feels like a bit of progress...

Ok I was going to skip today, then I saw my pal Karen did her post so here I am ...

Today was a day of clean hands, but still much got done.  Spent time at Echo Gallery putting all the 3D work in place, including newly received work by guest artist Emily Reason.  I didn't have my camera, so you'll just have to come to the opening on Friday or wait till I get pictures up to see how nice it looks.  But take my word for it - it looks niiiice!  Our other guest artists are textile artists Jen Swearington, Barbara Zaretsky and Libby & Jim Mijanovich, and our core members have added new work.  Don't take my word for it - come see it!  Details HERE.

The other fun for today was going to a Clay Club meeting.  I usually miss them as they're usually just far enough away to make the trip seem more optional the later the day gets, but this month they met in town so it would be just silly not to go!  It was a great turn-out, with potter folk from all over, including the northern territories!  Got to see many I hadn't seen in a while, meet many I had only known of indirectly, heard about lots of cool upcoming events at Curve Studios, Michael Kline's studio and with Tom Turner in town, ate way too much and just in general had a good time hobbing and knobbing. 

Back at the studio, I unloaded a small kiln load that included mugs for Echo and the first batch of work that will go to the Tree Gallery, tests for a new client and kiln fillers that were a lot of fun to play with.

 new tree mugs - can you find the 'easter egg' hiding on one? 
Studio member Rebekah added one of her owls to some of the mugs...

I'll actually have just a handful of new for the opening on Friday, as my big kiln won't fire till the end of the month.  But squeezing in this cone 7 kiln will give me a little and gets me much needed tests for the next load.  I love the feeling of opening a kiln - like a prezzie each time, and even if it's not the prezzie you thought you wanted, the info is always good and the more you do it, the more it's really like waking up first on Christmas morning!

 figured I was testing materials, why not test some new trees?

And then for something completely random ... I needed kiln fillers for this firing, and I had some slipped cups that were extra from a previous project.  I had wanted to roll out some tile tests to play with some ideas that had been floating in my head but didn't get it done in time, so the cups became my test tiles.  Of course, not related at all to any work I'm doing now, so it was kind of fun to play with - got to see how the underglaze crayons acted at cone 7, learned about some other underglaze colors.  Not sure when I'll do these tiles, but it was fun for a test and great for kiln fillers!

Tomorrow: gallery business, drying out clay, makin' a bunch of stuff, having a bit of henna fun, makin' a bunch more stuff, pugging.  Now off to see if I can liberate those pictures on my phone...

weathering through...

I think I've started a blog post about a dozen times in the last week, but some shiny object or weather system seems to distract me away from the keyboard.

Since you brought up the weather, I guess I need to admit that I am partially responsible for the last two weekend's conditions that closed schools, businesses & sent so many running to the grocery for supplies.  You see, I'm a member of Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park, and since we've moved into the gallery, we've had a 'weather curse' upon us. 

Let's have a soft opening party - torrential downpour that keeps everyone inside. 

Let's try it again in a month - torrential downpour that has everyone back inside working on plans for an ark. 

We shall not be daunted, we'll invite guest artists and host a reception to welcome them.  I think that one was a combination of torrential downpour and possible ice.

Fine, we'll break the winter doldrums with a new show with new guest artists.  Ah... we see the snow coming so we'll postpone for a week.  Take that weather curse!  The new date comes up and there's a forecast for a little snow but just an inch you say?  Well, we're gonna do it so there! 

So we did it, for an hour and then we all took the next couple of hours getting home in the 'flurries'. 

So I'm sorry if the weather has inconvenienced you.  We don't have another opening until April. Spring showers, anyone?

 

a lovely spread, highlighted by pizza from Travinia and 

brownies from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge...

at least nobody went hungry on the ride home!

February Studio Schedule

Well after saying how fast January seemed to be going by, you'd think I'd be ready for February ... but nope, it snuck up on me good!

No special reasons to change the schedule this month - now that doesn't happen too often! Of course, if we're having severe weather, you might want to give a call before you come, but since I live blocks from the studio, if I can't get anywhere else I can always walk to the studio!

And speaking of the weather:

Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park: we bow to the weather gods, and we'll try for Friday, February 12 for the opening reception of our new show (5-8pm). Several Echo Gallery member artists will be adding new work, and we'll be welcoming new work from guest artists Brian Fireman and Tekla, as well as new guest artists Jenny Mastin and Dawn Dalto. The show is almost up now if you want a sneak peek (but call first this weekend if there's 'weather'), but make sure you come by next Friday for the reception and meet the artists, enjoy some tasty nibbles from Travinia and sip on lovely beverages.

I'll be adding a few new things, but my firing will follow the opening so just plan to make another visit to the gallery to see some new trees.

And in other news:

Applications are now available for artists, crafters and community organizations for the
2nd Saturday Artist Market. First Market date is coming up in March, and notifications will start going out in about a week. Artist/craft vendors get space for up to a 6' table/display for $25. Community organizations may apply for a free space to promote their programs. This year we'll also feature food from some very talented local eateries, and as always we'll be a collection point for donations to MANNA FoodBank. Check the blog at the link above for more details.

Crazy Green Happenings in the New Year...

Whew - it's still just January, and I'm still getting used to 2010, but does feel like it's already later to anyone else? Maybe it's that combination of year end wrap up meets new planning - my head is months down the road and it's startling to see the calendar still on '01'.

And before we get into the business, a moment of love and deep appreciation for all the kind words, thoughts, hugs, chocolate, beers and love after the passing of my sweet pup. It means the world and I thank you from the bottom of my crazy green and still dog-hair covered heart.

So here are some developments in the works and on the books I wanted to share:

2nd Saturday Artist Market will be back this year! We had great response to the Market last year, although we did suffer from being 'hidden in plain sight'. Well hopefully that will no longer be a problem as I'm very excited to welcome The Rocket Club as a primary sponsor and the new home of the 2nd Saturday Artist Market. Since we'll be indoors, we don't need to wait for the weather to play along so we'll open this year's Market on March 13. Applications are now being accepted for table space, and this year we'll also welcome some food vendors for when you need a snack! We'll continue the Community Booth and will no doubt unveil more treats and surprises as wel go along. More information is on the 2nd Saturday blog, and application materials will be available on the blog soon (till then you can email me for them).

Workshops! Last year I conducted some custom, one-on-one workshops and they were a big hit, so rather than trying to offer specific formats and agendas, I'm offering that up for the full season. These workshops are for the beginner to intermediate potter-type, for one person or up to five people, and are for anywhere from 3-5 days and include all materials and firings. They also include studio visits to other working potters and guest critiques (and can be customized beyond that too!). Check my website for more details.

Weekend Workshops: In addition to the custom workshops, we'll soon be offering fun weekend workshops that explore the combination of fused glass and clay. I'll be partnering with Noel & George of Glasswear NC for these workshops. We'll play with fused glass projects, we'll play with surface design for tiles in clay, then we'll put the two together and see what we get! Final projects may include mosaic and/or glass-glazed tiles. We're still working out the technical aspects, but space will be limited so if you're interested go ahead and let me know so you can get on the list.

Studio Membership: We have a spot open! If you've always wanted to try pottery, or if you've tried it and always wished you had a place you could go from time to time, with just enough instruction to keep you going and a whole fun with other like minds, this could be for you! More details on the website or contact me.

Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park: I'm working on a new batch of work that I hope to have in the gallery in another month or so. A few teaser pieces may be ready for our next opening on Friday, February 5, and you should come to that anyway to see new work by our other core artists and to see work by our new guests artists: Jenny Mastin, Dawn Dalto, Tekla and Brian Fireman. Travinia will be providing some of the catering for the reception, so after you've had a taste, you can walk up the street for dinner, maybe even a movie! And while you're at the Park you can saunter over to the Hilton to see Asheville Area Art Council's opening of work by Norma Bradley and Calvin Edney - they have a reception as well from 5-8pm.

One final note about some area happenings:

There are many locally produced events happening all over town to raise funds to help relief efforts in Haiti - another reason I love this city! Here are a couple happening this weekend:

Humbly Helping Haiti is a locally grown benefit to raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti (donations to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund). Hanger Hall is the location, Saturday January 23 is the date and 7PM - 12Midnight is the time. Live local music by Greenway, Alex Krug w/Ashley Cofield, Joy Jansen and Eric J. Cool prizes including local art, crafts, massage, etc. Tasty eats from Roots Cafe and Laurey's Catering. Tasty beer from the Wedge Brewery and a silent auction of some very nice treats of other sorts. I've donated some work for the auction and raffles, and a very generous anonymous donor will double all funds raised at the event. Modest $5 cover gets you in the door.

Rosetta's Kitchen hosts a Community Cauldron on Sundays from 6-9pm, and this Sunday, January 24 all proceeds will go to Herbs for Orphans, Common Ground, ARRR clinic in Haiti. Go hungry and go generous!

And just for fun and to celebrate those who populate over half the workforce (myself included!):

Tressa's Celebrates Asheville Businesswomen - a great party you can check out after the benefit. Fun starts at 10pm at Tressa's, with Laura Blackley hosting and musical guests The Funk Messengers. There are amazing local business women nominated for awards, including the fabulous Jen Charlton of Sensibilities Day Spa and Sparrow Spa (yes, we favor our friends and clients!). It'll be a great girls night!

December Open Studio Schedule & Events

'Tis the season' has officially begun, and December is upon us filled with special events and studio schedule changes.

For members, please know that some 'closed' days may still have time available - if you're finishing up holiday gifts we'll work out the kiln timing to make sure you get as much through as possible.

For anyone just wanting to visit the studio, if you can't make it during the posted hours, feel free to contact me to make an appointment.

Some of our highlighted dates:

Friday, December 4, 6-9pm: Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park is having a Holiday Open House to celebrate the season and to welcome some new guest artists. I'll have a smattering of new work in the gallery, and in addition to member artists Genie Maples, Laurie McCarriar, Barbara Fisher, Susan Webb Lee, Anna Koloseike and Susan Finer, come check out the work of guest artists Heather Tinnaro, Becca Floyd, Cindy Walton, Tekla, Alex Stevens and Brian Fireman. Come for a nibble and a cuppa, and see some incredible work by some of our area's finest!

Sunday, December 6, 12-6pm: The Big Crafty is back! I'll be at a table downtown at Pack Place with other Big Crafty types, and I'll be featuring super-savings on some great holiday gift ideas that will directly benefit the recent vet bills for Lissa the Wonder Dog and Studio Mascot. Actually, just about ALL sales go directly to benefit that cause right now!

Saturday, December 12, 12-8pm: The 2nd Saturday Holiday Artist Market is happy to coincide with the 2nd East West Asheville Holiday Art Walk which is proudly joining forces with the FIRST annual Shop West Asheville event! All to say that there will be a whole lotta fun, sales and holiday festivities all through West Asheville! And at Crazy Green Studios, I'll be hosting an abbreviated 2nd Saturday Market. My guests include Gabriel Shaffer, Glasswear NC, Piece Blossom, Lady Di Creations and Renee Gaudet. We'll have a raffle, some light refreshments and general holiday cheer abounding!

All of December and a bit beyond: in Decatur, GA is having its annual Holiday Studio Sale, and if you've already gone, plan to go back as I'll be sending work down in December to join the show!

Echo Gallery: images from the opening

Last night Biltmore Park threw Echo Gallery a grand opening celebration, and it was indeed a happy event! Roux restaurant (from the Hilton) catered, and wonderful Sarah from Biltmore Park made sure everything was perfect, right down to finding a coat rack/umbrella stand for the expected arrival of many umbrellas!

It was raining, and I think all of us at Echo had moments of 'deja-vu all over again!', as we had torrential downpours at the soft open that seemed to keep many people inside and away from the gallery. Well that certainly wasn't the case last night, as our gallery was filled with people and great energy throughout the reception! The new show looks great, and it was wonderful to share it with friends, old and new. I'm still a bit gob-smacked myself, and ever so grateful to be a part of this group.

I was also thrilled that my friend Anne drove up from Atlanta for the party and brought the camera with the BIG lens, and roamed the event capturing moments. Gallery member Laurie McCarriar (MC-Carry to those in the 'hood) also covered the party with her camera, so look forward to more pictures from her. Here are a few from Anne:

Echo Gallery members: me, Susan Webb Lee, Genie Maples,
Laurie McCarriar, Barbara Fisher & Anna Koloseike

the quiet before ...

Susan Webb Lee took one of my plates home,
and came back with this gorgeous table runner
that just transformed the display!

Barbara's husband sent beautiful flowers to wish us well

starting to get crowded...

Laurie talking about her photos...


Susan & guest artist Tekla


it was incredible to have trouble getting through the
crowd in this very generous space!


more crowd fun...


Barbara & I posing in front of
Laurie's very cool photo


pots were appropriately fondled...


Laurie, with Marty & Eileen, who happily
snapped up the two new pieces behind them


it was really a very happy crowd, and fun to be with!


the rain kept on, but so did the people!


admiring work by Barbara Fisher


sculpture by Anna looks on while more patrons
admire Genie Maple's beautiful paintings


Anna with friends


guest artist Heather Tinnaro (and Tekla in the back)
working the crowd


I don't remember the what, but I remember the laugh


Sarah from Biltmore, who helped make this a great party


Barbara, with guest artist Susan Finer


Guest Artist Alex Stevens, Anna & Heather
enjoying delish treats from Roux


Genie & one of her two beautiful daughters
(both were there)


got Anne out from behind her camera for one shot!

Echo Gallery Grand Opening this Friday!

This Friday, 6-9pm. Food & drink from Roux, new work from all core artists plus some new guest artists. Come and see us!

Fridays at Echo Gallery

If you've been following along, you know I've recently joined and helped open a new coop gallery in South Asheville: Echo Gallery at Biltmore Park. While we're open for business (2-8 Thu - Sat, 1-6 Sun and by appt), we're still putting things together, adding more work, adding new members, planning guest artists, etc. Biltmore Park, where we're located, will be throwing us a Grand Opening party on October 23 (more on that later!).

Friday is my day in the gallery, and while I have a quiet moment before the dinner crowd comes by, I thought I'd toss out a quick intro of my gallery-mates. If you haven't made it by yet, of course I'd love to see you when I'm there (come by for a rare chance to see me out of my clay-covered clothes!), but any time you come, you'll be greeted by a member artist, so come on by!

Genie Maples is a painter and has her studio in the River District:

works by Genie Maples, and admirers of the same, in her studio

Genie, working in her studio

Barbara Fisher also paints, and also has her studio in the River District:

one of Barbara's newer works

Barbara Fisher, at it...

Laurie McCarriar is an art photographer, who just got back from Ireland, by the way!

Laurie may have the nicest 'studio' of us all!

perhaps not Ireland - you'll have to check her site to see when she posts those pictures!

Susan Webb Lee is a textile artist who makes amazing quilts:

Susan, with her work

'No Direction Home'

Anna Koloseike is a ceramic sculptor who ALSO has a studio in the River District!

Anna

'Sleeping Stones'

And then of course there's me...

in my happy place...

part of the 'trees' series - hopefully some

decent pictures will be taken of the new work soon!