Celebrating a Year! – The Village Potters Clay Center

The small beginnings of a dream realized are monumental and we at The Village Potters believe something to be celebrated.

The Village Potters, Pottery Studio, Anniversary Party — photo by Kristin Fuchs

One year ago this October, this wonderful collective of artists opened the doors of The Village Potters Gallery, Studio and Teaching Center. In this year God has so exponentially blessed us and we have grown at a rate that all seven of us have been challenged in managing. This is a good thing!

We began many years ago as a vision, an abstract idea of community, collaboration, and a pursuit of excellence in every area of our lives in a shared and supportive environment. Our first year has been nothing short of an exciting wild ride.

The Village Potters, Pottery Studio, Pottery Classes, Gallery

Though the construction process seemed unending and at times insurmountable, we did complete the process that began in Feb 2011, and we moved in October thanks to the tremendous efforts of George Rolland, potter Sarah Wells Rolland’s husband, with the help of great supportive friends. George got to rest for a split second on that glorious day as it seemed the real work was only about to begin.

The Village Potters, Pottery Studios, Pottery Classes, Gallery — George and Sarah, in an unusual moment of rest.

In many ways, it seems this first year has gone by in the blink of an eye, but when we look back on everything that’s happened, it’s almost surprising that it’s only been a year! Here’s a condensed look back at our first year:

We had many great gatherings and events, including our Grand Opening, Holiday Studio Sale, a Launch Party for Cara Mae Skin Care, and hosting the Clay Club and an event for some Furry Friends, among others. And some events were so nice, we did them twice, like two of our Masters Series Workshops, two Southern Highland Craft Fairs, two Riverview Station Pot Lucks, two Studio Strolls, and two events for Empty Bowls . Add to that seven Second Saturday events, and Multiple Demonstrations for Touring Groups. And meanwhile, we were installing six kilns, pouring wedging tables, acquiring eight pottery wheels, developing marketing plans, and adding classes and workshops for children and adults. Oh, and while we occasionally stepped out for a birthday celebration, we were also making beautiful pots and sculptures to fill our gallery and for collectors and clients around the region and across the country.

We have received and continue to receive the support of so many people without whom none of this would have been possible, including our spouses and extended families, dear friends, Fleta Monaghan of 310 Art, Artists of The River Arts District, The Southern Highland Craft Guild, Riverview Station owners Helaine Green and Trudy Gould, our church families, pastors, many prayer partners, and our wonderful collectors who so believe in what we do they purchase our work and honor us in doing so.

We want to thank everyone, so we are throwing down a party and we want you to come! On Saturday, October 6 at 6:30pm we will have chocolate flowing, fire spinning, music playing, and kilns opening. In other words we want to take this first year out with a rejoicing sound! Read more about the party HERE.