First, a message about our first Vessels of Hope initiative:
I am filled with emotion due to the overwhelming love and support we have received in support of our Vessels of Hope fundraiser amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This season of trial has stirred in each of us a strong sense of connection when it’s easy to feel so isolated. It is the conundrum of grand proportion; this sense of connection from afar, while also being stuck at home more than ever before.
Back on April 1st, I realized that the only way I was going to be able to tackle the challenges of these uncertain times was to be hopeful. That is when I decided to make and sell 500 vessels to keep our Clay Center open. I could not have foreseen the glorious experience that was about to unfold. I have received an outpouring of love and encouragement from all of you and it has sustained me through the momentous project. 500 vessels!
Here is an update:
500 vessels claimed
450 vessels made
260 already picked up (still many packed and ready for pick up)
Over 50 are being shipped this week (still more to be packed to ship)
As COVID-19 rages on and we develop even more patience and resilience, all of us at The Village Potters Clay Center are pressing into the next phase of how to sustain our community in this crisis. Here is a newsflash!
Announcing: Vessels of Hope: Chapter Two!
Like so many businesses, our center is now open, but in a very limited capacity. It was a glorious day when our team of resident potters were able to come back and work in their studios again. Now they are taking the torch and launching Vessels of Hope, Chapter Two.
Each potter has already started making their own versions of vessels of hope. I am personally thrilled to see each and every one of them! There are different price points with each potter based to make participation a broader and more equitable reach. I hope you will take a few minutes and see what each potter is offering. You can read about the individual projects and their messages of hope here: Vessels of Hope: Chapter Two .
Lori Theriault is making 100 bowls with her sgraffito trees carved into the surfaces. “Trees are living hope through each season.”
Christine Henry is making 50 vases with impressions from objects found in nature. “Where flowers bloom there is hope.”
Judi Harwood is making 100 small saggar vessels. “Sharing Hope connects us, and releases power for change.”
Tori Motyl is making 50 baskets with cane handles. “Baskets full of Hope”
Julia Mann is making 100 Candle lanterns. “Keep the hope lit”
And Katie Messersmith, soon to become a resident potter, is making 100 (2.5) lb vessels following the path of Chapter One. “Share Hope.”
As for me, I’m going to rest a few days and then make a limited series of 25 large vessels, drawing from some of my favorite design discoveries birthed in Chapter One.
Please share the message and our story. We are believing that the Vessels of Hope: Chapter Two project will carry us through November and hopefully well into 2021.
You all are our Vessels of Hope and we love you all!
Sarah Wells Rolland
