Today is December 1, 2010 and I can’t believe it. For many reasons my fall has been spectacular. Over the moon and back again. Once I had the Port Austin show behind me (Labor Day weekend), it seemed like everything just fell into place. The phone rang just about every day with a new opportunity for me in the studio. As a result, I obtained a special order for a place setting for 12. The ARC of St. Clair County, a private non-profit corporation established by families of persons with intellectual disabilities, established a permanent class time for several students and my work accepted to the Detroit Institute of Art. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
When the nice couple placed the 12 pc place setting order I was stunned. I asked “Four plates, four bowls, and four mugs?” She replied ” 12 plates, 12 bowls and 12 mugs please.” I was stunned to say the least. To accomplish this huge task I headed up to Port Austin, MI to see my best friend potter Laurie Conger for a few quick lessons. Many weeks later, beautiful dinnerware appeared in the studio with four different glaze patterns. They insisted on the pieces not matching and they loved it so much they selected four extra plates. What a great Christmas dinner they will have!
The ARC gals come each Tuesday morning ready to play in the clay. Their ultimate goal is to make simple creations and sell them from their store front in Port Huron, MI located on Lapeer Road. So far they have accomplished ornaments and small trinket trays. Bigger projects are on the horizon.
I received a phone call from a gal who said she was from the Museum and was interested in my work for an upcoming show. The show would host all of Michigan artists to compliment the special exhibit “Fakes, Forgies and Mysteries.” When she was done explaining I asked her if she was from the Port Huron Museum of Art and she said no, the Detroit Institute of Arts. At that point I completely forgot everything she just said! It was a two step jury process and I got the call a few days later that I was in with my pit fired vases and textured wall hangings.
Today I saw the exhibit with some very close friends who treated me like a queen and suggested they were my groupies! It was so much fun and I am so grateful for this opportunity to be on display at the DIA. Hopefully more doors will open and soften the cold winter which is already here.
P.S. Summer Camp is frozen! (see past post)
