On the table in the studio - Upcoming Holiday Kiln Opening

Bruce Gholson getting ready to through a large bowl

We have been working steady in the studio since the Celebration of Seagrove Potters that took place a couple of weeks ago.  We are making as many pots as we can to fill our kiln before our holiday opening on December 15th.  It is nice to have one more 'Hurrah' before we see the year 2012 through and begin a new fresh year - - 2013.  I love this time of year. After Thanksgiving we switch the Pandora station in the house to Holiday Music.

These images are various stages of us throwing pots this past week.  While working in the studio we listen to podcast stories.  This past week we finished one story, Trolls of Lake Maebiewahnapoopie, written and read by Jeff White. This was a fun, silly, laugh out loud children's story.

Our December Holiday Kiln Opening is on Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

 Cereal and serving bowls.

Bruce Gholson back filling a mug handle to give a substantial and finished look.

                   

"It's not red but will it bounce?"

                                                       

Many variations on a theme.

                                                         

Samantha Henneke glazed cup.

Satiny smooth with varied rich and warm color and texture.

Samantha Henneke glazed cup.

5th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters - 2012

Bruce Gholson, Ed Henneke, Samantha Henneke at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters

The Celebration of Seagrove Potters was a blast. It takes a small village to make an event like this happen, and through the determination and perseverance of the volunteers and the Seagrove Potters working together, another year went well and the weekend was a joyous occasion.  

We began Thursday evening to set up our work in our booth. It takes a lot of shuffling around of pots to find a right placement for them. It probably takes us around 6 hours to final set up.  This year we were all set up and done Thursday evening, and ready for Friday's Gala, which was a first for us.

We are slowly loading up images of the weekend on the Celebration of Seagrove Potters facebook page. If you would like to view what we have done so far check out the Celebration of Seagrove Potters 2012 Album,  and "like us" while you are there to keep up with what we are doing in the future. 

Bruce Gholson and Samantha Henneke setting up for the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

This is our finished booth display after we left Thursday evening. We had a variety of our work to offer to the opening Celebration crowd. We had our crystalline decorative vases, our Moka glazed white stoneware, Samantha's glaze paintings, and Bruce had a selection of his shino and luster shino pieces.  

Bulldog Pottery booth at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

Ed and Bruce worked together to take care of our customers. Usually I am behind there with them, but I stepped out a lot to take pictures of what was going on around us, and at the other potter's booths. Images are being posted on Celebration's Facebook page.

Bruce Gholson and Ed Henneke packing up some Bulldog pieces for the trip to their new home

 One of the highlights of the Friday evening Gala is the collaboration auction. This year Bruce and Ben Owen III worked together on two crystalline vases, Bruce threw the two vases and Ben glazed them, and then a larger piece that Ben threw and Bruce decorated with his fossil fish imagery, which Ben glazed and fired.  This year the potters talked about their collaborations before the piece went on the auction block. It is always fun for the crowd, and for us, to see what our fellow potters come up with.

Ben Owen III and Bruce Gholson the Gala during the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

 Bruce Gholson and Ben Owen III during the Gala auction at the 5th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

One of two of Bruce Gholson's and Ben Owen's III collaborative matte crystalline pieces for the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters Gala  

The Four Saints Brewery were also set up for the Gala Friday evening. We are super excited that they will be opening a micro brewery in Asheboro.  A hand full of years ago Asheboro was a dry town, and now it is blossoming with new restaurants downtown, and a upcoming micro brewery.

 Four Saints at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters Gala  

During the weekend we like to catch up with how our pottery neighbors are doing. Over the four days we all have conversations finding out about one anothers families and what is going in our pottery business.  We see each other periodically throughout the year, but we are busy people and there are times that it has been awhile since we last got together.  Just about all of us maintain pottery shops open to the public on a day to day basis so most of the time we are at our individual studios and open shops. 

Bruce Gholson, Ben Owen III, Crystal King, David Fernandez

Throughout the weekend potters take the time from their booths and give hour long demonstrations. Below, at the end of his demonstration on Sunday, Ben Owen III worked with a few of the audience that remained and showed them how to turn a pot on the wheel.  

Ben Owen III demonstration at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters  

The potters donate a piece of pottery each for the silent auction on Saturday.  People peruse the pieces on display in the front room of the building. It is a good way to see an example what the Seagrove Potters have at their booths.  There is always excitement around 3:00 when the bidding ends.

Silent Auction on Saturday at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

There are many people that attend the Celebration of Seagrove Potters event from all over North Carolina and many other states are represented there as well.  Many people are collecting for themselves, as well as, buying presents for the holidays.  There is always an excitement in the air as people look over all of the different kinds of pottery that the Seagrove Potters have on display.

 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters at the Historic Lucks Cannery, North Carolina

People ask all kinds of questions and we are happy to answer them, and talk about our pots.  Having so much interest and questions, gives us a chance to talk about, and share with them what we do during the many hours that we spend in the studio.

5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters at the Historic Lucks Cannery, North Carolina

 We saw pots going out on dollies last weekend, like the ones below of Chad Brown's.

Chad Brown transporting pots for some collectors at the 5th Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

Sunday morning we all gathered together for a picture to thank all of you for coming out to see us and support us in what we do. When you buy handmade local pottery (or other crafts and art), you are supporting a local entrepreneurial enterprise, a small business.

The Seagrove Potters at 5th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters, Historic Lucks Cannery,
Seagrove,North Carolina 

Don't forget to visit our open shops here in Seagrove throughout the Year. 

Seagrove, NC is synonymous with ceramics--where a unique group of over 100 potters and at least 60 open pottery shops are located, which makes it a destination for serious pottery shopping.

We have a Holiday Kiln Opening coming up with new pots being made for 

December 15th, 2012

10:00am-5:00pm 

at our place here in Seagrove

Our pottery can be easily reached 5 miles south (on 220 alt) of the traffic light in Seagrove, look for the disinctive blue water tower beside the driveway leading to our studio.

Celebration of Seagrove Potters - Collaboration and Postscript

Bruce Gholson and Ben Owen III working on a collaborations for  Celebration of Seagrove Potters

The past few weeks Bruce Gholson and Ben Owen III have been working together on some collaboration pieces for the "Celebration of Seagrove Potters".  This Friday evening all, (if they come out), but at least one of these will be on the auction block for the Friday evening Gala. The Gala begins Friday evening at 6:00pm-9:00pm and is the kick-off for the biggest Seagrove Pottery Event of the year. Just about all of the Seagrove Potters bring their work to the Historic Luck's Cannery to sell and show their pottery. I am always amazed, thrilled, and in awe when I see so many pots all under one roof. 

Bruce threw a couple of his gourd shaped vases for Ben III to glaze, and Ben III threw a large vase for Bruce to draw his fossil fish imagery onto. One of the vases turned out beautifully, and we are waiting to see what comes out of Ben's kiln today.  All of the collaborations that will be auctioned at the Gala Friday evening, are one of a kind pieces.  We can't wait to see what has been created in the past couple of months by the other collaborating Seagrove Potters. 

5th Annual Celebration of Seagrove Potters 

 November 16th - 18th, 2012 

Nov. 16 - Friday evening gala from 6:00pm-9:00pm

Nov. 17 - Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Nov. 18 - Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm

Historic Luck's Cannery is located around a mile from Seagrove on Pottery Highway 705

Bruce working on the first finished piece, see last pic.

 Lets pick out another piece just in case.

                                                 

Ben signing one of the three collaboration pieces.

                                         

Maxwell giving Bruce pointers about his slip trailing technique. 

                               

Thrown by Bruce Gholson and Ben Owen III for the Gala Collaboration Auction- Nov. 16 2012

P.S. HOT OFF THE PRESS

We just received these images from Ben. Just in time for this blog post. 

Looking good. How exciting!

Thrown by Bruce Gholson and glazed by Ben Owen III for the Gala Collaboration Auction- Nov. 16 2012

This piece is still cooling down. It will come out of the kiln this afternoon. Ben took a quick peek and photo for us to see.

Thrown by Ben Owen III - fossil fish decoration by Bruce Gholson and then glazed by Ben

Celebration of Seagrove Potters

Bruce Gholson, Edmund Henneke, Smantha Henneke

Celebation of Seagrove Potters is on November 16-18, 2012 -- one week and two days away. This is always a very exciting time here in Seagrove where most of us Seagrove Potters show our work under one roof.  There is lots of information about the Celebration weekend -- as well as there should be -- it is a big weekend and there is a lot to say about it.

You can check out the Celebration of Seagrove Potters website for details and also follow the Celebration of Seagrove Potters facebook page too.

Here are a few of the details.
The kick-off is Friday evening at the special Gala; 6:00pm-9:00pm. An advance ticket order is necessary, and you can purchase the Gala tickets online here for $40 dollars.  This ticket is good for the whole weekend.  The Gala is a great time to have the first chance for purchasing the fabulous pottery that will be there. There will be a catered buffet by Something Different, a restaurant located in Asheboro, music will be played by Gary Woodard, and there will be an auction of collaboration pieces at the end of the evening.  The Four Saints - our new local artisan brewery in Asheboro, will be serving their special brew for the Gala evening.

The show begins Saturday morning at 9:00am - 6:00pm and then again Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm. There is a $5 admission charge for each day.  These tickets can be purchased at the door.  On Saturday there will be a silent auction in the afternoon along with demonstrations and a kids booth set up for children to have their hands in the clay.

There will be food vendors there on Saturday and Sunday for those of you that would like to have a lunch break.

Nov. 16 - Friday evening gala from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Nov. 17 - Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Nov. 18 - Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm
Historic Luck's Cannery is located around a mile from Seagrove on Pottery Highway 705

Celebration of Seagrove Potters November 16-18, 2012

Ceramic Art of North Carolina University and College Faculty

"Ceramics Art of North Carolina University and College Faculty" - November 10, 2012 - January 19, 2013

The North Carolina Pottery Center invites the public is cordially invited to attend the opening reception of the upcoming Exhibition: “Ceramic Art of North Carolina University and College Faculty,” at the North Carolina Pottery Center.   

Opening Reception for

“Ceramic Art of North Carolina University and College Faculty"

Saturday, November 10, 2012 

12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m

 North Carolina Pottery Center

  233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC.   
336-873-8430

Show runs from November 10, 2012- January 19, 2013

An illustrated catalog documenting the work will accompany the show and will be available for sale.

The Exhibition showcases the high quality and rich diverseness of clay art created by faculty who are instructors of ceramics at universities and colleges throughout North Carolina.  At the same time, it gives evidence of the experience available to college students in North Carolina’s Universities and Colleges and aptly reflects the spirit of design and the faculty’s commitment to North Carolina’s ceramic education.

Featured faculty in the exhibit are; Lynn Duryea, Lisa M. Stinson, and Roy Strassberg of Appalachian State University,  Mark Gordon of Barton College, Seo Eo and Jim Tisnado of East Carolina University, Michael Sanford of Elon College, Socorro Hernandez of Fayetteville State University, Janet Gaddy of Greensboro College, Charles Tefft of Guilford College, Andrea Wheless of High Point University, Holly Fischer, Warner Hyde, and Lisa F. Pearce of Meredith College, Yun-Dong Nam of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Janet Williams of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Nikki Blair of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Vicky Smith of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Leah Leitson of Warren Wilson College, Joan Byrd and George Rector of Western Carolina University, and Marilyn Hartness of Wingate University.

Also on Saturday, November 10^th, the Center is opening its doors and grounds for the education and benefit of the public with 5^th generation Seagrove potter Chad Brown of the Chriscoe family, firing the groundhog kiln on the pottery center lawn. The firing of the groundhog kiln takes approximately 15 hours and uses 2 cords of wood. The public is welcome to come out to view the firing and see how the process was done over 200 years ago and still continues today.

"Pottery on the Hill" -- Hill Center, Washington D.C.

Bruce with Ryan Greenheck and Matthew Hyleck (on the phone) outside of the Hill Center

Last weekend we were in Washington D.C. for the first annual "Pottery on the Hill" at the Hill Center -Old Naval Hospital on Pennsylvania Ave.  It was a great show, and we all sold many pieces of pottery to a great group of people and Hill Center supporters.  We arrived there on Friday, and with the help of volunteers and staff, the boxes made it up the elevator to the third floor swiftly.  We had all afternoon to set up and by 5:00 everything was ready for the special reception Friday evening. We had rooms full of people looking, talking and buying pottery.  The sale continued through the weekend.  We all packed up Sunday afternoon and headed home to be safe with our families before Sandy hit the east coast.

It was wonderful to spend all weekend with such lovely pottery and the potters that made them.  We got to see honored guest "Mountain Cousins" Mark Shapiro and Sam Taylor again from Massachusetts, and met Trista Depp Chapman, Warren Frederick and Catherine White, and were reacquainted with Bob Briscoe, Ryan Greenheck, Matthew Hyleck (who Bruce knew when Matthew was a youngster in Berea,KY.), and Stacey Snyder (who Samantha went to high school with).  Also fellow NC potters Michael Hunt and Naomi Dalglish and of course our North Carolina "Mountain Cousin" Michael Kline.

Dan Finnegan posted images of all the wonderful pottery displays on his blog "Dan Finnegan - Studio Pottery".

Inside the Hill Center for Friday evening's reception

Bruce Gholson's display at Pottery on the Hill 

Samantha Henneke's pottery display at Pottery on the Hill

Bruce Gholson, Michael Kline, and Sam Taylor at Pottery on the Hill

Dan Finnegan talking about pottery at Pottery on the Hill

Dan Finnegan with his display at Pottery on the Hill

Matthew Hyleck, Warren Frederick, Michael Kline, Catherine White & Dan Finnegan at Pottery on the Hill 

Bob Briscoe, Ryan Greenheck, Stacey Snyder at Pottery on the Hill
Warren Frederick and Mark Shapiro talking on the right

From Left to Right
Top Row - Mark Shapiro, Warren Frederick, Dan Finnegan, Matthew Hyleck
Next- Catherine White, Trista Chapman, Stacey Snyder
Third Row- Sam Taylor, Michael Kline, Michael Hunt
Bottom Row - Samantha Henneke, Bruce Gholson, Bob Briscoe, Ryan Greenheck

The potters at Pottery on the Hill in Washington D.C. at the Hill Center