By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
At the Potter’s Shop Trunk Show at Needham’s Gorse Mill on Saturday, September 30, a large selection of colorful, varied pottery was presented by studio members. Standing behind their open car trunks and before their display tables, potters were there to greet shoppers, explain their techniques, and offer the story of their experience with pottery.
Among the group, some of the artists had been working with pottery for over 40 years, while others had practiced the craft for a shorter time, with the shortest being 6 months. Each expressed his or her own style, so the show included modern, organic, rounded, rectangular, pastel, deep-hued, and whimsical work. There were plenty of great options for gifts and home décor.
Kate Cohen, a physician, started working with pottery for stress relief. She brought her first mug experiments to the office, and soon the break room started looking like a pottery shop. Harvey Greenberg showed his fun side with creative wares on his table. His teapot was a round cylinder, while the interior was empty space.
Judy D’Afflitti, an octogenarian, had been making pottery for relaxation since she was 25 years old and was still loving it. Judith Hurwitz explained that she created her luminous bowls by layering black glaze and different transparent glazes while they were still wet, so the colors would flow.
The Potter’s Shop and School was founded by Steven Branfman in 1977. The shop is open on weekday afternoons for purchasing clay, tools, books, and firing. The gallery is also open for viewing and purchases. Studio memberships of several types are available, and beginner-to-advanced classes and workshops are taught at the school.
