Great Escapes
14th annual self-guided potters studio tour May 13, 14: craftmanship close to home
Posted: 5/3/06
The 14th Annual Minnesota Potters of the St. Croix Valley Studio Tour and Sale is set for Saturday and Sunday, May 13 and 14, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
This springtime, self-guided tour is anticipated by all who enjoy handmade pottery and it is nationally recognized as a gathering of exceptional potters.
Itís a special opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of local potters in their rural studios and to meet 23 guest potters invited especially for this weekend.
Six outstanding Minnesota potters will welcome visitors on these two days.
The pottery studios are all close to State Hwy. 95 from near Taylors Falls to Harris and are all less than one hour from the Twin Cites.
The host potters are: Robert Briscoe, Harris; Will Swanson, Harris; Richard Vincent, North Branch; Linda Christianson, Lindstrom; Jeff Oestreich, Taylors Falls and Connee Mayeron, Shafer.
Examples of the studio sites include: Connee Mayeronís pottery-filled barn alongside the Franconia Sculpture Park, Linda Christiansonís dramatic new studio nestled in a clearing in the woods, and Will Swansonís sun-filled studio in the historic settlement of Sunrise near Wild River State Park. Twenty-three guest potters from 12 states and two foreign countries will bring their handmade pottery to offer for sale.
This gathering is a rare opportunity to meet and talk with these visiting potters and to see a substantial body of their work.
When asked why they are here, the guest potters repeatedly cite the knowledgeable and appreciative audience here in Minnesota.
Their pottery is, in turn, handsome, stunning, contemplative, earthy, extravagant, simple, precious, and playful.
The yearly presence of so many distinguished guest potters alongside our well-respected Minnesota potters has gained national recognition for this weekend event.
Whether visiting one studio or all six, pottery enthusiasts report finding ìUnexpectedly warm hospitalityî, pottery that is ìBoth useful and intriguingî, and ìThe kind of event where you want to bring your friends along so you can talk about what you saw!î
Admission to all the studios is free and open to everyone.
This year, the potters will donate a portion of the proceeds to the North Branch Middle School Art Department, Potters for Peace, and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund. Visit www.minnesotapotters.com for a printable map, photos, and information or call (651) 674-4555.
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