Michiana Potter Tour is in five short days. My to do list is in great shape, and I actually managed to sleep through the night. I feel good. Did you hear me? I feel really good about this.
I bring something to MPT that most people never have the opportunity to pick up and hold - tiny pots, smaller than a piece of gum, smaller than a coffee bean, a fingernail, or a dime. I have taken to calling them chickletts or skittles, or smarties, because they make me think of candy. I often find myself pouring them into a small bowl and setting them on my desk or a table I pass by often. As I walk by the candy dish I pick one up, and the most wonderful thing happens. Time stands still. As I focus my attention on the tiny details, everything else fades away...then the phone rings, the dog barks, and life comes rushing back in. Yet in those few seconds, the demands of the world are held at bay, and to me, that is what art is about - taking away your stresses and worries, if only for a moment.
My life has been greatly enriched on this journey, and I hope you will join me at stop 6 for the 8th Annual Michiana Pottery Tour; it is happening on Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 5 pm EST and on Sunday, September 29 from 11 am to 4 pm EST.
The tour features stops at 7 regional clay studios where you can view the work of nearly 50 ceramic artists from the Michiana region and beyond. The self guided tour map takes you thru scenic Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana and into historic Downtown Goshen. It's going to be a great weekend. The leaves are beginning to turn, and the weather will have turned to a fall-like 72 degrees.
This year you can also visit the studio of Justin Rothshank on Friday, September 27 from 1pm - 4 pm for a preview party and free artist demonstrations. Friday evening from 6pm - 8pm you can visit the Grand Re-Opening Celebration of Goshen Community Arts and the Indiana Clay Conference Kickoff Party. This party will take place at Goshen Community arts.
Look for these orange signs along the route. A map, and more information at available at www.michianapotterytour.com.
Also, a great addition has been added for visitors this year – the Pottery Tour Passport! You can pick up a passport at any of the 7 locations. If you get your passport stamped at all 7 locations, you will be entered in a drawing to win pottery made by the participating artists! The little green ginger jar above will be one of the pieces available, so make sure to pick your Passport up and get it stamped at all the stops! I look forward to seeing you this weekend.