Crooked Pot Gallery

Tammy's Goblet

2012-03-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

This is the last of my last round of pictures. Tammy's goblets are different from pieces on her shelf but have her distinctive decoration and glazes. They would be a welcome addition to anyone's collection.

Monday Pottery Picks

2012-02-27T09:48:00.000-08:00

Tarra Wedman's decorated bowl caught my eye.

You can't help but love Jeanette Wright's heart decorated platter.

The morning I was taking pictures in the gallery a young person was fascinated with Tarra's cream and sugar set so was I.

This is just a small sample of the never ending variety of pieces in the gallery. There seems to be enough variety to meet everyones taste and needs.

Snow Day

2012-02-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

It is cooler today and the snow on the back deck is deeper than any time this winter. It piles up after blowing off the roof. The snow is light and easier to remove than that wet snow of spring so sitting inside posting a few pictures is preferable to removing snow off the driveway. It has to be done but isn't going anywhere today so a few hours wait won't matter.

An interesting planter from Robert Ford, a Tuesday project. Bob loves to lead us in projects that turn into beautiful pieces.

Marilyn Henker's bowl is an excellent example of her stunning work.

Jeanette Wright's platter is outstanding.

Any of the above pieces would grace any home. It constantly amazes me at the variety and quality of pieces in the gallery.

If you are stopping by ask to see the tile display of completed tiles from our Winter Games Legacy Project and get a feeling for what our build will look like when the tiles are installed sometime this summer. There are just a few more tiles to fire and then we will have to wait for the sun and warmth of summer to allow their completion.

Janel and Lisa New Ideas

2012-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

These vases are designed to fit the longer skeins of wool. What an inventive idea!

I am so excited about the texture Janel is getting on her knitting vases.

Lisa has been making these wonderful little garlic "scrapers". What a wonderful hostess gift!

We may have a forecast for cold this weekend but we all know it won't be long before we will be using garden stakes so why not these great ones made by Janel. They are a useful and fun addition to the garden.

I have been looking for something a little different to post and found these wonderful examples as well a work that is just a little different so will be posting them over the next few posts.

Saturday Treat

2012-02-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post something different for you and this is a real treat made by Lisa Stefura. These ear ring and jewelry holders are very popular.

First Tiles Unloaded from Kiln

2012-02-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

Bruce Wakeford and Marian Majeau hold some of the first tiles to come out of the kiln. This is the first of the firings because for proper air flow through the kiln they could not be all fired at once.

Marian and Jackie show a variety of different tiles decorated in colours representing the games theme colours.

The tiles are then packed in boxes to be stored until the weather permits us sunny warm days so we can place them on front of the building.

Winter Games Legacy Project

2012-02-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

Scroll down the page to see pictures from the Alberta Winter Games Project.

Last evening we had the delight of participating with the athletes at the winter games as part of their activity evening. We had close to 600 go through our activity and complete a tile that will decorate the front of the Parkland Building where we are located. It was fun to join with these young people and be a part of the cultural element of the games as each one" made their mark" in clay. As one young athlete remarked "you mean this will be there for a long while".

We enjoyed the enthusiasm of the athletes and their patience as some times the lines were long.

The games organisers should be congratulated on a wonderful, well organised event.

Next summer the tiles will be put up on the front of the building so we can all see the efforts of the evening and as a reminder of the 2012 Alberta Winter Games.

Winter Games Project

2012-02-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Here we are all packed and taking time for pictures.

Marian giving us our final instructions.
After unloading 600 tiles and all our glazes etc. we set up our glazing assembly line.

Just hanging out and eating some pizza prior to the rush of athletes.

A sample of a tile being decorated athletes went through the long line, adding their names to the star on each tile, then dipping their tile in glaze and finally stamping or decorating their tile before taking it for the final cleaning. Tiles were then loaded and driven back to the guild for firing.

Here we are back at the guild 7 hours later, a little the worse for wear, with the kiln loaded and ready for firing.

Signs of Spring

2012-02-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

This shows a bead and spacer and who knows what will be attached to the holes in the spacer.

This looks like one dangerous finial for he top of the totem.

Flower shaped spacers waiting to firm up to add to series of beads or other fine objects.

Hollow thrown beads.

Flower heads waiting to dry.

Right now these flowers are about 12 inches across so are a rather large garden flower.

There are a few of these large flowers on the shelves waiting for their first firing.

There are signs of Spring all over the guild as we head full force into the making of imaginative objects for our annual Spring show. Yesterday there were flowers and beads everywhere you looked. Right now all you are seeing are pieces for whimsical garden totems and sculptures. These objects are new to us and so are being made with great enthusiasm. Last year garden flowers were popular so they are another project for the show. I hope you enjoy seeing the process and in the future I will let you see them as they progress and grow so to speak. We have some very fine potters/artists that are translating their plans into clay.

Leaving the Building

2012-02-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Last week I left the building about 5:30 and it was dark enough to see the moon behind the trees next our building and the beauty of the sight got me out of the car to snap this shot.

Before I left I took a few pictures of Dianne's slip decorated green ware.

Last weekend Naboru Kobu demonstrated brush work at a workshop for guild members.

I took more pictures but because I was leaving the building and the light was not good they didn't turn out. In the coming weeks I will take pictures of work in progress. Sometimes the green ware is very beautiful and it is interesting to see work in progress.

More Pottery on Shelves

2012-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Dianne's horses are a delight and are a rare find on her shelves.

Jeannette Wright always has wonderful platters on her shelves keep your eyes open for her silk screened work that she is just experimenting with now.

Look at this matching set of cups made by Carol.

What a fantastic way to put art on your wall or table with Ole's landscapes.

The camera isn't quite correct with the colour of Tammy's work but they are blue and purple, fantastic.

Tea anyone? This set is by Bob and just waiting for cream and sugar.

There are wonderful colours on Donna's pitcher.

It is always fun to walk around the gallery and look at some of the pottery on the shelves. There is never a loss of good work. These are just some random pieces that caught my eye the last time I was in the gallery.
My next post will take you into the back of the building to look at some of the work drying on the shelves.

More "Northern Lights" Pottery

2012-02-03T08:45:00.000-08:00

Each piece represents our northern beauty and is shown in a variety of ways by individual ceramic artists.

Open House Saturday February 4th

2012-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Large platter by Marian Majeau

Goblets and covered jar by Donna Wakeford

With all the activities around the guild we still have time to welcome everyone to our open house this weekend "Northern Lights". This open house is in recognition of the Alberta Winter Games that are hosted by the Town of Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and the County of Parkland.. Over the next few posts I will show some of the pieces on display and through out the gallery that reflect the theme.

Planter and vase by Jeanette Wright, small bowl Lynette Lukay, platter Robert Barclay

Oil burners and glasses by Tammy Parks Legge

Large crystalline vase by Cheryl Anderson

Curling rock jar, mug and plates by Robert Barclay

Salad set by Robert Ford

Game Preparation

2012-01-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

The parking lot was full of cars as people entered and exited the building to pick up their gear. An event of this size requires thousands of volunteers and many of our members are volunteering at a variety of events.

I managed to get a parking space at the far west end of the parking lot giving me a chance to snap this vista of the open fields.

At the rally we were able to pick up our tags, volunteer booklets and jackets

Very Busy Thursday

2012-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually busy days at the studio but yesterday was exceptional with one room dedicated to waxing tiles and preparing demo tiles for the winter games and the throwing room dedicated to making pieces for the spring sale. When asked if we were starting too early someone said we started way too late last year. So here is a sneak peek at both projects.

The once clean studio is no more with mushrooms sprouting up where ever there is an open space.

Caroline is adding some grass and a tiny mouse to her mushrooms.

It is not a lunar landscape but the top of a mushroom.

The first of many garden flowers.

When the tables are this full you know work is happening but there is nothing wrong with a little conversation.

Tammy and Bob spent the afternoon over a hot frying pan waxing the bottom of tiles. They had quite an assembly line going.

Each box holds 25 tiles ready to be transported to the Tri Leisure Centre the night of the activity. We have 600 tiles to transport for the athletes to glaze and decorate.

Glazed sample tiles are sitting on the shelves waiting for firing. Games participants will have the opportunity to put their name on a tile them glaze and decorate tiles with stamps and trailers. Tiles will then be used in a heritage project.

Featured Pottery

2012-01-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

This is just a sneek peek of the pottery on display for our Northern Lights show. There are many pieces around the gallery that reflect our Northern beauty.

Northern Lights

2012-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

We Are Back

2012-01-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is registration for the Winter classes at 10:00-12:00 noon in the guild-pottery room, if you have a specific class you want to attend I would recommend getting to registration on time because classes fill quickly. If you have last weeks Reporter/Examiner the ad ran on page 16 listing class times and teachers or if you drop into the guild it is posted on a board and someone can help you out. If you can wait we will see you tomorrow. There will be someone in the gallery so that is up and running as well as our feature display which runs for January and February as a tribute to the Winter Games.
I will post the ad for that show in a future post.

Closed for the Holidays

2011-12-24T10:07:00.000-08:00

We will be closed until January 10 for the Christmas season. It seems like a long time but seeing our gallery is manned by volunteers it allows them time to travel and visit with their families. During that time we will be working in the back of the guild preparing tiles for the winter games and getting the gallery ready for our Northern Lights show which will run from January 10 and February 29.

We would like to extend warmest wishes to you and yours over the holidays and thank you for your continued support. In an article in Good Housekeeping Magazine November 2011, titled Tickets to Health and Happiness I would like to quote a statement "engaging in the arts and culture-watching as well as doing-was linked with higher self scores of physical and emotional health." So take in something arts or culture related, participate in a class, explore the murals in Stony Plain, listen to music, go to a concert whether it is a professional performance or a child's recital... take time to fill your life with health and happiness over this Christmas season.

More Pottery

2011-12-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, Barb's work reminds me of a Christmas sweater.

Caroline's figurines make me smile. Look for her work on our shelves because she is the newest member displaying in the gallery.

It may be winter but if you have an avid gardener on your list they would love these garden markers.

Donna has beautiful green textured work on her shelves.

As beautiful as this picture is this bowl looks so much better in real life.

Looking for a soap dish or an incredible set of glasses Lynette's shelf is the place to look.

Again the camera does not do this goblet justice.

Bob's friendship goblets are sometimes hard to find.

I thought Helmut made some wonderful soup cups that stir up thoughts of soup by the fire.

Form and function characterises this beautiful bowl.

Berry bowls are good all year round I love to use them to wash and serve vegetables too.

Wouldn't your turkey look good on Donna's platter?

Time is Getting Short but We Still Have Beautiful Gifts

2011-12-15T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is a plate by Marian and would be great for display, as well as serving food on the table.

Two large planters by that have a multitude of uses grace Dianne's shelves and if you look up on her top shelf you may see 2 of her very collectible horses.

Janel has a bowl that will make you smile every morning.

Lisa's distinctive work would grace any breakfast table. Honey anyone?

These cute choir members have a guild sale to remind you that the proceeds from the feature display go to the food bank.

There are many fantastic pieces left on the feature display. Some of the prices are surprising.

Although many decorations have been sold the tree is replenished and there are still beautiful handmade decorations.

Pieces are sparse on the kids table but there are still some good gifts for children to buy.

Some spaces are getting sparse but there are many beauties still on the shelves. I did my tour looking for fantastic pottery and here are a few pieces. Sometimes my photos don't do the work justice and other times you don't get to see the work because the photographer didn't do her job and the picture didn't turn out. Well here is my tour.

More Party Pictures

2011-12-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

Need less to say there were more pictures than I have time to post so I put them into collages. This way you can get the over all picture. Now there is no way I can portray the furious exchange of gifting that went on and the stealing and the stealing over and over. You would think that we went home angry but in the spirit of Christmas we all had a good time. Some of us are still a little bitter that we didn't get a book or an atomizer. No hard feelings T or R. I will get over it.

Another Successful Christmas Party

2011-12-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Take one studio add table cloths and decorations and you have the makings of one good party.

We had over half of our membership in attendance for the 35th annual Christmas party.

Take a group of potters that really enjoy each others company and it makes for lively conversation.

As always the buffet was full of amazing food. I think we all need to share our recipes.

She only thinks the book is hers because it exchanged owners many time during the gift exchange.

Our Contribution to the Winter Games

2011-12-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

Just when it was starting to slow down after the Christmas rush. We have been asked to make tiles for the participants of the provincial winter games so they can make their mark in clay. A group have already cut and prepared 150 tiles with many more to follow. These volunteers have years of tile making under their wings and have been spearheading the project. The tiles have been prepared with a place for participants to write their name and then they will be able to glaze the tile using a selection of glazes. So if you drop in in the next little while you will notice our student shelves full of drying tiles and our kilns full of tiles being bisqued in preparation for the activity in February. I have added the games web site, I am sure they are still looking for volunteers.

We are also preparing pottery to go with the theme so it is a busy and interesting time. Our theme Northern Lights will feature work reflecting the beauty of our Northern skies and nature.

Stony Plain is an amazing place with many talented people ready to make the games an event to be remembered for all that visit the games and those that participate.
http://www.2012awg.ca/

Tarra Wedman Open House

2011-12-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

It is open house season and if you follow Tarra's work this will be a wonderful opportunity to visit her and take advantage of seeing her work in large quantity as well as get to meet the artist in person. I hear she is still firing her kilns so she should have many beautiful pieces to choose from. I have included her photos of some of her work to give you encouragement so visit and enjoy.

Heartfelt Thanks

2011-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Thank-you so much to everyone that participated in our last open house and supporting our efforts to raise funds for our local food bank. These events take many hands on both sides of the counter so thanks to our supporters and guild members that took time to create decorations and donate pottery, bake goodies for those that dropped in the gallery on Saturday, as well as, those that gave of their time to help out with the reception and give tours.

Our tree is a little lighter but we will be unloading the kiln later this week and replenishing our stock of decorations. There are many pieces on our display shelf that are wonderful deals and there are still pieces on the children's table. These decorations make great teacher gifts or gifts to exchange with friends.

Coupon

2011-11-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday is our opening reception for our December Show so I thought I would give you an opportunity to take advantage of our coupon this month too. It is good until Christmas. Scroll down the page to see some of the lovely decorations made by guild members.

December Sale

2011-11-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

This is our final push for the food bank with three opportunities to help out. We have our donated feature pottery and our tree with handmade decorations and a table for children to buy gifts for people on their lists.

Tammy's Show

2011-11-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

Tammy Parks-Legge780-968-2606dtlegge@hotlinkwireless.com

Kissin' Cousins Ewer Set - AB in a Box

11th Annual Christmas Pottery Sale

Dec 3 – 10 am – 4 pmDec 4 – 12 pm – 4 pm

WOW, it’s that time of year again! The electric kiln is firing almost daily & we fired the woodkiln for 13 hours this past Tuesday. The initial peeks, with my flashlight, are delightful & are promising a terrific firing again this year JIt has been a rewarding year with the clay, as always! One of the highlights was being honored by having two different pieces chosen to be part of a travelling exhibition in BC & AB galleries for this year and part of next year (one of them is pictured below). I have been formulating some new glazes and have some brilliant orange, yellow, purple, sage green, dark blue & red glazes all working wonderfully together as well as the opal blue that has been part of my glaze palette for a few years now. I have been working on some new items for this season including martini glasses, brie bakers, and wine goblets. There are plenty of mugs, bowls, platters, various serving dishes, butter dishes, and many more items.Please feel free to bring a friend and share in the new works this holiday season! Directions: Follow Hwy 16 (Yellowhead Hwy) west past the Stony Plain overpass to Range Road 12, turn right (north) & follow the red arrow signs for 2 km to my home.

A few quick pictures

I look forward to seeing you & catching up on your news! Tammy

Tammy just sent me an e-mail about her show so I thought I would share this with you.

It is Beginning to Look Like Christmas

2011-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

I love my son but sometimes pointing out the obvious is just plain mean. This was his latest e-mail photos. While some of us are in denial we cannot avoid the view out the window. Although the sun is shining brightly today the snow is here to stay. Next week at our gallery all will look festive with work moved to a different place in the gallery and decorations set out welcoming the holiday season.
Work on the feature display is moving and I must admit that I had buy a piece to take home. It was too good an opportunity to add a beautiful work from another potter to my collection. It will inspire me to seek attention to detail in my own work each time I look at it. Remember that our feature display items were donated by gallery members with proceeds to our local food bank and there are some wonderful pieces featured for sale with the proceeds going to a good cause.
In my next post I will post our coupon which gives $10.00 off for a $50.00 purchase. Because a coupon must be presented this can be printed and used with your purchase. If you are on our mailing list I will add it with the next mailing.

Knitting Vase

2011-11-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

Isn't this incredible. What is it you ask? It is a knitting bowl on steroids..Janel Padberg started making her knitting bowls vertical
because some skeins are long not round. What a clever idea and look at the glaze. One of the best things ever.

More Pottery for Food Bank Sale

2011-11-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

There is some pretty impressive pottery on these shelves. Visiting early will ensure first pick of your favourites.

Donated Sale Items

2011-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful variety of pottery on our feature display shelves all donated to the sale for the Parkland Food Bank. These are quality pieces many taken directly from the potter's store shelves. Join us on Saturday and help us clear out the display. My next post will have more from the display shelf as well of shelves in the guild with work just waiting to be put out to keep the display full for the sale. Don't forget you coupon which you will need to get $10.00 off with your purchase over $50.00. You can use the coupon in the previous post or look in last weeks Reporter/Examiner for a coupon. Those on our mailing list should have received on in your e-mail.

November December Coupon

2011-11-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

There is no snow on the ground as yet but this Saturday there will be Christmas cheer in our gallery as we start off the season with our annual sale coupon and sale of donated work from gallery and guild members with proceeds going to the Parkland Food Bank. We do need a physical coupon for the discount. There are 3 sources to find one: in this weeks Reporter/Examiner, on this blog and in the mail out from our mailing list.

We would love to see all of you there to join us for a visit and refreshments.

Donna Cote Pottery

2011-11-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

Donna has a variey of lovely pieces on her shelves. She enjoys teapots and platters. Of late you will find beautiful covered jars.

Interesting Pottery

2011-11-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

One of Robert Ford's berry bowls.

This is a very large covered jar by Donna Cote.

If you are looking for a pencil holder for the fridge Jan Haines has some for you.

Lisa Stefura's whimsical teapots are delightful.

Marian Majeau's covered dishes are always a hit.

Every visit to the gallery gives a chance to discover more interesting and beautiful pots.

Eye Catchers and Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

There is something very appealing about this large bowl by Jeannette Wright.

I love the butterflies on this bowl by Barb Watchman.

This is a ceramic whistle made by Lynette Lukey.

It loses something in the translation but don't eat too many treats. Don't know the source but was borrowed from fackbook.

Guild and Gallery

2011-10-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Now that I have posted the work of all our gallery members, I thought it would be interesting to show where the majority of the work is made. Some guild members work in their own studios but most, especially when working in the gallery do work in the studio. Right now 2 days a week are devoted to classes but that leaves the rest of the week for members. Tuesdays are busy with potters that come in that day to learn from long time potters as well as the social interaction. It is a time for work necessary to keep the guild running such as pugging clay, cleaning drains, loading and unloading bisque, doing maintenance on the kiln etc. Tuesday is not the only day for this kind of work which seems to be ongoing. There are hundreds of hours work that go on behind the scene. Anyone that has their own studio realizes what is necessary to keep things running and we have to multiply this by the numbers that use the building and equipment.

We have a lovely facility that gives us opportunity to do the work we please within limits of shelf and kiln size. With firing teams and co-operation of guild members work runs smoothly. The gas kiln located outside is fired weekly and at busier times back to back firings squeeze in an extra firing to accommodate extra work.

This is our throwing room with 15 wheels that accommodate classes.

This is the very busy looking glaze room. Shelves by the window hold pieces ready for firing.

Our multipurpose drying, meeting, lunch area. Our basement is a drying area as well.

The hallway that joins the guild to the gallery.

A view of the gallery showing the 2 areas we have to display and sell pottery.

Thoughts

2011-10-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just sent out an e-mail to our gallery members about having a display of sale pots with proceeds to go to the local Christmas charity and I am amazed by the generosity of our gallery members. The response to the e-mail was amazing with answers such as "count me in", "I'm on board"," for sure"" and let me know if you need more". So we will be doing a number of things to help out our community. We are decorating our tree with handmade ornaments, setting out a children's table with pottery donated by potters and as well as pieces made at display demonstrations and our feature sale items. Many of these pieces go fast because amazing potters allow their work to go at amazing prices. It is a fun and exciting time so look forward to future updates and pictures. Yes I did over do the word amazing.

Recognition

2011-10-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

We really appreciate recognition by our peers and are appreciative of the article published in Alberta Craft about our 35th Anniversary. I have posted the article below that tells about our history and a bit about our hopes for the future.

It never fails to amaze me of the work of those early members and the legacy of clay they leave for us now and for those in the future.
Thank You

To read the article try double clicking on the image.

Close Up

2011-10-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was going through a few photos of close ups of some work and thought you might enjoy a peek. First is a detail of one of Diane Meili's birds, next Tarra Wedman's decorations, Barb Watchman's leaf decorations and Ole Nielsen's dog. It really is the details that make the work and we have endless details to explore and discover as you wend your way through the gallery.

2011-10-07T11:21:00.001-07:00

Tarra Wedman

2011-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Tarra does beautiful detailed work. She is a production potter and sells her work at many venues as well as local craft fairs. People appreciate her attention to detail and her work does not remain on the shelves when she brings it into the gallery.

Pictures from Past

2011-10-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

These picture are in no order but the first one is from one of the Grape Stomp and the others from rebuilding the kiln.

Marilyn Henker

2011-09-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my trip around the gallery. As you can search each potter's name you will be able to search for their work by name. In the future I will post pictures of gallery shows, works of interest and feature new members as they begin to show in the gallery, as well as, things of interest around the guild.

Back to Marilyn's work. Marilyn has a very distinctive style and incorporates sculptures of the face and body into her work. She glazes to enhance the sculptures usually spraying on glazes to highlight areas she wants to feature in her work.

More Photos from Marian

2011-09-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Marian says that is not an obscene gesture, she is just trying to get Don to come to be in the picture.

2011-09-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pictures continued from last night scroll down to previous
post for all the photos. Next week I will post pictures from
the slide show on the 35 blog. The link is at the top of the page or on the bottom of the Parkland Potters web site.
Don't even ask what is going on in the last picture in this post but, if Bob Barclay asks you to exercise by loading a kiln, make sure there isn't someone with a camera behind you.

35 th Party

2011-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful evening celebrating our 35th anniversary at K C's Caverna in Stony Plain. It was a beautiful facility and just the right size for our event. We had many of our current members as well as many former members attending, from coast to coast at our party. What an excellent time to renew friendships and remember old times.
Bob Barclay guided us through the evening as master of ceremonies. He kept the flow to the food table in check with a well thought out list of questions that sorted out our order at the beautiful and yummy buffet table. After a delicious meal he gave us a short history of the beginnings of the guild followed by draws for door prizes.
Barb Watchman presented a power point of photo memories of times past up to present day events. This followed more door prize draws. The program concluded with memories from four guild members of their memories of the past. Thanks to Don Chambers, Carol Hartwell, Jan Haines and Marian Majeau for letting us in on many of their most memorable moments.
The program concluded with more draws. A special thanks to Plainsman Clay, Competition Chevrolet, Lynette Lukey, Don Chambers, Diane Meili and the Jacksons for their generous donations to the draws. A big thank-you to the
committee for planning and running the the fun filled evening. Finally thanks to all who attended making it a successful end to our 35th anniversary celebrations. See you all at the 50th.

Holly Rolls Pottery

2011-09-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Holly's work is characterized by sculptural forms and carving. Her rounded pottery is very decorative. Holly has a web site and more of her work can be viewed by clicking on the title of this post.

Carol Hartwell Pottery

2011-09-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Carol Hartwell is a very good potter her work is often surprising and always beautifully completed. She enjoys decoration and uses nature as an inspiration on her work.

Barb Watchman Pottery

2011-09-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Barb enjoys flowers, leaves and texture so much that you will find that theme running through much of her work. She loves the open shapes of bowls and platters because of the large surface that is just begging to be decorated.

Back to Normal??

2011-09-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Things are back to normal in the guild. Our Anniversary show will run for the remainder of the month and if you have not dropped in yet try not to miss the event as there are some really interesting pieces in the gallery.
Classes are underway so it is very busy in the back of the building. It is those new students that bring a special enthusiasm to the guild.
Planning for the member's party is all but complete and our final completion for our celebrations will be to participate in Alberta Arts Day at the library with demonstrations of throwing on October 1.

One Big Thanks

2011-09-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

One great big thank-you to everyone that participated in our open house and anniversary celebration. It was a fantastic success thanks to everyone doing their part from cleaning, planning, contributing their work to participating on Saturday. We sure enjoyed seeing our friends and supporters at our event. It was your attendance that made our day so enjoyable. We enjoy seeing you as you are the ones that help us with your continuing support and enthusiasm. You may not know but we do thrive on encouragement.

The weather cooperated with a warm beautiful day and if anyone complained about it being too hot yesterday, pop your head out the door today, just for contrast.

A great big thank-you to Mayor Lemke for spending time with us and for all his support. We appreciated having him there to cut the cake and for his presentation and congratulations. He did wish to see us all back for our 70th celebration. We will do our best to follow through.

You Are Invited

2011-09-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

We would like to invite you to our open house and gallery show this Saturday 11-4 p.m. We have cleaned up the studio, prepared a gallery show with profiles of participating artists, so that you can get to know us just a little better. There will be demonstrations and tours throughout the day. Drop in and meet local potters and help us celebrate our anniversary. Make sure you enter our draw and leave us your e-mail in the guest book so we can keep in touch. We will be excited to see you and say hello and let you know about what we do.

Big Show and Open House

2011-09-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are excited about this weekend with our open house and gallery show. The gallery is full of members work. I have included work from members that don't show in the gallery and as you can see there is a wonderful variety. As you look around the gallery you may note some pieces that are for display only. They are works that the potter has made for a special purpose or has some kind of attachment to and is willing to put on display to honour our 35th Anniversary. You will have the opportunity to see some unique and special pieces.

If you double click on the image you may be able to get a closer look.

Lucy Aurelia Sanders

2011-09-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Lucy (Aurelia) loves to travel and paint. She enjoys making hand built pottery. I love the little fellow in the picture directly above. You can't walk past him without smiling.

Donna Wakeford

2011-09-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Donna has a variety of beautiful work on her shelves. She has many pieces of textured pottery as well as her white stamped pieces. Donna makes wonderful teapots and covered containers.

Catherine Boggs Pottery

2011-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

Catherine Boggs pottery is hand made and free form. She enjoys texture on the surfaces of her work. Many pieces have double walled forms. All her work whether functional or decorative is sculptural.

Cheryl Anderson

2011-08-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

There is something fishy on Cheryl's shelves. These fish plates have personalities of their own. Look carefully and you will notice crystals on some of the surfaces. Cheryl along with Robert Ford are known for their crystalline work.

Special Visit

2011-08-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Large porch/gallery is full of wonderful wood fired pottery.

In the background is the large wood fired kiln. Notice the pile of lumber which is just a small fraction of the amount needed to fire the kiln. In the next picture you see Christian telling us about the kiln and firing process that requires the help of 9 potters to complete the 4 day firing process.

Christian Barr is showing Marion and Cheryl how crystalline forms on wood fired pottery.

We enjoyed our trip out to the Urban Forest Design Studio. A special thanks to Christian Barr and Enzine Kufeld for their hospitality and educating us to wood firing and their off the grid lifestyle. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet potters so willing to share their knowledge.

Robert Barclay

2011-08-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Bob Barclay is one of the founding members of our guild and a professional potter. Bob is famous for his friendship goblets and mugs. He has a great variety of work on his shelves.

Clarice Cameron

2011-08-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

Clarice has been in the gallery for about a year. Over that time she has developed some distinctive glazing techniques.

Helmut Jantz

2011-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Our next potter as I move around the gallery is Helmut Jantz. Helmut calls himself a hobby potter but he seems to be very productive. He makes functional pottery for the home.

Jan Haines

2011-08-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Jan has spent many years developing a water theme into her work with her beautiful vases and glazes. She takes effort to educate herself in all aspects of pottery and glazing. She has traveled to many places throughout the world learning about pottery. Jan enjoys raku firings and has a collection of those pieces on her shelves.

Marian Majeau

2011-08-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Marian Majeau is a long time member of the guild. She is well known for the large large garden pieces shown in the Spring garden shows that are held annually. A strong community supporter, she contributes many hours to work in the community.

Janel's Work

2011-08-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

New Potter in Gallery

2011-08-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

We are excited to have Janel Padberg as our newest gallery artist. Janel has some interesting work on her shelves with yarn bowls, garden markers and transfer work. She is constantly experimenting and thinking of new ways to create her work. Welcome Janel.

More of Ursula's Pottery

2011-08-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

I notice that Ursula's family and friends are looking at her work from Germany so I will post a few more pictures for them.

2011-08-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just a sample of the work of Holly Rolls and Marilyn Henker

Holly and Marilyn, From the Earth

2011-08-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

Holly and Marilyn have a special treat for those that want something different for their homes. They have unique and different styles of approaching their work, one is organic and the other figurative but, both will give you an opportunity to see pottery that has a sculptural nature. Note that their opening is on Friday evening from 6-8pm. If you want to see some beautiful work, this will be a good time to have your choice of their work, as well as, an opportunity to meet the artists.

More Lisa Photos

2011-07-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Lisa Stefura

2011-07-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Lisa is back with us from her stay in New Zealand. She was a member of a guild where she lived there and came back with some new ideas. She has a collection of jewelery, orange juicers and garlic graters that are new that she has added to her shelf. Keep a look out for more new and interesting work as she puts more out on her shelves.

Final Week of Tammy's Show

2011-07-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Tammy's work has been flying off the shelves so she has replaced it with some more colorful and interesting pieces.

2011-07-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Robert Ford Pottery

2011-07-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

As I continue around the gallery today Robert Ford's work is featured. Robert "Bob" is well known for his wonderful bowls and his foray into the world of crystalline glazes. He keeps us all busy with his Tuesday projects and laughing with his sense of humor.

Bruce Wakeford

2011-07-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back to my gallery tour with work by Bruce Wakeford. He is known for his stain decorated sunflowers and as you can see other decorated pottery.

Icing for Bob

2011-07-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cream Cheese Icing from Allrecipies.com

By: Janni

"This is a wonderfully creamy frosting that goes well with pumpkin bread, carrot cake, chocolate cake, on cookies, or between cookies. If you want chocolate frosting, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup cocoa, according to how rich you want it."

Original Recipe Yield 3 cups

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

2011-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lynette has a talent for realistic work here are pictures of the wonderful sculpture she completed today.

Student Work

2011-07-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is something a little different. I was going through some older photos and ran across these pictures taken after one of the 10 week courses offered at our guild. These pots are made by students. They are terrific and should be shown. If you have ever wondered about taking a class see what can be done.

Best Carrot Cake Ever

2011-07-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

I promised Bob and Holly carrot cake because they were loading the kiln and we all agreed this is a good carrot cake. I got it from an old Martha Stewart magazine and have made it for a number of weddings it is excellent.

Best Carrot Cake Ever

Makes 1 -8 inch round layer (3 1/2 Cups batter)

1 C all purpose flour

¾ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

1-teaspoon baking powder

1-teaspoon baking soda

½ C walnuts

½ C golden raisins

2 large eggs

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 C sugar

½ cup canola or safflower oil

½ pound carrots, peeled and coarsely grate

Heat oven to 350. Oil and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, line with parchment paper, and oil and flour parchment paper. Sift flour into a medium bowl, then add cinnamon, salt baking powder, and baking soda. Combine with a wire whisk.

Place walnuts, raisins and about 2 T. of the flour mixture in the work bowl of a food processor. Process until walnuts are coarsely chopped. (or chop by hand)

In a large bowl, beat together eggs, vanilla, and sugar on medium speed for one minute. Slowly add oil and beat until thoroughly combined. Add carrots and mix on low speed. Gradually add in flour mixture and beat for 2 minutes. Stir in walnut-raisin mixture by hand until just combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until center of cake is firm and tester inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

More of Tammy's Work

2011-07-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Tea pot with burgandy glaze and slip decoration.

Tammy has a large variety of vessels that pour, as well as, cups and glasses. She has added some new coloured glazes too. I love the detail she gives to her work.

Look below for more pictures from the previous post.

Tammy's Juiced! Pictures

2011-07-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

As promised some of Tammy's fantastic pottery.

Take a Look at Rita Hopner's Work

2011-07-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

Rita has been a potter with the guild for many years. She is well known for her covered pottery and is the master of the lidded casserole. Watch in October for her featured show in our gallery.

Juiced! A Tribute to Drinking and Pouring Vessels

2011-06-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

June is winding down very fast this year; school children are anticipating the the summer and it is time to tell you about Tammy Parks-Legge's July show. Her work will be featured all of July so if you follow Tammy"s work and are looking for pouring or drinking vessels stop in to see what surprises she has in store.

What is Stoneware?

2011-06-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

What is stoneware, earthenware or porcelain is a question that comes up when purchasing ceramics and pottery. Many people that come into our gallery want to know the difference so they can make a more educated choice when making a purchase. We do not carry earthenware. Many large imported ceramic pieces such as fountains and bird baths are earthenware, Colourful dishes can be earthenware, as well as, dinnerware and drinking utensils. At the gallery you will find stoneware, some porcelain and raku. To help you understand their properties are the following:

Earthenware is a porous clay, fired at a lower temperature (approximately 1900 degrees Fahrenheit). This lower temperature does not allow the clay to vitrify so the clay remains porous. Because the clay does not vitrify a glaze must be added to make the piece waterproof, Earthenware chips easily and when exposed to extreme temperatures (freezing or oven) will eventually form cracks and break.

Stoneware is fired at a higher temperature (2100-2300 degrees Fahrenheit) so that the clay vitrifies meaning that the clay becomes glass like. This makes the clay impervious to water, able to stand high/low temperatures, making it oven safe, chip resistant and well suited for household use. It can be used in the oven, fridge, microwave and dishwasher.

Porcelain is similar to stoneware in its firing and usability but because of its formulation when held up to light is translucent. It has a white body colour and much finer grain.

Raku is another type of clay piece that you will find in the gallery. Raku is fired by a primitive method and is for decorative purposes only. It does not hold water and the clay body is porous and fragile.

Lynette Lukay pottery

2011-06-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

Lynette is a skilled potter and is very creative as an artist/painter she can translate her ideas onto the clay surface. She enjoys taking those talents and using in the three dimensions of clay.

Jeannette Wright pottery photos

2011-06-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

I will work my way around the gallery featuring work by specific potters. Jeannette Wright has been with the guild for many years. Her work has a distinctive style reflecting her commitment to learning new skills and her opportunity to travel to distant places.

Those Summer Salads

2011-06-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more satisifying to see pottery being used or to enjoy a summer salad. The above picture is just a fruit salad with seasonal fruit below is a salad given to me by a friend. I don't know the source but have eaten it on a number of occasions and it very tasty.

24 Hour Fruit Salad

1 pkg. miniature marshmallows

4 cups green or purple seedless grapes

2 cans drained chunk pineapple

4 bananas

Dressing:

2 eggs

4 Tbsp. sugar

4 Tbsp. vinegar

In a small saucepan mix ingredients for the dressing.

Stir over heat until the mixture thickens

Remove from heat and add 1 Tbsp. butter. Set aside to cool.

Combine with ½ pint of whipped whipping cream.

Pour over fruit and marshmallows.

Stir till all ingredients are moist.

Cover and store in fridge overnight before serving.

A Very Good Read

2011-06-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.guidetoartschools.com/library/best-ceramics-blogs I found this link on Musing About Mud, Carol Epps blog. This post will give potters and anyone interested in clay many hours of good reading and pictures of interesting pottery.

Farmer's Day Parade

2011-06-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Pictures are poster on the 35th anniversary blog of the guild's float. The members that participated enjoyed the day and it gave the guild an opportunity to let the community know that we are celebrating our 35th anniversary this year. I will post just a couple of pictures on this blog.

Our Latest Gallery Feature Artist

2011-06-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ole Nielsen's show Squarish with a Touch of Colour opened last Saturday and I want to post pictures of some of his pottery. Each piece is a little work of art direct from Ole's sketchbook.

Feature Potter Ursula Weuthen

2011-06-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ursula Weuthen is an active member of our guild and a 30 year member. She shows her work in our Crooked Pot Gallery and has shown in other venues such as the Stony Plain Multicultural Centre Gallery.

Ursula studied with Bob Barclay, Marian Majeau, Lori Topilka and over the years participated in various guild workshops and classes. She took hand building classes in Germany, attended Summer Series at Red Deer College and took a workshop from Robin Hopper at the University of Alberta. Ursula is a functional potter that enjoys surface decoration.

Artist Statement:

"I love pottery, it is part of my life. Clay is forgiving. When you work with clay you forget everything that is negative. The guild is an important part of my life. I have many good friends here we laugh, we cry together, that is real friendship. In all my 30 years at the guild I have never worked with more artistic potters than right now."

May is Ending

2011-05-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

The month of May is drawing to an end so it is time to post information about our next gallery featured artist. I am including the coupon from the Spring Garden Show in case some of you would like to get in on the savings today or tomorrow.

Carol's Pictures

2011-05-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Carol Hartwell sent pictures from the "Best Of The Best" open house. I am attempting to put them in as a slide show. I need to learn more before that will happen, so just scroll down to see her pictures. Carol is in the mauve jacket and has taken many pictures of her work. She is a long time member of the Parkland Potter's Guild and an excellent potter. Her work is a constant surprise and delight.

Some of Ole's Work

2011-05-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is just a sneak peek at some of Ole Nielson's work that will be featured in the month of June. Each piece is a work of art on it's own, as Ole transfers drawings from his sketch book to individual pieces. He uses a painstaking method of outlining each colour area with a fine line of wax and then adding individual glazes to each defined area. My photography does not do the work justice.

Happy Monday

2011-05-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post just a few more pictures from the Multicultural Centre Show.

More Gallery Pictures

2011-05-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is a much faster way to upload but it takes longer to convert the pictures in another program at least this gives a little variety.

More Pictures

2011-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

The top picture is a crystalline bowl by Cheryl Anderson and the light through the window shows the variety of color in the glaze.

The second picture shows a set of large breakfast cups made by Carol Hartwell.

The third picture shows a green and white platter by Jeannette Wright, brown vase by Bob Barclay and a crystalline vase by Robert Ford.
The last picture has bowls by Barb Watchman, a serving dish by Rita Hoptner and another crystaline vase.

Preview of Multicultural Centre Show

2011-05-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneek peek of some of the work at the "Best of the Best" show at the MCPAG. The top picture has work by Bob Barclay and Carol Hartwell. The bottom picture shows work by Tammy Parks Legge.

Thanks and Thankful

2011-05-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my son for helping to get the blog up and running again. It has been very windy the last few days and a few people are starting to complain about the wind, so just remember that this is what it looked like behind the guild, just a few short weeks ago. Yes those are horses, after all Stony Plain is the home of the Kinsmen Rodeo and Annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Many of our potters are displayed in the Fourth Biennial Exhibition at the MCPAG Multicultural Centre Public Art Gallery. The Opening Reception is this Sunday May 15, 2011 at 1 to 3:30 p.m. The exhibition runs until June 8 so if you would like to see our work in a different setting please plan to attend. The show is titled "The Best of the Best". Keep checking and I will post pictures of the displays.