For six hours on Saturday, June 10, the hill
behind the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be filled with more than
twenty potters selling ceramic wares for both décor and function. Clay Fest is
an annual Southern Highland Craft Guild event that celebrates the varied craft
processes and techniques used with clay. The Guild's makers are adding new
elements to enhance the twenty plus-year-old event into a festival with
exhibitor booths. Alongside the sixteen Guild potters will be a handful of
invited guest potters from across the country.
“Despite our membership
requirements having physical boundaries that require residence in one of 293
counties, we strongly believe in building a creative community beyond our
region,” says potter Joe Frank McKee. “Having invited potters is a fantastic
way to share more techniques and methods, as well as build a deeper appreciation
for the craft.”
A range of styles and techniques
will be showcased by the following craft vendors: Jim Whalen, Marti Mocahbee,
Amy Goldstein-Rice, Travis Berning, Brant Barnes, Joe Frank McKee, Paven “Beer”
Chunhaswasdikul, Larry Allen, Steve Loucks & Lynnette Hesser, Bill Lee,
Freeman & Maggie Jones, Sarah Wells Rolland of The Village Potters, Zan
Barnes, Fred & Rose Pinkul and invited guests Alysha Baier, Susan Coe, Rob
Withrow, Rusty Owens, and Justin Allman.
In addition to being able to shop
on the hill, visitors will be able to watch the first annual Clay Olympics.
Each exhibiting potter is invited to compete in two events, throwing the
tallest vessel and throwing the widest bowl. Contestants are given a five-pound
wedge of clay and five minutes. Prizes are given to the top three competitors with
gift certificates to Highwater Clays, Southern Highland Craft Guild
merchandise, and other local goods.
Attendees are invited to
participate from 10am – 4pm in various activities. For a chance to get behind a
wheel, makers from local education center, Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts,
will be assisting attendees with throwing on pottery wheels.
Raku potters Lynn Jenkins, Gary
Clontz, John Turner, Tina Curry and Steven Forbes-deSoule will be assisting
visitors wanting to make their own raku pot. This ceramic firing process uses
flames and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. Pots will be available
for purchase for $10 and participants can glaze a pot and then watch it be
fired.
With the Folk Art Center located
on the Blue Ridge Parkway, visitors and locals have the opportunity to visit
the craft shop, as well as three exhibition galleries. Outside are hiking
trails, picnic tables and grassy areas for relaxing. There is plenty of
parking.
Clay Fest is a free event on June 10, 10am – 4pm. For more information
visit, www.craftguild.org or call 828-298-7928.
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