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The Tour de Clay!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

On December 11th and 12th the Florida Westcoast Ceramic Society presents two more studios and six additional potters to this diverse 3rd annual event, bringing the total to six studios and eighteen clay artists. The bigger the better, the more the merrier! More kiln openings, more demonstrations, more chances to see potters at work and more parties!! Two studios in Pinellas County’s Palm Harbor, one in downtown Tampa, two more in northern Hillsborough County and last but not least one in Pasco County’s San Antonio. Wow! Now that’s a complete tour!
Charter FWCS members Harry Welsch, Kim Wellman, Mark Fehl and Kim Kirchman are inviting the public into their brand new studios, both located within a few miles of each other in northern Hillsborough County and creating the full circle of the tour. The additional 6 guest potters are all specially invited to show their work, one in each established studio, adding to the incredible richness and diversity offered at this year’s event. The northernmost studio participating in the tour is San Antonio Pottery, located at 11903 Curley Road in San Antonio.
San Antonio Pottery was established in 1977 by artist Jack Boyle and has flourished in this small community. In his studio Jack creates a consistently high quality stoneware pottery, which is oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. His work is not only influenced by American folk pottery, but also by the whim of the moment. In addition to the creation, production and marketing of his work, Jack teaches pottery classes and has branched out into the world of instructional DVDs and You Tube videos. His most recent film project is piloting a very original blending of pottery instruction and Tampa Bay area artists’ interviews.
The 2010 Tour de Clay will also feature artist McKenzie Smith and new guest artist Michele Ginouves. McKenzie’s timeless work transcends the ages. His exquisite brushwork accents his wheel thrown and often altered pottery forms. McKenzie enjoys the atmospheric effects of using wood, salt or soda in his kilns during the firing of his pieces. His work is very unique and original with a distinct connection to pottery created since the beginning of time. His functional pieces are made for everyday use and are created lead free. McKenzie earned his BFA degree at the University of South Florida and his MFA at the University of Florida. He is a nationally recognized and much sought after ceramic workshop instructor. He currently works and resides in Ridge Manor, Florida.
The third local artist is Michele Ginouves. Michele’s very original artwork has always reflected her environment. Early in her ceramic career, while living in New York City, architectural elements such as staircases, windows, arches and doorways were favored imagery in her slab constructions. Today, large coil built sculptural forms like lamp bases, cocktail tables, birdbaths and more, spring out like the cypress trees that grow along the river bank near her studio. Her studio’s rural setting influences the natural and organic look of her current work. She enjoys integrating the geometric patterns of colorful tile table tops with the organic forms of her bases. Michele earned her BA in mathematics and art at Rutgers University. She has won numerous awards working as a studio potter and has been based in Brooksville, Florida since 1996.
Once again, San Antonio Pottery will enjoy the final “kiln opening” of the day 5:00 pm, giving patrons the opportunity to purchase pieces fresh from the warm kiln. This leads into the culminating party for the tour on Saturday from 6 to 9:00 pm. The party will feature live music and offers beverages, and hors d’oeuvres to all who attend! Sunday’s event 11:00 am - 4:00 pm will feature artists demonstrations, as well as free pottery wheel time and limited throwing instructions for young and old alike. DON’T MISS IT! You may visit their website at www.tampatourdeclay.com for additional maps, bios, links and pottery images, or contact Jack Boyle at his studio. 352-588-4228.