Seagrove, NC - On Saturday, October 8, 2011, in support of American Craft Week, Westmoore Pottery will be demonstrating the making of unusual shapes from clay traditions of past centuries - flasks, ring bottles, ring jugs, candlesticks, double-chambered inkwells, and more.
"Many people have seen potters at work, making something like a bowl or a vase," says potter Mary Farrell of Westmoore Pottery, "but they still have a hard time visualizing how some of the more peculiar shapes are formed on the potter's wheel. This will be an opportunity for the public to see how some of those odd shapes are made."
Take, for instance, one of the typical Seagrove shapes, a ring jug. This jug starts out its life horizontally on the wheel, becoming first a solid donut shape, and then a hollow donut. Spout, feet, and handles (if any) are attached later.
American Craft Week is held each year to celebrate the place of handmade objects in our lives today. It is a nationwide recognition of crafts and craft makers, with organized events by participants across the country. North Carolina, with its numerous fine craftspeople and a public that has always been enthusiastic and supportive of the handmade work of North Carolina artists, is a natural fit for American Craft Week. More information about American Craft Week can be found at www.americancraftweek.com.
Westmoore Pottery specializes in pottery styles from years ago, with a concentration on pottery made and used in the 18th and early 19th centuries. The Barringer Award of Excellence was awarded to Westmoore Pottery in 2010 for its work in preserving the pottery history of North Carolina. In addition to making pots, Westmoore's potters have given talks and written about the historical styles they are so known for.
"We straddle the line between potters and preservationists," jokes Mary Farrell.
Westmoore Pottery will be open from 9am to 5pm for this event. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission charge. Homemade refreshments will be served.
Westmoore Pottery is located at 4622 Busbee Road, just off Highway 705, halfway between the small towns of Seagrove and Robbins, in North Carolina.
For more information, email westmoore@rtmc.net or call 910-464-3700.
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