Special Events

Saturday, June 1, 2013
10:00am-4:00pm 

Steven Forbes-deSoule, Raku Firing   Stewart Stokes

Raku Firing Stewart Stokes

David Grant demonstrates wheel throwing at at recent Clay Day

Horse Hair Raku Demo at Clay Day

Decorating pots for Raku Firing at Clay Day

Ann Gleason, hand building

Celebrate Clay Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center on June 1 from 10am to 4pm.  This free event features craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults.

Clay Day has been a favorite happening at the Folk Art Center for over 20 years.  Members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and invited guests demonstrate throwing on the potter's wheel, hand building, and surface design on clay, among other techniques. 

A highlight of the day is the “Make-and-Take” Raku Firing.  Buy a $10 pot, glaze it, and watch as expert potters, Lynn Jenkins, Gary Clontz, and Steven Forbes-deSoule, raku fire it for you.  Raku is a ceramic firing process which uses fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs.  Lynn will also demonstrate horse hair raku techniques, using horse hair to create designs on pots.  SHCG members Jan Morris and Sandra Rowland will host a children’s table where kids will be invited to play with clay and make something to take home.  Clay for demonstrations has been generously donated by Highwater Clays of Asheville, NC.

Participants to Clay Day include the artists of The Village Potters located in the River District of Asheville,  sharing a myriad of ceramic techniques.  Volunteers from Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Department will be demonstrating and assisting visitors with a try at the potter’s wheel.  Southern Highland Craft Guild member Cindy Billingsley will lead a collaborative sculpture project.  Potter David Voorhees will provide a hands on activity of decorating pots which will be donated to the Empty Bowls Fund Raiser. 

While at the Folk Art Center, visitors will have the opportunity to visit Allanstand Craft Shop, the Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, as well as three exhibition galleries.  Outside the Folk Art Center, there are hiking trails, picnic tables, grassy areas for a picnic and free parking.

 

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