2016-11-12 - Saturday - Potters of the Piedmont and Earth & Fire

Saturday was the fall Potters of the Piedmont sale in Greensboro. It was well-attended and as always, I enjoyed talking to, joking with, and explaining my process to the attendees. The day flew by and then I had to jump in the car and get back to Charlotte for the end of An Evening of Earth & Fire, Clayworks' annual fundraiser at Elder Gallery.

Not only were all the usual friends there, but Dave Timm was in from Michigan, and Rich Meredith came from Florida.

Dave is a long-time friend (notice I didn't say old!) from the infancy of Clayworks who is also one of my mentors. He always pushed me to try something new, to stretch, to reach. It was easy when watching him do it. He made it look easy, like, "why not try this?". I miss him, and his guidance and prodding. I also miss grabbing a plate of nachos with him at Lupie's on occasion.

Rich was a studio artist at Clayworks for a while when he was working in our area long-term. He is a great friend to many of us and of the studio. He's another one who makes it look easy and challenges you to follow him.


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2016-11-11 - Friday - Setting up the gallery

Friday I had the honor to help Herb and Vince set up Elder Gallery for An Evening of Earth & Fire, Clayworks' annual fundraiser.

Larry Elder graciously donates his wonderful space to us for our gala. It's always a great night filled with lots of beautiful art. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend since I'll be in Greensboro on Saturday at the Potters of the Piedmont show. I will return late and hope to catch supper with the Clayworks crew.

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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.

2015-10-29 - Thursday - Renaldo

I am honored to have a piece included in this year's Evening of Earth & Fire fundraiser for Clayworks. This is "Renaldo" and you can bid on him and lots of fine ceramic art on November 14, 2015 at Elder Gallery.

"Renaldo"

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2015-06-05 - Friday - Carolina's Got Art

Friday was the Carolina's Got Art part 2, the ceramics show. Several of us volunteered to tend bar for Clayworks again. It was a great time. We had fun, served beer and wine, and took donations for Clayworks.

There was a great turnout for the show and a lot of great artwork on display. The Elder Gallery was hoppin'.

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2015-05-01 - Friday - Carolina's Got Art

Friday I was one of several volunteers who helped out with the opening of the Carolina's Got Art show. We tended bar to support Carolina's Got Art and Clayworks at Elder Gallery. Larry Elder was kind to let us promote Clayworks during the event and we did.

We got to use our brand new banner (Thanks Steve!), take donations, and have some fun with the people viewing the show.

There was also a band playing on the other side of the door from where we were and they sounded very good. You could tell they were having a great time playing together.

The Carolina's Got Art show will be up at Elder Gallery for the rest of the month so go check it out. Next month we'll do it all again for the new, separate ceramic show.

Serious servers.

More indicative of the mood of the evening.

The band played on.

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2015-02-06 - Friday - South End gallery crawl

On Friday I took the light rail down to meet our friends Sheilah and Cam for the South End gallery crawl. The art was good and the crowds were too. We visited Elder Gallery, The Charlotte Art League, Ciel, and Lark & Key.

I took this at the light rail station while waiting for the train.

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2014-12-05 - Friday - Elder Gallery, Larry Horowitz, Clayworks Holiday Sale & Open House

Friday started out at the Elder Gallery for part of the Lunch with the Artist series with Larry Horowitz. It was a great talk with Mr. Horowitz showing us his handmade pastels and explaining how he makes them. He told us about being Wolf Kahn's assistant for several years when he started out. He works mainly in pastels and oils and many of his works were on display. I really like his work and I've been a fan of Wolf Kahn's for several years.

Let me take a moment to extol the virtues of the Lunch with the Artist series at Elder Gallery. It's a wonderful way to find out about an artist you may not be aware of or find out more about an artist you already follow. The hour gives them a chance to share their inspirations, processes, and philosophy of their work. At ten dollars, it's a very affordable way to expose yourself to some great art and insights.

Larry Elder introducing Larry Horowitz.

Larry Horowitz discussing his work.

In the evening it was over to Clayworks for the annual Holiday Sale & Open House. Our studio artists spent the day arranging their work in the gallery and the studio. It really is quite a transformation into a ceramic wonderland. My friend Sylvia Cobb was kind enough to share some of her photos of the setup and the event.

For the last several years I have done demos during Friday night. I enjoy throwing, talking to people, and answering questions as I work. I am grateful to everyone at Clayworks for allowing me to do the demos.

Kary Coke with some of his work.

Ralph Mello and his creations.

Ju-Ian Shen's work.

Jeff Pender's sculptures.

Hannah putting on the finishing touches.

Ju-Ian with her work.

Greg Scott's work.

Greg and Hannah discussing her work.

Herb Cohen and Jose Fumero.

Herb and Jose visiting with yours truly.

Jack, Ju-Ian, and Karen with Ju-Ian's piece they purchased.

Life imitating art.

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time you know I love photo series. In this one I caught Ansley was clowning with me while she helped out at the wrapping station with Elaine. The series speaks for itself as she goes from her usual angelic smile to complete mock contempt. (at least I hope it's mock!)

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2014-11-15 - Saturday - Clayworks fundraiser

Saturday was the annual Clayworks fundraiser.  An Evening of Earth & Fire was hosted for the second year by Elder Gallery thanks to Larry Elder's generosity.

It was a fine night with lots of people in attendance.  There was a lot of beautiful donated artwork in the silent auction and it sold well.  Thanks to all the generous donations and bidding Clayworks will be funded another year.

Afterwards several of us went to Akahana Asian Bistro for a late supper.

A good night.

Gary Knight (our board chair), Larry Elder (gallery owner),
and Adrienne Dellinger (our executive director).

After the bidding.

Me, Ju-Ian Shen, Rob Russell, Susan Hughes,
Kimberly Tyrrell, Adrienne Dellinger, Greg Scott,
and Rich Meredith at Akahana Asian Bistro.

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2014-04-04 - Friday - Elder Gallery and Clayworks Sale

Friday Ju-Ian and I had lunch at the Elder Gallery.  Several other people from Clayworks attended too.  Ceramic artists Peter Callas, Warner Hyde, and Michael Weber were to discuss their work, but Michael was snowed in in Wisconsin.  It was a good discussion and it really got me thinking about my work.  Peter Callas said for him, it was really all about the form and glaze was secondary.

I need to step up my game on form.

That evening was the Clayworks Annual Spring Sale and Open House.  Angela and I did the demos in the front classroom and had a great time as usual.  Below are some photos and a video of Henry's ceramic stereo enclosures.  Henry is a student in Kary's class and he makes great stereo components.

Warner Hyde and Peter Callas.

Panorama of the group.

Henry's stereo.  Those round enclosures are sitting on
a ceramic ring with rubber feet and rubber holders.

Amp.

Controls.

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