The “Crystalline Potters of Seagrove” event will be at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC, on Sept. 24, 2011, from 10am-4pm. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Oct. 1, 2011. This is the first event of its kind at the NCPC and will be held in the oak grove behind the building.
Seven different crystalline pottery shops from the Seagrove area are coming together to show the amazing range and versatility of this special effects glaze.
The show will feature both zinc silicate and molybdenum crystalline. Participating shops include Bulldog Pottery, Dover Pottery, Eck McCanless Pottery, Pottery by Frank Neef, McCanless Pottery, Uwharrie Crystalline, and Wyndham and Brooke Haven Pottery.
Each pottery shop will set up a booth to sell wares. Everyone will have crystalline available, as well as other items featured in their shops. Several door prizes will be given away, as well.
Admission to the event is free. Admission to the NCPC is $2 for adults, $1 for students 9th through 12th grade, and children 8th grade and under are admitted free.
The NCPC is located at 233 East Avenue in Seagrove, NC.
Crystalline is a tricky glaze technique to master, but can produce a wonderful array of eye-catching results in nearly every color of the rainbow. Crystals are formed on the pots by adding certain chemicals, like zinc or molybdenum to the glaze. The pots are then fired to a high temperature. Once the peak temperature is reached, the kiln is then lowered to a soak temperature and held there for a number of hours. Crystals form during this soak time. Potters have very little to no control over the number of crystals on a pot or where those crystals form, which makes each crystalline pot one-of-a-kind.
Whether you’re a long-time pottery collector or someone who’s just discovered the wealth of talent in the Seagrove area, “Crystalline Potters of Seagrove” is sure to be an event worthy of attendance.
For more information, contact Rhonda at 336/873-7412 or e-mail to (professional_page@rtmc.net).