The Rush is Over

It sure has been a busy week. Our good friend Rob spent a long weekend with us and we had a great time. He did have to spend Friday watching us box up Etsy orders, but he seemed to enjoy relaxing on the sofa while we worked. He is a college professor and this is winter break, I am sure he needed some down time. Like a typical visit with Rob, we ate lots of good food and drank some good bottles of wine... and maybe a couple of not so good bottles!

What I think could be the last of the Christmas Etsy orders were shipped yesterday, along with a few gifts to each of our kids in New England. It feels like the pressure to meet a deadline is over and I might sleep a little better for a bit.

Rob posted some photos on facebook when he got home on Monday. He also said some really nice things about Jeff and me and our mission to get this pottery business off the ground. I took the liberty of downloading a few, so today's photos are by Rob Buller.

Jeff is the master at finding 4 leaf clovers. This one was growing next to Rob's truck as they were unloading some clay. I think it's a sign of good things to come in 2013.

it's going to be a three R's weekend...

Randolph Ramble and ROB!

This weekend we are participating in the first annual Randolph Ramble Studio Tour. We are one of five potteries, along with Co-op of Seagrove Potters, located in Seagrove who are on the tour. The tour rambles through Randolph County, with stops at 23 artist's studio, who will be exhibiting, demonstrating and selling a wide range of work. Click here for a map of the tour! You'll also see more info under events, on the left side of the blog.
Jeff and I will being doing pottery demos throughout each day and our special guest Rob might get in on the action...

Vase by Rob Buller

Rob has a few days off from his teaching job at Chawan University in Murfreesboro, NC and he is going to hang out with us here in Seagrove. We always have a great time when Rob visits. The three of us will work in the studio together, I may even ask Rob to throw some vases for us to collaborate on. Friday night we are dragging him along to the "Meet and Greet the Artists" reception at the Moring Arts Center. The reception will kick off the Ramble and will be from 6 pm - 8 pm. Moring Arts Center is located at 123 Sunset Ave., Asheboro, NC. If you are in the area stop in!

24 hours

Our friend Rob was visiting from Murfreesboro, NC and asked us if we would go to Asheville with him. His friend Leigh Anne has a solo exhibition of her paintings at the Flood Gallery and the reception was last night. We really had no business leaving town, with a big show coming up, but with this oppressive heat who could say no to a trip north? and I had NEVER been to Asheville!
Rob (also a potter) generously helped us out in the studio for two days so that we could hit the road. At 2:00 on Saturday we packed our bags, closed the shop, and we were off on an adventure.
The gallery is on Roberts St., next door to the Wedge building. This old building is home to various artist studios, as well as a craft brewery. So of course the first stop was for a couple of beers on a hot afternoon...

Rob, Leigh Anne, Shelley - a fun group to hang with!

very cool railing along the walkway, leading the Wedge Brewing Co....

and look... Rob found Element Ceramic - Design Studio!

Mexican Style Korean food?

Back at the Flood Gallery... Floor to Ceiling - Leigh Anne Chambers

All of these works are painted on linoleum... as in linoleum you would put on your floor! Leigh Anne incorporates the imprinted design of the linoleum in these paintings. In some, the linoleum was left uncovered in areas, I think if you click on the photos to enlarge, you can see how well that works into the painting. Most are VERY large, although I do think the grouping of six is my favorite. The show runs through July 31st. If you have the opportunity to visit Asheville, you really should check it out.

Then it was time for a night on the town. We started off with a yummy dinner and drinks at The Market Place... then a walk through the streets.

 we looked in the window, but didn't go in... maybe Rob did.

(but only to buy a lighter)

 I think Jeff is explaining the wonderful qualities of Himalayan salt to Rob

The shop window was filled with salt lamps

Next trip we will do breakfast here, heard it's really good.

 We wanted to go to Jack of the Wood to hear Shovels & Rope but couldn't get in. We ended the night with music and drinks at Tressa's instead. After a few hours of sleep at the Holiday Inn we hit the road for home. 

It was a whirlwind 24 hours, but man did we have fun!