There is something very satisfying about creating art from nothing but dirt. Potters and sculptors take clay (basically a special kind of dirt mined from the ground) to make functional and decorative objects that will last for generations with proper use. Shaping and forming the clay is only a small part of the creative process, as the clay must be vitrified by extreme heat and sealed with the proper type of glaze. Other aspects of the production of pottery and sculpture include how the art will be used and the type of decoration that should be applied. The process is not a fast one, as the clay will not tolerate being fired (heated) in a kiln (a heavy duty oven) under the wrong conditions. Still, when all these factors come together successfully, the work created is a beautiful art form.
Sharptop Arts Association is proud to announce the upcoming Georgia Clay Council’s “Hands in Clay” Art Show at the Sharptop Arts Center in Jasper, GA. The Arts Center is located on D.B. Carroll Street, which runs off Main Street near the Old Jail. This show is open to the public from June 4 through the 28th every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12 until 4. There will be a reception with refreshments for participating artists, their families and all other interested parties on June 5 from 5-7.
The Georgia Clay Council has a membership that stretches across the counties of North Georgia (including this author) and combines a variety of pottery and sculpture styles that should meet the public’s interests. Visitors to the show will be able to view, study, and purchase original works in clay by local artisans. This year’s show is dedicated to the memory of Markus Maze, the Clay Council’s vice president, who recently lost his battle with cancer. Many people in our community have also been involved in the organization, production, and support of the “Hands in Clay” Art Show, including Jack Short of Trout’s Beverages. As always, the Sharptop Arts Association donates the facilities and the labor to hang and produce the exhibit.
The Sharptop Arts Association would like to invite all residents of Pickens and surrounding counties to stop by and visit “Hands in Clay”. For those of you interested in purchasing local art of other media, Sharptop Arts Association also has a wood worker’s show in August and a SAA member’s show in October of this year. For more detailed information about these and the many fun classes offered through the Sharptop Arts Association, call us at 706-692-0101 or visit our Web site at www.sharptopartsassociation.org
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