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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Public Library is a wonderful space, and the librarians and those who work there do an exceptional job making it an even lovelier space by offering different art exhibits, children’s art, and in some cases, pottery. Recently featured in the Library’s display cases was work from Potters Place, a local not-for-profit pottery studio in town. A variety of works were on display from bowls and plates to whisk holders and vases.
Potters Place offers classes to all residents of Walpole, from the young to adults. Classes for kids include ornament making, trolls and hairy beasts, and bird feeders. Adults are able to take classes at a variety of levels, as well as participate in “Adults Night Out.” These are one-time classes where participants leave with a finished product, which can include a serving platter, a woven basket, a relief tile, or a hand-built bowl. Teens are not forgotten, and classes are offered for students in sixth grade or older as well.
Potters Place hosts two shows a year, one before Mother’s Day and another during the Holidays, before Thanksgiving. These showcases feature works created by the members of Potters Place. In addition, they have a fundraising table where donated poetry is sold for the benefit of a local charity.
The Potters Place Mother’s Day showcase will take place the weekend of May 5. On their Facebook page, Potters Place features a “Potter of the Day,” who speaks about their work and the influence pottery has had on his or her life, such as Lisa Walker, from Westwood.
“Teaching art and clay to all ages has influenced my own artwork,” said Walker. “For spring, my collection reflects what I have gained while teaching: going back to basics and practicing to make them better; taking chances with new surface treatment and form; and, finding time to play.”
Many of these potters are local and will be selling their work at the spring showcase.
