Clay Times Back Issues Vol. 3 Issue 12 • Sep/Oct 1997 | Page 14
Rick Berman‘s Salku • Ceramic Coatings & Their Advantages • Clayfest ‘97: Potters’ Games & Mud Ball • Fifth Strictly Functional Pottery National • Vally Possony Retrospective • Designing A Community Studio • Small Reduction Kilns • Hamada Matte Glaze • Insurance for Potters, Part II • Why Go To Workshops?
Clayfest ’97 continued from page 13
The first year, there were about year’s judges were ceramic sculptor a dozen wheels in the street, about Brad Miller from Denver, potter the same number of participants, Stephen Kilborn from Pilar, New and a few more Mexico, and spectators. Three sculptor Sean years ago, O’Meally from bleachers had to Colorado be added to Springs. The accommodate Business of Art the hundreds of Center in spectators. And Manitou Springs, this year’s a major sponsor events required of the festival, over 20 wheels also hosted a for the nearly 70 workshop with participants. Stephen Kilborn Bluebird the day before All-around winners in professional and Manufacturing the events. amateur categories of competition, Mark Hodgkinson and Kat Venis. in Fort Collins brings three new The idea all Soldner wheels each year, and Max along was not only to have events Corporation in Colorado Springs that required skill in throwing and brings a couple of new Max wheels handbuilding, but events that were for the potters to try. The remaining also fun for both the participants and the spectators. It was decided to wheels were borrowed from potters, offer events in both professional and schools, and businesses in the area. amateur divisions so participants In addition to the competitions, would be competing against each an area was set up for adults and other at their own general skill levchildren to get a short throwing lesels. The events have been modified son for $5. There was also a clayslightly over the years, and this play area for children at no charge. year’s Clayfest and Mud Ball Another fun event was the celebrity included all-day pots, fastest bucket pot-throwing. After a quick lesson of 1 lb. balls, relay team throwing, from volunteer pottery coaches, blind-folded throwing, partners handle pull, Siamese tandem