Clay for sale

Anita Walling is trying to find if there is anyone who uses Laguna B-3 brown clay. Interested? Contact Anita at prayerpots@anitawalling.com.

Update: following the blog by email

For folks who follow the blog by email, hopefully you're reading this post in an email from the follow.it service. I have turned off the old service so (fingers crossed!) you shouldn't receive duplicate messages from the two services.

If you're not following the blog by email but want to, you can enter your email address in the upper right corner of the blog (in desktop mode, as shown in the image below) to subscribe. You can also go to follow.it/clay-club to subscribe and/or make changes to your subscription.

Let me know if you have any problems or questions!

Final day of the COTA online Art Auction in Honor of Mary Ruth Webb

Today is the second and final day of the COTA online Art Auction in Honor of Mary Ruth Webb. Donating artists are listed in the image above. View the auction items and bid until the auction ends this evening at 8 pm at the link below!  

www.biddingowl.com/COTAforMaryRuth

Reminder: changes coming to following the Clay Club blog by email

Just a reminder that, if you follow the blog by email, we'll be switching to the follow.it service. I'm planning on making the switch over this coming weekend. More details here: ncclayclub.blogspot.com/2021/06/changes-to-following-clay-club-blog-by.html

Applications open for the Church Street Art & Craft Show in Waynesville, NC

Church Street Art & Craft Show
Saturday, October 9th
Waynesville, NC
Application deadline: August 1st (but note: "All applicants will be juried for the 2021 show. Space is limited. Applicants will be judged on a first-come-first-served basis. Apply early!")

About the festival, from the application form:

Held during the height of the color season in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Church Street Art & Craft Show attracts more than 20,000 visitors. Over 125 artists, crafters and food vendors from throughout the southeast will line Waynesville's Historic Main Street to help celebrate the festival.

What began as a small gathering of artists and craftsmen has evolved into a high quality, well-balanced, juried show now widely known as one of the finest in the region. Downtown Waynesville's picturesque Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic the day of the show, transforming it into an art and craft marketplace.

Local musicians and dancers perform, adding to the festive atmosphere and the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. Founded in 1983 by artist Teresa Pennington and Richard Miller, the Church Street Art & Craft Show is now sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

Application here: www.downtownwaynesville.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CSS-2021-vendor-app.pdf

Arts & Crafts Drive-About in Graham and Swain counties this Friday and Saturday

Arts & Crafts Drive-About
Friday and Saturday, June 25th and 26th
10 am - 5 pm both days
Graham and Swain counties in Western NC

Featuring artists and artisans in Graham and Swain counties. Admission is free. Tour maps available in the Artisans Gallery at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Stecoah (Robbinsville) and at the website below. 

www.stecoahvalleycenter.com/artisans.html

Artists wanted for the Jackson Arts Market in Sylva, NC

The Jackson Arts Market is a weekly outdoor arts and music festival in downtown Sylva, North Carolina. It takes place every Saturday from 1-5 pm and artists are invited to sign up to participate. 

Here's a recent article about the market from The Laurel of Asheville: thelaurelofasheville.com/arts/visit-the-jackson-arts-market-saturdays-in-sylva

Visit the Jackson Arts Market website for more info and to sign up to participate: www.jacksonartsmarket.com

Changes to following the Clay Club blog by email

Google is ending the Feedburner "follow by email" option that lets users receive a daily digest of Clay Club blog posts. We'll be moving to the follow.it service which will continue to send a daily digest of posts. If you're already signed up to receive the daily digest of Clay Club blog posts, you'll automatically be transferred to the new service. 

A couple differences to note about the follow.it blog post digests:

• messages will be sent from the email address hi@follow.it (you may need to add this email address to your contacts or make other changes to your email settings to ensure that the messages land in your inbox) 

• the subject line will read "Clay Club - new message"

Here's what a follow.it digest looks like:

We'll be making the switch in the next few days. Until then, recipients will continue to receive the same "follow by email" blog post digests. I'll post at least one more reminder about this change before making the switch. Once we make the switch to the new service, I'll turn off the old service.

Questions? Send me an email at amy@amywallerpottery.com or leave a comment below.

COTA Art Auction in Honor of Mary Ruth Webb

Mary Ruth Webb is an artist here in Western NC. The second image is of her sculpture "The Great Escape" (cone 10 stoneware with handmade paper) photographed during a Digital Photo Workshop with John Britt and Joy Tanner.

COTA Art Auction in Honor of Mary Ruth Webb

A fundraiser to benefit the Children's Organ Transplant Association in honor of Mary Ruth Webb

This online art auction is being held for the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of Mary Ruth Webb, an artist in Western North Carolina who received a life-saving kidney transplant in December, 2020, at the Jason Ray Transplant Clinic, UNC Medical Center, in Chapel Hill, NC. 

Mary Ruth was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease in the mid-1980s during an ultrasound for an unrelated situation. Due to the genetic nature of her illness, COTA is assisting local volunteers with the efforts to raise an estimated $35,000 for COTA in honor of Mary Ruth.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), is a national charity based in Bloomington, Indiana. COTA is dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are completely free of charge, and 100% of funds generated by COTA community fundraising campaigns are available for transplant-related expenses.

This auction, sponsored by Mary Ruth’s friends, features over 100 pieces of work from over 65 of our area’s favorite fine artists and craftspeople. A special auction feature will be work by the transplant recipient herself.

An online preview is posted at https://www.BiddingOwl.com/COTAforMaryRuth; the event will go live at 8 am on June 25 and last through 8 pm on June 26th. Major credit cards will be accepted for any purchase or donation. Contributions made above the fair retail value are 100% tax deductible.

If you don't want to bid, but still want to help: Donations can be made online at the auction site.

A Jeff Kleckner tribute update from Terry Gess

A Jeff Kleckner tribute update from Terry Gess:

As you might recall, we lost the very fine potter Jeff Kleckner a while back. The good news is that a man who taught at the college with Jeff - (novice potter, English professor) - was able to buy Jeff’s studio and all of its contents (including the leaky roof... and a reprieve on the 35-years of sewer bills that the city realized had never been mailed out!)

He and his wife are working on archiving Jeff’s career and the contents of Jeff’s amazing studio building in Bethlehem, PA. They intend to turn Jeff’s fab building into a neighborhood clay space with a focus on supporting the local low income neighborhood. They are off to a great start. Seems to me like it is an unbelievably rich conclusion and tribute to Jeff’s memory - who could ask for anything greater.

They’re documenting the progress & process on Instagram: #klecknerworkshop

jeff-kleckner-pottery-tribute.weebly.com

Plays in Mud Pottery is Hiring 2 Positions

 Plays In Mud Pottery is Hiring

Two positions have opened up at Plays In Mud Pottery located in convenient and exciting West Asheville. Plays In Mud is a studio pottery and gallery focusing on wholesale and retail production and sales. Work directly with the owner and artist, Kelsey Schissel, and experience the life of a potter as you become an integral part of the team.

If you are someone who is task oriented, dependable, can work independently, and has a love for clay, these opportunities are for you.

Position 1: Production Potter

Responsibilities: Replicating Plays in Mud wheel thrown forms. You will be provided with specific dimensions and quantities of clay.

Experience: Experience replicating forms for multiples in the same sitting.

Hours: 10-15 hours a week. Schedule is flexible and can be broken down into 2-5 hour increments.

Pay: $3/piece. Expected pace is 10 pieces/hour. Estimated hourly pay is $30/hour

Position 2: Studio Assistant

Responsibilities: Help in stamping, underglazing, and simple hand forming of clay. 

Experience: Experience touching clay and familiarity with the elements and principles of design.

Hours: 15-20 hours a week with lots of flexibility

Pay: $13/hour with a raise to $15/hour after training

If you have questions or to apply, contact Kelsey Schissel at kelsey@playsinmud.com

No resume needed but please include photos and a paragraph about your work.

Applications now being accepted for the Fall Toe River Studio Tour

November Toe River Studio Tour
November 12th-14th, 2021
Mitchell and Yancey counties
Application deadline: July 16th, 2021

Toe River Arts is hosting a studio tour in November for artists in Mitchell and Yancey counties. Artists in those counties are welcome to host guest artists from elsewhere; guest artists must join Toe River Arts at the $100 membership level in order to participate. The application deadline is July 16th, 2021. This tour takes the place of the usual (pre-pandemic usual) December studio tour; here's a note from Dennis McAvoy, Chair of the Studio Tour Committee, about this year's studio tour (note the part about first-time participants not having to pay the application fee!):

The COVID-19 pandemic has required many of us to rethink and adapt to an ever-changing environment. As an organization, we are using this time to explore new approaches and think innovatively about our work. Because of an increase in competing events and changing artist needs, we recognize the December Studio Tour dates and format need to be reevaluated. This November, we will host an in-person Studio Tour. We are hopeful that by summer 2022, we will be able to host the Summer Studio Tour the first weekend of June as in previous years. We are grateful for a talented, hard-working Studio Tour Committee. The Studio Tour Committee has worked diligently to explore many options. We are excited to work with Bridge the Gap Marketing to ensure the success of this November’s tour. We are also excited to announce that first-time participating members will have a waived application fee. We hope this will encourage the participation of new artists. We look forward to a successful event!

– Dennis McAvoy, Chair, Studio Tour Committee

More about the November Toe River Studio Tour and link to application here: https://www.toeriverarts.org/studio-tour/

North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival application deadline June 30th

The 4th North Carolina Ceramic Arts Festival (​NCCAF) will take place Saturday, October 23rd, in downtown Asheville. Applications are being accepted through June 30th. From the festival website:

​NCCAF artists are ceramic artists from all over. They are tile makers, sculptors, potters, and jewelers. They make wall pieces, kitchen pieces, statement pieces, anything they can dream up and execute in clay!

NCCAF artists make their work by hand in working studios, sometimes alone, sometimes with the help of studio assistants, apprentices, spouses, and friends. We welcome any ceramic artist looking for another outlet to promote and sell their work to apply.

Our 2021 event in Pack Square will provide ceramic artists a great sales opportunity to reach thousands of customers in the heart of bustling downtown Asheville. 

​In 2019 we had over 7,500 visitors through our gates and we can't wait to see that number grow in 2021!

More info for artists here: https://www.northcarolinaceramicartsfestival.com/artists

Application here: https://www.northcarolinaceramicartsfestival.com/apply

Free admission to Willis Observatory for artists from four Western NC counties

Willis Observatory in Mitchell County is opening on July 1st and is offering free admission to artists in Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and McDowell counties. (Students, teachers and school employees in those counties are also eligible for free admission.) The current Mitchell News-Journal has a front page story about the observatory which can be read here: www.mitchellnews.com/local-news/observatory-allows-astronomical-discoveries

A little background on Willis Observatory...

Rev. Dr. Chris Ayers and his wife Vicky own the Willis Observatory. From the observatory website:

Chris is a retired liberal clergyperson, who continues to work for the equality of all people, especially LGBTQ people.  Chris believes life and faith must be informed by science.  

Vicky grew up on Bear Creek, and loves the mountains and her relatives who live in this beautiful area.

There have been negative responses locally to Chris and the observatory for his/their support for LGBTQ equality. Chris responded to this criticism on Facebook:

Chris Ayers

February 12

Willis Observatory has NOT received any official documents about criticism of the observatory due to my very public stances on LGBTQ equality, however, concerned people have had conversations with the Mitchell County school board and there have been many posts on FB, etc. so I thought a response would be in order.  Feel free to repost on your FB page and share in conversations.

My calling from God to share that one's sexual orientation/gender identity are gifts from God and not a sin is widely known and has been for 25 years, including in Mitchell County.  Nothing is more important to me, including the observatory, than the full equality of all people.

While inclusivity and diversity are listed as values of Willis Observatory in the draft below of our Mission Statement, please note sex education on school field trips to the observatory or any other observatory activity with school groups is NOT part of our mission.  And for the record, sex education is NOT part of our mission at public star parties.  At public gatherings, we may encourage everyone present to be who they are, be the best they can be, to reach for the stars, and not worry about what others think about them, but that message is important for all people, not just LGBTQ people.  People, as the movie/musical The Prom, teaches should "wear their crown."  At appropriate private star parties we will free to talk about anything and everything and fly our rainbow and trans flags.

Here is a draft of our Mission Statement.

Willis Observatory is a private astronomical observatory based in western North Carolina. Our mission is to educate and inspire; we hope to reach students and the public who previously have not had the opportunity to gain access to the wonders of the universe.  We will mentor some students in astrophotography, enabling them to appreciate the colors and beauty of the cosmos.  

We value diversity, inclusivity and above all curiosity, as we bring the universe to our doorstep through a sense of community, humility and awe.

We do this with high quality astronomical equipment, expertise from our community of professionals and always with a sense of fun!

Final comments for this post.  Vicky grew up on Bear Creek.  She was in the 1st graduating class of Mitchell High.  I can't begin to tell you how much joy it gives us to be able to give back to the community.  Vicky loves the mountains and her relatives who live/or lived in this beautiful area, and she loves even those who strongly disagree with her about LGBTQ not being a sin.  We have made so many new friends in Western North Carolina because of the observatory and we feel so blessed.  We can't wait to meet our new friends in person once Covid is solved.

(from www.facebook.com/christophermarkayers/posts/10218876114630100)

Kudos and thanks to Chris, Vicky and everyone at Willis Observatory for opening this cool and inclusive facility in Mitchell County!

Tickets required, including for free entry. Tickets available on the observatory website.

Willis Observatory

1456 Bear Creek Road 

Bakersville, NC 28705

www.willisobservatory.com

www.facebook.com/Willis-Observatory-106345637490333

Applications open for the Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts and Crafts Fair in Waynesville, NC

Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts and Crafts Fair

Saturday and Sunday, August 21st and 22nd

Shelton House, Waynesville NC

Application deadline July 1st

The Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend (BRHW) Arts and Crafts Fair 2021 will be located just 3 blocks from downtown Waynesville (a popular tourist destination) on the grounds of the Shelton Campus. The campus includes the Historic Shelton House and its Museum of NC Handicrafts; the Haywood Historic Farmers Market; and the prestigious HART theatre. On Saturday and Sunday, Shelton House will host the juried BRHW Arts and Crafts Fair and a special exhibit on the history of medicine in Haywood county (held in the barn), Local musicians will provide entertainment on the grounds and food trucks will be strategically placed. On Saturday, the Haywood Historic Farmers Market, which typically attracts 800+ people on its own each week, will offer local fresh farm vegetables, meats, dairy, bakery, food items and other local products. We are hopeful that HART theater will be open to live performances again by August. Check their website for show and ticket information. Attendance at the 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend is potentially very large, with 2,500+ people expected on Saturday alone. 

More details and link to application: www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=9268

2021 Spruce Pine Potters Market Returns This October

The Spruce Pine Potters Market will return to Spruce Pine’s historic Cross Street Commerce Center in downtown Spruce Pine, NC on Saturday and Sunday October 9th & 10th, 2021 from 10am–5pm.

Noted for its small scale and intimate layout, this event offers visitors an opportunity to view a variety of pottery work as well as the chance to meet and converse with each maker. “Its a very friendly show, lots of lovely work and a chance to shop a wide variety of pottery,” noted one past-years visitor.

The Spruce Pine Potters Market was designed and built by a group of Mitchell County, NC potters as a collaborative venture. Currently the members of the Spruce Pine Potters Market work together on all phases of the show, from mamagement, promotion, display set-up and all of the many particulars of a very successful annual event. “The Market is unique because of the extraordinary quality of the work produced by its members”, says Spruce Pone Potters Market member Jenny Lou Sherburne. “Individually, the participating artists are some of the finest craftsmen in the country. Collectively, they bring their high standards, imagination and camaraderie together to produce a really outstanding show.”

This year’s participating Potters Market members includes: Stanley Mace Andersen, Terry Gess, Ken & Galen Sedberry , Michael & Ruth Rutkowsky, Cynthia Bringle, Pam Brewer, Gertrude Graham Smith, Nicholas & Lisa Joerling, Susan Feagin, Shaunna Lyons, Liz Zlot Summerfield, Teresa Pietsch, Linda McFarling, Shane Mickey, Melisa Cadell, David Ross, Michael Hunt & Naomi Dalglish, Courtney Martin, Joy Tanner, Jenny Lou Sherburne.

In addition, this year’s show will include visiting artists Lynne Hobaica & Rickie Barnett, Jason Hartsoe, and Reiko Miyagi.

While admission to the Potters Market is free, all visitors are encouraged to join the potters in supporting a selected local non-profit organization. This year, several participating potters have donated pottery door prizes for this raffle.

For more information:
Website: www.SprucePinePottersMarket.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sprucepinepottersmarket/ Instagram: @sprucepinepottersmarket
Email: info@sprucepinepottersmarket.com
Phone: 828 467-0166

Two Generations: Ken and Galen Sedberry at Toe River Arts

Two Generations

June 19th - July 24th

Toe River Arts Spruce Pine Gallery

Two Generations showcases the unique art created by artists Ken and Galen Sedberry. The work of this father and son duo involves the detailed craft of wood firing. Galen and Ken have shared physical spaces of studio, kiln, booth space, as well as shared aesthetic space where ideas are translated into pots. This father and son team aspires to highlight how these shared spaces deliver work that is both parallel and divergent.

Ken has been working in clay for thirty-one years and has focused on achieving vibrant colors at stoneware temperatures. With the development of chambered climbing kilns came decorative stoneware and porcelain. “Much of my work comes out of this tradition,” says Ken. He uses various resist techniques to contrast glazes in both color and texture. He has been working on a new body of work – animal sculptures, thrown and altered. “The idea of lifting the images off the pots and into three dimensions has been gestating for a long time. Layering slips and glazes that crackle and move and firing them in a wood kiln has led to an exciting new direction.”

Ken earned an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. He has taught at Rhode Island School of Design, Catholic University of America in Washington DC, Penland School of Craft and John C. Campbell Folk School. He opened Sedberry Studios in Bakersville, NC in 1982. Ken’s work is collected all over the world and he has participated in hundreds of invitational and juried exhibits including exhibitions at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, the Contemporary Ceramics Museum in Hokkaido, Japan, the University of Iowa, Blue Spiral in Asheville, the Columbia Museum of Art and Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston.

Galen Sedberry says, “Growing up as the son of a potter and using almost exclusively handmade pots for meals, I am keenly aware of the gravity of holding and using handmade objects. Their weight, balance and texture are individual and unique, becoming over time as comforting as holding the hand of someone you love.” Galen’s training began as a child just through spending time in his father’s studio.

Galen graduated from Mitchell High School and earned a BS degree from Appalachian State University in 2012. He began assisting and working with his father in 2016 and has been there ever since, working as a studio assistant and developing and exploring his own style and techniques. Galen says that he is currently investigating the possibilities between deliberate surface decoration and the limitless variables of wood firing.

Galen has been exhibiting his work since 2018 at the Spruce Pine Potters Market, Green Hill Art Center, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery, Winston Salem, Cedar Creek Gallery, Taupe Gallery in Wilkesboro and In Tandem Gallery in Bakersville.

Two Generations will open to the public for viewing at Toe River Arts, 269 Oak Ave, Spruce Pine during normal operating hours, Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 5 PM. More information can be found at toeriverarts.org.

(image: article from the Mitchell News-Journal)

Odyssey ClayWorks Summer Seconds Sale this weekend

Odyssey ClayWorks Summer Seconds Sale
Saturday and Sunday, June 12th and 13th
11am-5pm
Odyssey ClayWorks
236 Clingman Ave Ext
Asheville, NC 28801

From the email invitation:

SUMMER SECONDS SALE

Join us this weekend for our Summer Seconds Sale here at Odyssey ClayWorks!

Pretty Pots
We will have beautiful seconds for sale outside on the side walk in front of the studio and in the kiln yard on the side. Of course you're more than welcome to come in and check out the amazing firsts in the Gallery!

Refreshments
There will be beer and a lemonade bar! Buy a cup and we'll fill it up!

What is a "second"?
A second is a ceramic piece that has an imperfection. These pretty pots are discounted 25-75%.

www.odysseyclayworks.com

(image from the Facebook event page)

Applications open for the Greening Up The Mountains Festival in Sylva, NC

Greening Up The Mountains Festival

Sylva, North Carolina
Festival date: August 28, 2021
Application deadline: June 30, 2021

Applications are being accepted through June 30th for the Greening Up The Mountains Festival in Sylva, NC. The festival is a celebration of spring through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage which honor our community and local artisans.

The festival has COVID-19 compliance requirements:

The planning committee will continue to monitor the ongoing status of COVID 19 protocols statewide and locally and will issue further guidelines regarding festival participation in compliance with any COVID 19 restrictions and protocols which may remain in place at that time. However, the GUTM Planning Committee has made the decision that all vendors will be required to wear masks throughout the duration of the festival, including unloading and loading times, regardless of the status of the statewide mask mandate in place at that time and regardless if you have received a vaccine. By submitting your application, you are agreeing to 100% compliance with the mask requirement, as well as any additional guidelines which will be issued to all vendors prior to festival day. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED DUE TO LACK OF WILLINGNESS TO COMPLY WITH COVID 19 PROTOCOLS. Please take the time to consider this issue before applying, as no exceptions will be made to the requirements once they have been determined. This includes the mask requirement, which has already been implemented.

If the festival has to be cancelled due to COVID 19 restrictions which may remain in place at that time, all vendors will receive a full refund of their application fee.

More info and link to application: www.greeningupthemountains.com/vendors.html

Burnsville potter seeks Raku kiln shelf

Here are the details from Martin Stankus:

Looking for a local supplier for a 13” round Raku kiln shelf. Contact Martin at mstinroofpottery@gmail.com

Open Studios, Pottery Sale, & Mountain Music at Township10 near Marshall, NC

 

Open Studios, Pottery Sale, & Mountain Music 

June 12 & June 13

12-5 p.m.

We are hosting our first open house at Township10, a new ceramics residency near Marshall, NC. Come by for ceramic DEMONSTRATIONS and pottery SALE by current Resident Artists Chris Suarez, Yoon Hwang and Kyle Lawson, CHAT with residency director Marjorie Dial, & enjoy LIVE old-time mountain music by local treasures, Don Pedi on dulcimer and Bruce Greene on fiddle. Sale starts at 12. Music from 3-5 pm. There will be Mexican inspired street food for light snacking.

This event is FREE. Please bring a water bottle and chair if you want to sit for the music. Closed toe shoes recommended for the farm. Please tell your friends who are art & mountain music lovers!! We are 40 minutes north of Asheville at 310 Ras Grooms Road Marshall, NC 28753

www.township10.org/post/open-studios-pottery-sale

Mica Gallery Presents Two Featured Artists in June

 

Mica Gallery - the members owned cooperative fine craft gallery in downtown Bakersville, NC presents a special “Featured Artists” exhibit in the month of June with the work of two of its member artists, Sondra Dorn and Gertrude Graham Smith.

For her exhibit, Dorn will share a sampling of work from a series entitled “Imaginary Topography: Daily Paintings”.

 “A few years ago I took time to try out some new materials and ideas,” Dorn states. “I started small, mostly working on a TV tray from the couch. That began my series of ‘Daily Paintings’.  I used materials new to me: water-soluble graphite, color pencils and ink sticks, Micron pens and watercolor paints, which led to some very fun discoveries. I enjoyed the small format as well since I could finish a piece within the same day.”

Dorn later returned to these works and continued by scanning them into her computer. “I focused in on details, removed color and built up a whole new series of black and white compositions and abstractions generated from the original.  Similar but different!”

Mica member Gertrude Graham Smith will exhibit a special collection entitled  “Baskets” - clay vessels with handles over the top.

She notes, “Because my pottery celebrates the soft, tactile, responsive nature of porcelain clay, as it's thrown on the potter’s wheel, I find the form of baskets especially satisfying - a handle directly invites the hand to touch.”

Smith fires her pots to a very high temperature inside a soda kiln, where flames decorate textured surfaces and glazes respond with brilliance to the kiln’s atmospherics. She says, “These baskets remind us to enjoy life's pleasures - especially the senses. A piece of pottery filled with fruit or flowers is a fragrant and colorful delight.”

Mica showcases the craft work of its 15 artist-members including sculpture, glass, jewelry, fiber, wearables, painting, and functional pottery. This extraordinary collection, enhanced by a yearlong rotation of guest artists and the welcoming and beautiful setting, make Mica a must-see destination for those who appreciate the hand made. 

Mica is located at 37 Mitchell Ave, Bakersville. Mica is open daily, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12–5 p.m. For more information call 828.688.6422 or visit micagallerync.com. Follow the gallery on Facebook at Mica Gallery NC, or on Instagram at micagallerync.