Hands-on demo and visiting artists at Wiscasset's Art Walk

Tue, 09/23/2014 - 3:15pm

Curious about how to throw a clay pot — or even what that means?

Visit the pop-up gallery at 106 Main Street during the Wiscasset Art Walk on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 5-8 p.m., where artists from the Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts will be demonstrating wheel and hand-building techniques with clay. Watershed will also have a pottery sale, featuring the work of current artists-in-residence, Watershed staff, and nationally renowned clay artists.

The Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts was established in 1986, at a former brick-making factory, with a dual mission: to provide artists time and space to explore ideas with clay and to promote education and awareness of the ceramic arts among the general public. Watershed is located in Newcastle on a 32-acre campus that includes a 16,000 sq. ft. studio "barn" space and a state of the art kiln facility.

During the summer and fall, small groups of artists live and work at Watershed in a close-knit community with room, board, and 24/7 studio access. Artists come to Watershed to follow their own path of inquiry while benefiting from the wisdom and inspiration of other artists in residence. Watershed artists also provide clay education and creative experiences to diverse populations throughout Maine.

For clay artists, Watershed offers workshops throughout the year and use of the kilns and studio spaces. Through their “Mudmobile” program, teaching artists bring Maine clay, tools, and glazes to off-campus sites for workshops, including community centers, senior programs, and public and private schools. Watershed has served over 1,200 clay artists and more than 20,000 children and adults through community education programs.

During the Wiscasset Art Walk, Watershed will feature their fall residents in their temporary gallery at 106 Main St. These dedicated ceramic artists come from as far away as Georgia, Nevada, and Oregon to spend six weeks “exploring mud” and creating a wide range of ceramics during their time at Watershed.

In addition to demonstrations, completed pieces will be on display to Art Walk visitors, and artists will be on hand to talk about their work, their technique, and the Watershed residency program. Artists include Alex O’Neal, Charal Hatfield, Jackie Sedlock, Kristina Hamm, Meredith Morten, Molly Allen and Sarah Southwick.

Experience the vibrancy of Wiscasset Village during the last Wiscasset Art Walk of 2014. Galleries, artists’ studios and most shops will be open to welcome visitors.

For more information about participating in Wiscasset Art Walk 2015 as an artist, performer, volunteer, or sponsor, contact Lucia Droby at ludroby@verizon.net or Ann Scanlan 207-882-8290.