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