October 2013

7th Annual Spruce Pine Potters Market Invitational Takes Place in Spruce Pine, NC - Oct. 12 & 13

The 7th Annual Spruce Pine Potters Market Invitational takes place at the historic Cross Street Building in Spruce Pine, NC, on Oct. 12 & 13, 2013, from 10am-5pm each day. This highly anticipated invitational show features thirty renowned ceramic artists.

This year’s Invitational includes artists based in Mitchell and Yancey Counties. These artists organize the annual invitational event, which boasts two thousand visitors a year. Work includes contemporary functional pottery, figurative sculpture, and tiles.

“The history of the ceramics tradition in North Carolina is incredibly rich,” says Andrew Glasgow, retired Executive Director of the American Craft Council. “Nowhere is that tradition more fully realized than in the mountains of Mitchell and Yancey Counties. The celebrated potters in this region have become nationally known.” Glasgow currently lives in Asheville, NC, and has visited the studios of many SPPM exhibitors. For many collectors, the big draw for this event is not only the quality of the work, but the accessibility of the artists, who gather under one roof for this exciting annual sale.

Bobby Kadis, Chair of the North Carolina Arts Council, has likewise expressed enthusiasm. “The Spruce Pine Potters Market is a unique event showcasing the work of the many outstanding and talented potters in the Penland/Spruce Pine area,” he says. “As a potter myself, I can attest that this exhibition is one of the finest displays of pottery in North Carolina.”

This year’s guest artists are Julie Wiggins of Charlotte, NC, and Karen Newgard of Asheville, NC. Both have longstanding ties with many members of SPPM and are eager to exhibit their work alongside their mentors and colleagues. Also new this year is a raffle, featuring significant work by four different artists. Winners will be announced at the end of the weekend and presence is not required to win.

Participating artists include: Stanley Anderson, Will Baker, Bandana Pottery, Barking Spider, Cynthia Bringle, Claudia Dunaway, Fork Mountain, Becky Gray, Michael Kline, Courtney Martin, Linda McFarling, Jane Peiser, Ken Sedberry, Jenny Lou Sherburne, Gay Smith, Liz Summerfield, Joy Tanner, Tzadi Turrou, Ron Slagle, Michael Rutkowsky, David Ross, Melisa Cadell, Shane Mickey, Jeannine Marchand, John Britt, Shaunna Lyons, Susan Feagin, Karen Newgard and Julie Wiggins.

Admission is free, with artists selling their work from 10am-5pm Saturday and Sunday. Light breakfast and lunch options will be available. Look for parking assistance upon arrival, including shuttles from the lower parking lot. SPPM is an affiliate organization of Toe River Arts Council.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings, call 828/765-0520 or visit (www.sprucepinepottersmarket.com).

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