Artist's Studio Tour

So, every November select artists in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties open their studios to the public.  When we moved here last year it was the first thing on my "want to do" list.  I wasn't disappointed.  Of course we were sure to go again this year.

I love seeing the workspaces of other artists.  We didn't go to EVERY place like we did last year, our time was a bit shorter.  But I was not disappointed by our visits.  And I was shopping this time since we are moving away and the tour will not be as convenient once we are both settled back in Fredericksburg. 


I made a point to start at Kevin Crow's studio in Nelson Co. Kevin is every bit as warm and friendly as I had heard. He gave us a fantastic description of the wood firing procedure, they were at the end, working on stoking and salting the last chamber. Loved seeing how the planks of wood were used as long platters for the salt, then slipped in to burn away.....(never knew that!)

Kevin's kiln shed.  Not nearly as impressive as if I had taken a picture from below of the three chambered kiln.  Didn't even think of taking pictures till we had made some purchases and were leaving!

Kevin's throwing shed turned shop for the tour.

Couldn't decide so we bought all three!  Greg specifically chose the tumbler for his nightly beer(s).

Gotta love those salt affects!

We also were sure to stop at Judd Jarvis's place.  He fires with gas behind his house with a gas kiln he built himself.  Every year he and his wife clean out the main living area of their house and turn it into a gallery of his latest work.  Judd's another one of those potters so willing to give advice to newer potters like me!

Another tumbler for Greg, (looks woodfired maybe?) and a plate for me.

We also stopped to see Tavia of Tavia Metal just a mile or two from our house (I had a pair of her silver earrings on my shopping list.)  Another fantastic artist and all around great person.  We always feel so warmly welcomed when we see her.  She even gave us some free tickets for a show in Chicago that I will pass on to my niece at the Art Institute.

And I have to mention  Tanya Tyree.  I would love to have one of her female form jars or wall forms but had to be satisfied with a pair of her raku earrings.  I just love how she represents women in her work, the grace of the shape, and the interpretation of woman as a vessel.....

We ended our day with a yummy pizza at Mellow Mushroom, with a couple G'night Red Imperial Ales.  Time spent with Greg, art, beer and pizza.  A perfect day.

YUM.

Time flies when you aren't making pots.....

Hi Everyone!  No pots in the near future, but I am making headway!  I ordered a new L&L 7 cubic foot kiln with vent of my very own.  The electrician is lined up to run the required power to the garage, the contractor has been picked for the insulation (yes Dan) drywall and installation of bigger but more efficient windows.  I will do the painting to make it purty, and our HVAC people will come in and put in a ductless ac/heater.  I hate spending the money on that but Greg insists (I do love that man!) so I will definitely be making pots in comfort!

In the mean time I have been baking and knitting for the upcoming holiday.  Nothing very picturesque about that, but here are the other goings on:

Picked up my new to me 56" Macomber Loom with my good friend Linda.  Thanks Stan for the use of your truck!  Trip to and from Ohio went very smoothly....once we got the billowing tarp arranged correctly.

2010 Artists Studio Tour

Judd Jarvis' gas kiln.  He has a great setup in Nelson County.  He too makes in his garage so he was full of good information.  I bought pots of course.  Because the next best thing to making them is buying them. 

Donna the Buffalo at the Jefferson.

Shearing Day at Juniper Moon Farm

They raise cormo sheep and angora goats.

One of the Maremma dogs who guard the sheep and goats.  (One who incidently just had puppies about an hour ago!!  But don't know if this is momma Lucy or not.)

Angora waiting for his haircut.....

Two weekends ago went to the Free Union Country Day School for a small craft show (where I of course managed to buy 8 oz of roving from Kid Hollow Farm.  It was St Nicholas Nite afterall!)

What a great place to attend school.  This library is just so cool!  (Small!  But cool!)

LAST weekend we visited Mangham Manor Farm

Mohair and wool.

That's me feeding the normal size lamb.  The TINY kid on the left was 13 oz at birth (7 pounds plus is normal!) He is wearing a hunting sock.  They were from different triplet births. 

Can you imagine this view everyday at work??

Now we are having our first real snow.  About 3 inches so far, so I am off to keep knitting away on those Christmas gifts!