2018-05-20 - Sunday - Clayworks

I grab a bite at the Common Market sometimes on the weekends and I saw this magnet there on Sunday.

I was taking a break from making yunomi at Clayworks.

When I left, I left some footprints behind me.

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2018-03-03 - Saturday - Muddy Fun and then some

Saturday was Muddy Fun day and we had the usual group of enthusiastic students and volunteers.

At lunchtime I went to the Common Market and got a modified Evil Homer sandwich, red pepper gouda bisque, and a Mexicali Stout. Yum.

After lunch I made three pots that are to be fired in my friend Hal's groundhog wood kiln. More refinements to come later.

I thought I'd leave an inspirational message on the white board.

Later that evening Karen and I went out to dinner and I got this fortune.

We are scheduled to go to Amelia Island, FL, and an Alaskan cruise this year, so I guess it's correct.


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2018-02-03 - Saturday - I love Saturdays

Saturday was another Muddy Fun day. We had a good group of students and helpful volunteers.

It was a sunny day and Dusty took advantage of it.

At lunch I went to the Common Market where I had a Deschutes Black Butte Porter and a modified Evil Homer sandwich (using Vince's recommendation).

I really like Saturdays.


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2018-01-26 - Friday - Muddy Fun with the ASC

Every year the Arts and Science Council holds a Connect With Culture event on Saturday. This year we had the first ever Muddy Fun with the ASC on the Friday night before the main events. Adrienne asked if I would teach it and I didn't have to think twice about it. I love helping out with Muddy Fun and teaching it if nobody else is available.

This was a first; participants were given a coupon for a beer at Common Market and many used them. Robert Bush, the president of the ASC said a few words to start off the session by welcoming everyone to the first-ever Friday night culture event. Several people took selfies with Mr. Bush before we started getting muddy.

We had a good group of students who picked it right up. It's always so much fun to see people learn something new. Vince and Dorothy were great helpers. I couldn't have done it without them.

We have four more sessions tomorrow. Angela is teaching the first one, Greg is teaching the second two, and I'm teaching the last one. It's going to be a good day.

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2017-02-06 - Monday - Common Market Oakwold

Monday night the folks from Common Market held a town hall meeting at Clayworks to introduce themselves to the neighborhood and get feedback from the residents. They will be opening the latest Common Market a few doors down from Clayworks and we are very excited about it. A close place to get great food and provisions will be amazing. Add to that the eclectic, fun vibe of the place, the fact that they are putting in a 1300 sq ft covered patio, and they make delicious sandwiches; it's a win/win.

Take a look at the menu.

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2016-06-18 - Saturday - Elder Gallery & Art & Soul of South End

Saturday I was honored to be asked to show some of my work and demo for Clayworks at Elder Gallery for the Art & Soul of South End Festival. Ann Prock, Ju-Ian Shen, Greg Scott, and I were there demoing and enjoying the beautiful day outside. Some Clayworks folks came and hung out with us and several of Larry Elder's customers stopped by. Traffic wasn't overwhelming, but we were a block from the festival so it was about what I expected.

Whenever you have a chance to hang out with your very talented friends and enjoy a day out on a wonderful spring day, it's a good day.

I also had the chance to go across the street for my first visit to the Common Market with Ann for a sandwich. Interesting place, too bad it's going to have to move. I got the Evil Homer sandwich and the Monster Cookie.

A big thanks to Larry Elder and Clayworks for making it happen.

Herb Cohen watches Greg throw and Ann does some handbuilding.

Our professional banner.

My display.

Ann's display.

Greg's display.

Ju-Ian's display.

Near the end of the demo, our friend Vince came by to help us clean up. He was going to check out the festival so I invited myself along to hang out with him. The festival was only two blocks long: one block of art and one block of food trucks, so it didn't take long to cover it.

We ended up at the Wooden Robot Brewery right across from Elder Gallery and had a nice beer.

Going to breweries in Charlotte is a bit strange since people bring there children and their dogs in with them. A woman at our table was wearing her baby on her chest in one of those carriers and her husband/boyfriend had their large dog on a leash under the table. It's fine, just a bit strange at first.

It was so nice to bum around with Vince. I can't remember the last time I took time to just hang out and have some nice conversations over a beer.

"Not Sure" amber.