5 Ceramic Galleries you need to know

By Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

So there are places around the country that are known for their physical galleries but they also have great online galleries that if you can't get there are almost just as good. I realize that I (along with most of the world) would rather see a piece in person than online, there's nothing like seeing a touching a piece in person and the great thing about the majority of ceramic galleries they let you handle to work! You really get a sense of a mug by holding it by the handle, feeling the weight of a plate or feeling the thickness of the wall of a bowl. In any case if you can't get to the galleries in person then online is the next best thing!

Red Lodge Clay Center, Red Lodge MT

Red Lodge has a great site and they feature a lot of the top ceramics artists in the country. Located in rural Montana they also have a really great residency program that I would love to be part of sometime in the near future!

Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph MI

The Schaller Gallery is a relatively new gallery to the scene and they have a lot of great shows that go up online, and I'm not just saying that because I'm on of the artists they represent I really believe that they are promoting great work in the ceramics community.

AKAR, Iowa City IA

AKAR not only represents ceramics, but they also represent other craft forms and products that are really well designed. They also have a part of their business that they do architecture design as well which is pretty cool. They have a great Yunomi Invitational show that happens every year in the spring time and I just got my letter in the mail last week! Stay tuned for updates to that show.

The Clay Studio, Philadelphia PA

The Clay Studio in Philly is the premiere ceramic artist in residency with in an urban setting in not only the nation but the world as well in my opinion. They have a great residency program not only bringing in people from around the US but also bringing in artists from around the world. They also have a FANTASTIC gallery and comprehensive overview of the best ceramic artists in the country. I dream of the day that I'll have a residency at the Clay Studio that is after Grad School.

Vessles Gallery, Boston MA

Well I had to include at least one from the Boston area. Vessles is in the South End part of Boston near where the SOWA takes place in that building where the artist studios are. They have a great rotating line up of shows that change from month to month and right now they have a show that is all about the wood firing process. Above is not an image of that but rather from my friend Angie Cunningham's solo show that was there this past spring. Angie is also a resident at my studio Mudflat.

So if you have the chance and are in the area of any of these galleries you should try and check them out!

Eliot School Fashion Show

By Diane of Lady Dye Fiber Arts & Design

Friday, September 30, 8:00 PM
Doors open at 7:30 PM
First Church UU, 6 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain MA
Tickets $10 at the door or at www.eliotschool.org

Celebrate Fall Fashion week with a community flair. The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain fetes lead sewing teacher Carol Price with an array of her sophisticated designs and exotic prints. Her students will also show their work. The Fashion Show brings the community together, featuring local models and businesses. Local hat purveyor Salmagundi will contribute hats and accessories.

The Fashion Show builds on the successes of the Sewing and Fiber Arts Department this year at the Eliot School, which offers classes for all ages at its Jamaica Plain schoolhouse. Carol Price grew up in Dorchester and learned to sew at age 8 from her dad, a tailor. Thin and tall, she excelled at altering, then creating her own clothes. She has taught at the Eliot School since 2005.

What sets her apart from this year’s Fashion Week designers? “I like to say that the ability to sew empowers me to express my individuality. Being able to sew frees me from the mainstream.” Ms. Price designs apparel, handbags, drapes, pillows and dolls.

This event is sponsored by The Boston Foundation through its Action Fund. A reception will follow next door at the Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts, 24 Eliot Street, with live jazz by The Handy Experience. Refreshments will be served.

Budan Art

By Beth of Elizabeth Brennick Designs

This was the first print and purchase I made on Etsy way back in December of 2006. The artist is Mandy Budan and her Etsy shop is Budanart. The print is called "Summer Birches," I love the vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and that she is inspried by nature.

Here are a few more prints that are my favorite for sale in her shop:

Meditations on Repetition

by An Li Liu of An Li Liu

It's starting to be print mania at my place as I'm stocking up for my first fall/winter shows and fairs. People seem to be of the opinion that as you make multiples of one thing, it becomes boring or arduous. Though I do love spontaneity, I've been enjoying the repetitive nature of my printing process.

I find that if I can be really present in every action -- from scooping ink to pressing the squeegee to laying out the shirts -- making multiples becomes really meditative. In this state of mind, I'm in no rush to finish, and I find that this awareness makes for better results and fewer mistakes.

So the next time you're engaged in a repetitive task, like painting a thousand tiny circles, or washing a bag of potatoes, see how your experience changes when you become more attentive in your actions.

Monday Mosaic: Signs of Autumn

1. 1 inch Wide Dog Collar - Autumn Harvest , by Cody's Creations
2. Spirit of Autumn hair clip , by Elephunk's Trunk
3. Owls in Trees Falling Acorns , by An Li Studio
4. Carpet Bag Purse , by Stray Notions
5. Annatto Seed 84yds of handspun Masham wool , by Lady Dye Fiber Art and Design
6. Unisex Orange Performance T , by Evan Webster Ink
7. Smiling Tomato 5x7 fine art photo , by Kerry Hawkins Photography
8. Mumtaz Series Necklace Number 3 , by Cristina Hurley Design
9. Needle Felted Mini Pumpkin by Cozy Cottage Creations

Art Venture, Dedham, MA

By Kerry Hawkins of Kerry Hawkins Photography

A New Art Adventure! I along with, Jen Barsamian and Marietta Appollonia are opening a gallery/co-op in Dedham Square on October 1st. It is called Dedham Square Artist Guild. The window art is by Paula Lazar. It is beautiful and really brightens the window.

We are so excited to be opening in Dedham. I love that we are bringing art to the square in the form of this gallery/co-op. There are over 20 artists from Dedham and the local area showing their work in the gallery.

If you are in the Dedham Area stop by our gallery. It will be open Thursdays - Sundays. Our Grand Opening will be Saturday, October 1st. 12-8pm. We will have a raffle and refreshments.

We will have a preview night September 30th during the Dedham Square Circle's Fall Stroll 5pm-8pm.

Have You Heard of MediaStorm?

by Lucie of Lucie Wicker Photography

I recently became aware of a company called MediaStorm. It's hard to sum up what they do in just a few sentences but I think the first part of their "About" section does a good job with just one-

"MediaStorm is an award-winning multimedia production studio, working with top visual storytellers, interactive designers and global organizations to create cinematic narratives that speak to the heart of the human condition."

I was fortunate to hear the creator of MediaStorm, Brian Storm, speak at an ASMP event recently and learned so much about the direction in which media is headed and how storytelling is evolving into something truly amazing and powerful.

I highly recommend spending time on their website. Here is an example of the work that they do; it's the first piece I saw and I was instantly hooked:

Flying in a motorized paraglider over one of the most diverse continents in the world, George Steinmetz captures in his photographs the stunning beauty, potential and hope of Africa's landscapes and people. See the project at http://mediastorm.com/publication/african-air

New Encaustic Collage

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Do You See?, Original encaustic collage by Jessica Burko, as seen on the artist's work table

Last weekend I participated in the South End Open Studios where I exhibited and sold artwork from my studio space and spent the weekend doing low-tech demonstrations of encaustic collage methods using reclaimed and upcycled materials. I had a great time chatting with studio visitors and explaining my collage techniques as I worked. The best part of doing demos all weekend? I was able to create/complete three new pieces during the two days. Getting two long days in a row in my studio is a real treat for me, and I enjoyed making the most of it.

Walking On Air, Original encaustic collage by Jessica Burko

Boom, Boom, Original encaustic collage by Jessica Burko

Whimsical Street Art - Belfast, Maine

by Sharon of Stray Notions

Every year I look forward to returning to Mid Coast Maine, and while many things don't change much from year to year and are a welcome routine, I look forward to the annual change in street art. I think it's been about 12 years since various cities and towns hosted installations of animal sculptures that were embellished by local artists and eventually auctioned off to the highest bidder to benefit a local charity. In Toronto it was Moose, Boston (and other cities) did cows, Rockland Maine - lobsters and Belfast did bears. However in Belfast, once the Bears were gone, the street art continued -- with a different theme each year. This year the installations provided both visual interest and unique opportunities to sit and enjoy the view. I've chosen a few favorites here:

Human Weathervane

Buoy-oh-Buoy

Tourist Trap

Knit 2 Gather

Andrew Huang: made by hand

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

Many months ago someone Tweeted a link to a YouTube channel called, Songs To Wear Pants To, and a specific video called, Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing On Rainbows. Upon one listen/view, I became a dedicated fan. I immediately began following the Twitter feed of this musician and creator of the most entertaining, funniest, and smartest music and videos I've seen in a long time when he suddenly announced a contest: he would give a free album and handmade artist book to a few random Twitter followers. Oh yeah baby!
Just a few days after that announcement, I received notice that I had been randomly chosen as one of the Twitter winners! Yippeeeee hooraaay!! I corresponded with this audio visual genius and received a package in the mail a week later. I was so excited, so, so very excited, that somehow I promptly managed to loose the package. Oh yeah.
Recently, I reorganized my home workspace, unearthed a bunch of files, papers, and piles of things long ago misplaced and lo and behold: I found my winning gift! Well, the long wait must have been meant to be because the album and accompanying handmade artist book bears the title, Your Autumn Heart, and it is now indeed, our first real autumn day here in Boston. The light is crisp, the air is clean, and I am listening to a wonderful group of original songs written, voiced, and recorded by Canadian artist, Andrew Huang. Oh!

The photos above represent a few pages from the lovely and well crafted artist book Andrew sent to me, and you can learn all about Andrew and all the great and varied work he creates on his website: http://www.songstowearpantsto.com/ You will enjoy it!

A Note From My Neighbor

by Karen Mahoney of City by the Sea Ceramics

My car is usually filled with boxes of pots, tables, wooden shelving displays, and other odds and ends I cart around from one show to the next. Since there is usually little time between shows everything generally sits in my car. I've wondered what my neighbors think I'm up to, and I finally found out! I found this note on my car the other day.

Monday Mosaic: Focus on Photography

Curated by Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations




1. Art photography collage mixed media ,by Reclaimed to You
2. Guitar2 8x10 Photo Print ,by Lucie Wicker Photography
3. Rancho Car Wash - 5x7 Photographic Print , by Fraske Designs
4. Village, Netherlands, 5x7 Print by Kerry Hawkins Photography

Autumn Inspired

by Kerrie of Cody's Creations

I am itching for Fall..the crisp fresh air, the crunch of leaves under my feet, and the bounty of amazing colors.

Today, I was found my autumn inspiration in my fellow Boston Handmade members work:

Parrish Relics

Not Without Merit

The Merriweather Council

Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

What inspired you today?

Merriment in the Near Future

By Danielle of The Merriweather Council

I've been super busy gearing up for a fun filled fall! Here are some places you can find me in real life in the next few weeks!

September 17th - The Greenway Market

I'll be on the Greenway this saturday in Boston! Come say hi!

September 23rd - The Tyler Foundation Fundraiser

I'm a vendor at this fundraiser event for The Tyler Foundation in Devens, Mass.

October 1st - Crafty Bastards

I'm super excited to be participating in my first show outside of New England! I'll be a Crafty Bastards in D.C. October 1! Come visit me (and my mom too)!

After all that, it's full steam ahead for A Very Merri Christmas!

Hope to see you!

Unique Wedding Invitations

By Evan of Evan Webster Ink

I recently worked on a fun and meaningful project: a set of ~100 wedding invites for a friend. I screen printed light brown canvas cloth with dark navy ink. Lara (who's the one getting married, in case you can't tell!) sewed this piece of cloth to a thick piece of paper with all the important details.

The invites reflected the personal and hand-crafted nature of their production. What a fun project, enjoy the pictures!

Sarida: Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, September 17

By An Li of An Li Liu

This is an update since the grand opening was postponed until this coming Saturday. There will be loads of raffle prizes and a meet and greet with many of Sarida’s artists and artisans. It will be fun, come by if you’re around!

For more info, check out Sarida’s event page.

Mudflat Entryway

By Arthur of Arthur Halvorsen Ceramics

As you may or may not know the studio that I work at Mudflat Studios moved, if you follow the blog you know that we have moved because I posted about how great the new building is in a previous post here on the Boston Handmade blog. Well anyway we are almost totally set up for classes that start on Monday and the Gala event on Friday and the FREE open house on Saturday... the staff has been really busy getting ready installing the tiles that students, staff, teachers, students and resident artists made a few months ago. Here are some of the shots! Hope you enjoy!

Here Moriah and I are installing tiles, I learned A LOT on the process of how to make and install tiles. It was fun to see the range of variety in the tiles themselves.

That blue wavy tile is mine, and was the last tile to be installed in the long stretch of the entryway, I'm calling it the corner stone.

Some of the tiles are a collaboration piece. The white one in the middle was made by Debra Fleury and I made the seed pod that's in the middle of it. FUN! I also really like the Mudflat T-shirt that's to the left of it.

There are some bigger tiles that made it into the wall of clay tools made by Ruchika Madan. I love seeing some of the tools that I use when I'm in the studio made into a tile and contributing to the work of art!

Art in Boston: South End Open Studios THIS Weekend

by Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

view of Jessica Burko's South End Studio

This weekend, September 17th and 18th is the 25th anniversary of Boston's South End Open Studios. The event runs from 11am to 6pm each day and features the work of more than 200 established and emerging artists creating in a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass and fiber. The public is welcomed into these artist studios to meet the artists, talk about their work, and purchase art directly from those who create it.

A number of artists will also be doing In-Studio demonstrations throughout the event including photography, paper quilts, and letterpress printing, and I will be doing paper quilting, and encaustic collage demonstrations in my studio as well.

While some of the studios in the South End are open to the public at other times during the year, the South End Open Studios is the only time when ALL of the major art buildings in the South End are open. South End Open Studios is a unique opportunity to explore the roots of the modern South End and to salute the artists who moved to the neighborhood long before the warehouses were renovated and the lofts were built and brownstones were gentrified.

Printed guides featuring details on the participating artists and a map with all studio locations will be available at two information tables located at the Boston Center For The Arts, 539 Tremont Street, and at the corner of Wareham and Harrison Streets.

Come visit my studio at 35 Wareham Street, on the 2nd floor, and you can see a preview of my space on the United South End Artists website. See you this weekend!

Monday Mosaic: Blues

Curated by Lynne of Cozy Cottage Creations




















1. 1 inch wide Dog Collar , by Cody's Creations
2. Alien Flannel Wrap Jacket , by Elizabeth Brennick Designs
3. Montana 440 yards of Fingerling Weight Merino, by Lady Dye Fiber Art & Design
4. Dragonflies_8x10 Digital Print , by An Li Liu
5. Captured Light, Basel Switzerland, 4x4 inch Square Photoprint , by Kerry Hawkins Photography
6. Blue Dinner Plate, by Arthur Halvorsen
7. Sun hat small fancy blue and white polka dots, by Elephunk's Trunk
8. Women's Blue Performace VisibilitY , by Evan Webster Ink
9. Annisquam Light 8x10 Photo Print by Lucie Wicker Photography

We Remember

Boston Public Garden 9-11 Memorial

A decade later, we remember what we lost and how we were forever changed.