Vermont Open Studio 2012. 20th year Anniverstiy!!

Studio Shot 4.22.12

So at last the clean up has begun (barely). The large board in front is a new countertop I am making for my display area. I have been using ware drying boards.  Time to get the studio in line for Vermont Spring Open Studios. Its this coming Memorial Day weekend ( May 26 + 27). I can't wait, I love this weekend. I love taking part in it but I also miss the road trip cruising the green hills and valleys of Vermont looking for artists studios tucked away down dirt roads. For those of you that a bit weary of said dirt roads can head to my studio located right on Route 103 between Route 7 and Ludlow home of Okemo Mountain . I am Number 83, The Potter Stone, on the Vermont Open Studio Map . This map will give you the artists locations with written directions and a quick written description of there medium.

And of course remember to look for the big yellow signs:

These signs, along with the maps, will get you to your destination. This is the fun part of the road trip. I suggest that if an artist supplies you with mileage in there written directions youshould  use your odometer. Many if not most of the artists taking part have done this for there fair share of years so most likely have there directions tight. Many will often have signs just saying: "KEEP GOING", "ALMOST THERE" "JUST OVER NEXT HILL". Some of these dirt roads can be deceivingly long as they wind up a hill so keep going!!

Another tip I have is brainstorm with other people visiting the studios. They can often tell of a great studio they just came from and the easiest way there. I have always loved the excitement and openness of all involved in the open studio weekend. I am often a mousey tourist when away visiting another state not wanting to bother others on there vacation, or the locals kindly sharing there town but it seems everyone opens up during the Open studio tour and love to share in the excitement.

After visiting my studio there are a  couple right up the hill in Shrewsbury  (super beautiful). You can find:

Maya Zelkin Pottery # 85 116 Coldham Rd. Shrewsbury VT

I own a bunch of her pottery. She throws beautiful forms on a kick wheel that is wood fired in a large kiln right outside her studio. I love her studio setting, very romantic idealic potters setting.

Nature's Turn, LLC - Gerry Martin  #84 998 Lincoln Hill Rd. Shrewsbury VT.

http://naturesturn.blogspot.com/
I am a big fan of wood turning and have seen lots of it. Gerry's touch and style is my favorate. His forms are light, envolping, and fluid. His forms have such a natural shape. Not your common round turne salad bowl here. Each piece is unique with character and presence all of its own. I plan on owning a bowl of my own soon. If you do viset his studio do yourself a favor and ask where some of the wood came from. More than likely there is a story with each bowl. If you viset his blog that I posted above, I am sure you will be at his studio this weekend. Such beautiful work.

While up in the hills of Shrewsbury also stop by  Pierce's Country Store. With fresh baked bread, muffins, pastries, sandwiches,soups, syrup, local veggies, arts and crafts for sale, cold and hot drinks (there coffee is AWESOME) so on and so forth. THey have picnick tables outside to relax on. Great place to have lunch on your roadtrip and you can Hit my friends studios while there. ITs just about 10 minutes from 103.

Pierce's Store

I could go and go listing more artists But These are my neighbors and studios I would not miss.There are a few more regions you can easily hit in a day if visiting my studio.South (and southwest'ish)  the Mount Holly area has a good cluster of artists and Ludlow is a good destination.Of course Rutland with the Chaffee Art Center's galleries to browse and then travel north to Brandon. There are artists along the way and a large cluster of artists right in brandon. There is a sweet (no pun intended) candy ice cream store to recharge in.

So I will end with a few shots of what you will find in my studio. I just took a few quick pictures last night of some of the displays. There will be a lot more than you see here. The kiln will have fired three times this week and I am picking up some work for local galleries.

 And there is much more. I do hope to see you, this is a super fun weekend. So far the weather looks like it should be good. Many of my work will be on sale and for the first time I will have some seconds for sale. Even if you do not intend to buy but are in the area stop in and say high. For those of you that have been by and bought some work I am sure there are many pieces you have not yet seen.  Many many new pieces and styles fresh from the kiln.

We will be looking for you. 

Thanks, ~TPS~