted in her official, but very graciously written, receipt: "Trust me when I tell you that your pottery piece, given out as a door prize at one of our evening meals, was given to a Pen Woman, while an entire room of members sat in pure envy."
People sometimes ask me what kind of clay I "do."
I want to learn how clay works -- what the different types of clay are, how each feels in the hand, and what it does on the wheel.
I want to learn how to form different shapes: How to throw an orb and then open it up into a platter. How to throw large pots that hold their shape. How to create different kinds of necks and bases.
I want to learn different finishing techniques: burnishing, burning, glazing, raku glazing, resist firing, crystalline glazes.
I want to know what happens in the kiln and why. Some people could care less, but I want to know what molecular change is taking place as the piece is heated and as it cools.
Sometimes I just want to see what happens if I try something different.
I could be at this for a very long time.