Workshops in the Works

Well, due to consistent demand, I've been in discussions with a couple places to share my pottery techniques in a more "hands-on" setting. Anton Art Center, in Mt. Clemens, and Firebrick Studio and Gallery, in Rochester, have both been very supportive and we're putting together a couple two-session workshops to give folks a chance to explore the potentials of a slab roller and to see if a larger-format class might be workable in the future.
On Sunday, November 21, I was at the Anton Art Center, with a lot of other very cool people, for their "Meet the Artists" reception in connection with their Holiday Shop. The photo, taken by the peripatetic Don Schulte, is of me with Jennifer Callans, the Anton Art Center Director, with some of my pottery. It was a great event, hosted by the Women Presbyteers (those cookies were really good). I couldn't believe how quickly two hours passed!
If you're interested in taking a workshop at either location, you can contact the Art Center at (586) 469-8666 or Firebrick at (248) 394-5355. Hope to see you there!

Can You Believe It?

I don't know about you, but I can't believe that it's already almost Thanksgiving. And there's a lot to be thankful for, even here in Michigan. I had a good gardening season, working with Mil Hurley's team at A Southern Gardener (hey there, Mil, Terese, Alaine, Carol, Cathy, Sue, Fran, Debbie and Emily): I learned I was doing a lot of things right, met some great people and learned a lot of new things, too. I was hoping that I would have some time to do some stuff in my garden before the winter clamped down, but no such luck. I'll be lucky to get the leaves off the drive near the garage or cut down the peonies!

I met some great folks on the speaking tour this last season as well, and so many people supportive of my artistic endeavors, also. My work was featured on the first page of the Business Section of The Detroit News on November 11, 2008, in connection with an interview with my good friend Mark, who owns and operates a delightful business called Ariel's Enchanted Garden on Gratiot in East Pointe. They say there's no such thing as bad publicity but I say there's nothing like good publicity, period.

Now it's time to gear up for the holiday season, and I've got my pottery at a number of community art centers for gift giving. Please support our local arts councils and arts centers, as well as our local artists, when considering your gift giving choices. Buying local keeps the money here in the local economy, instead of shipping it to the states where the big-box stores have their headquarters - which are not in Michigan.

Here's the run-down:

Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, (586) 469-8666. Christmas Market Wonderland, November 21 - December 21, 2008.

Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 Cranbrook Road, Birmingham, MI 48009, (248) 644-0866. Holiday Shop 08 December 5-20, 2008.

Grosse Pointe Art Center, 15001 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230, (313) 821-1848. Gallery Wide Holiday Shop, November 21 - December 23, 2008.

Northville Art House, 215 West Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167, (248) 344-0954. Holiday Art Market, November 7 - December 21, 2008.

Pewabic Pottery, 10125 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48214, (313) 822-0954. Earthy Treasures, November 7 - December 31, 2008.

Starkweather Art & Cultural Center, 219 North Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065, (586) 752-5700. Holiday Show, November 7 - December 21, 2008.

I'm also in talks with both Anton Art Center and Firebrick Gallery & Pottery Studio (404 S. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307, (248) 650-2500) regarding teaching workshops and/or classes focusing on the techniques I use in creating my work. If you're interested in learning more, please contact me at cenglish@blackcatpottery.com.

Keep well and warm out there!