Monday, August 25, 2014


One of the things I like best about the Oak Ridge Art center is that no matter when you are there you always find people doing something different, or something new that you have never seen. This month I want to highlight some interesting things that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this month. I'd like to start with an interesting pot and concept I witnessed in Bill Capshaw's Thursday night pottery class. Rick Strohschein was rakuing a pot with a crackle glaze, and as a twist pieces of stained glass. The glass liquified and ran down the pot making an attractive contrast to the overall appearance. I love the idea of a multimedia glaze. He named the pot Waterfall for the way the liquified glass ran like water into the pot.



At the same time Larry Gabbard was finishing some Sager fired pieces which are stunningly beautiful in my humble opinion.


All the while there was throwing, hand building, glazing, and trimming going on. It really was a productive class with a myriad of things happening. That is my point there are always things going on at this Art Center in every discipline. This class is not unique that sense, but indicative of the various goings on in all areas of the Art Center.

Then there are the workshops. There are always interesting workshops going on at the Art Center. This past month there was an amazing workshop teaching human portraits in clay from Nashville sculptor Alan Lequire. Fifteen students learned how to make a life-size bust of a live model on one weekend with a well known prestigious sculptor without leaving Oak Ridge.


 Our very own Bill Capshaw also gave a workshop on throwing multiples and stacking that produced a myriad of mugs, goblets, and pots but more importantly elevated the skills of all those that took it.

There is always something to do or see at the Oak Ridge Art Center no matter what inspires you, or what you skill level may be. Coming soon is one of the biggest shows and events of the calendar year, Hot Pots/Cool Art which coincides with the opening for the juried 2014 Open Show. Open Show 2014 is the 46th in the series! It features artists from throughout the region, and it will be showing from September 12th through Nov. 2nd. There will be an opening reception on Friday, September 12th from 7 to 9 PM. A gallery talk will precede the opening at 6:30 PM and end with the Award Presentation at 7 PM. The Hot Pots/Cool Art (public raku firing FUNdraiser) preview will coincide with the opening, so there will be plenty to view and do. For those unfamiliar with the annual fundraiser it gives the public a chance to purchase a hand built or hand thrown piece of pottery that has been bisqued, glaze it themselves and watch it be raku fired before their eyes. Participants get to create their own masterpiece and take home this piece of the fun. For those that may be not as adventurous, there is a silent auction of various handmade pieces of all sorts. Another fan favorite is the brown bag surprise, where people can pick and original small piece of finished ceramic sight unseen for $5-$10. And last but not least is a raffle for a gorgeous set of punch bowl and goblets created by master potter Bill Capshaw.  As always everyone is welcome, so tell your friends and neighbors!

I would just like to mention for all our readers that are on Facebook, I urge you to check out the Art Centers page and "Like" it. The Facebook page is updated frequently with classes, shows, and opportunities.
https://www.facebook.com/OakRidgeArtCenter