It has been exciting to see the many posts on the Maine Pottery Tour’s Facebook page as this weekend’s tour approaches. I like the feeling of a communal effort across the state that social media allows us to experience. I’m accustomed to feeling fairly solitary in my work efforts, but now I can see that while I am swinging into gear for a busy season, so are dozens of other potters across the state. They are making the pieces, loading up their kilns, and experiencing the pleasure (and yes, sometimes disappointment) that accompanies a kiln opening. I’ve just opened my second kiln of stoneware this morning, and am for the most part pleased with the results.
More than 40 pottery studios across the state will be open for the MAINE POTTERY TOUR on May 2nd and 3rd including 8 nearby studios in Knox and Waldo Counties: Siem Van der Ven of Van der Ven Studio in Lincolnville, the community clay studio Hope Clay in Hope, Patricia Hubbard of Hilltop Pottery in Thomaston, Ariela Kuh and Meghan Flynn in Lincolnville, Betsy Levine of Prescott Hill Pottery in Liberty, Barbara Walch of Barbara Walch Pottery in Thorndike, Austin Smith in Camden and of course myself at Fireside Pottery in Warren. Hours are Saturday, May 2nd 10-5, and Sunday, May 3rd 11-4. Be sure to look for the signs.
The participating potters are welcoming visitors to their studios to see their process, as well as view, finished pieces. All are happy to talk about how they create, decorate, and fire their work. Get an inside glimpse into the lives of these potters, tour their studios, peek into kilns, and know that your purchase is supporting your local creative economy.
The tour is expanding each year and is always adding new potters. There are as many different styles as there are destinations, with tour legs in southern, central and mid-coast Maine, For maps and more information on these different areas, visit the Maine Pottery Tour Website or find them on Facebook at Maine Pottery Tour.
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