Terra Madre: Women in Clay — Dogwood Arts 2014

15Apr
by Oh, the Places We See
Patricia Herzog: "Spring Rain"

Patricia Herzog: “Spring Rain”

Although not one of the official Dogwood Arts Festival 2014 events, the Opening Reception of unique pottery by the Terra Madre potters on March 28th was the starting point for us of what this festival is all about:  a celebration of the natural beauty of East Tennessee and the creative spirit of area artists.

Pottery by Jacqueline Mirzac

Display at entry to The District Gallery with pottery featuring stamped Navajo designs by Jacqueline Mirzac

Owners of The District Gallery & Framery, Denise and Jeff Hood, dedicated a major portion of the gallery to the show.  And patrons turned out to view the pottery by this juried organization of women clay artists living and working in Knoxville.

Denise Hood, The District Gallery

Denise Hood, co-owner of The District Gallery, welcomes guests to the Opening Reception for Terra Madre: Women in Clay.

Mike Murphy and Linda Bonds

Mike Murphy, Photographer, and Linda Bonds, owner of Stones of Spirit, admire the pottery at the Opening Reception.

Liz Howell and Gray Bearden

Liz Howell and Gray Bearden, Terra Madre exhibitors, take time to visit.

The pottery was as varied as the styles of the artists from fanciful, decorative pottery to pieces of a more utilitarian nature — vases, bowls, pitchers, etc.  When we returned the next day to take a look without the crowds, we noted that many items had been sold. Enjoy this sample of the excellent craftmanship on display at the Opening Reception.

Janet Harper: “Oblong Pedestaled Bowl”
Jenny Mastin: “Long Haired Muse”
June Crowe: “Waterfall Brown Jug”
Tina Curry: “Regal Landslide”
Jane Cartwright: “Cat and Fish Bowl”
LeAnn Lewis: “Wallpaper Memories”
Karen Kyte: Saltus Madre
Candy Findley-Brooks: “Hanging Bud House”
Valerie Eiler: “Turquoise Leaf Bowl”
Sandra McIntyre: “Cracking the Code”
Liz Howell: “Horse in Tree”
Gray Bearden: “Pitcher”
Amy E. Hand: “Satori”
Liz Howell: “Beaded Box”

Lisa Kurtz whom we had met at last year’s Art Detour and whose vase we purchased was on hand to assist with the reception.  Her wall pocket glazed in shades of brown left a lasting impression as it held spring daffodils in the midst of a lovely show.

Wall pocket by Lisa Kurtz

Wall pocket by Lisa Kurtz

Pottery from Terra Madre: Women in Clay runs through April 18 at The District Gallery.  And while you’re there, take a close look at the other exhibit: Vision of Home: Recent Works by Kathie Odom. For more information:

The District Gallery & Framery

Owners:  Jeff and Denise Hood 5113 Kingston Pike, Suite A Knoxville, TN 37919 Gallery: 865.200.4452 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDistrictGallery

Terra Madre 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerraMadreKnoxvilleTN

9 thoughts on “Terra Madre: Women in Clay — Dogwood Arts 2014”

  1. gallivance.net

    I dabbled in pottery for years Rusha, and barely got above beginner status. So I have a true appreciation when I see pros at work, and these folks are obviously pros. It’s always amazing to me that the potters take basically the same materials and make such very different works. ~James

    Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      Great observation. They really do work with few supplies. But oh that creativity! I love going to openings such as this just to see what artists think of next but also to pair an artist with her work. Thanks for taking a look!

      Reply

    1. Rusha Sams

      So true! I’d love to be able to create something this stunning. I’m pretty sure I could craft a bowl or vase, but I don’t have the design elements I saw in these pieces. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply

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