PROMINENT MINNESOTA POTTER FEATURED AT MN POTTERY FESTIVAL 

WEEKEND OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND HANDS-ON CLAY ACTIVITIES

HUTCHINSON, MN — Thirty-five potters from across North America will be on display at the 8th annual Minnesota Pottery Festival in Hutchinson, MN the weekend of July 27th and 28th.

The 2019 Featured Potter is Peter Jadoonath from Shafer, Minnesota. Peter says, “drawing and animation is the foundation of my art making life. I am quite shy at my core and drawing is a method for me to interpret the world and my life experiences.  I enjoy the challenge of making pottery shapes that act as a vehicle for me to express these ideas.” When asked what keeps him going he says, “it’s not a single act of inspiration, but more so just the act of going out to the studio and working. Although, I  am inspired by things that are often quiet and consistent within daily life. Things such as manhole covers, cryptid creatures, music, tools, textiles, texture, traversing, leverage, labor, language, learning, hair styles, humor, and horizon lines.” Peter’s pottery is made on a treadle wheel, carved, and fired in a gas kiln at his St. Croix Valley studio.

Also at this year’s Festival are 21 additional Minnesota potters and 13 from other states as far away as North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. The festival welcomes potters attending for the first time including: Deborah Barce, Victoria, MN; George Blair, New Albin, IA; Joel Froehle, Northfield, MN; Chad Jerzak, Nowthen, MN; JD Jorgenson, Kimball, MN; Megan Mitchell, Kimball, MN; Alexa McAdams, Minneapolis, MN; and David Swenson, Minneapolis, MN.

Each year the Festival promotes an Emerging Artist that is in the beginning of their clay career. Jessica Gotkin, Minnetonka received the honor, and has her entry fees waived. Jessica graduated in 2015 with a BA in Art (with an emphasis in ceramics) from the University of Minnesota. For the past few years she has been heavily focused on her pottery and developing her voice within the art and crafting of the material. Jessica said, “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this amazing event.”

The Festival provides an excellent day trip for clay-lovers, families, and collectors. Entrance and parking are free, there is a complimentary golf cart shuttle available and many dedicated handicap parking spaces. The two days are filled with on-site raku firing, Pottery Olympic competitions, ceramic technique demonstrations, and a Kids’ Station where children of all ages can get their hands dirty. On-site we offer three complimentary electric vehicle charging stations (one universal and two Tesla).

Food and beverages for sale provided by area favorites: Crow River Winery and Lola’s of New Ulm.

The Minnesota Pottery Festival takes place on the grounds of the Clay Coyote Gallery & Pottery, just one hour West of the Twin Cities. The backdrop includes thirty acres of conservation prairie land, two ponds, half-mile trails, and beautiful Todd Lake in the distance.

The Minnesota Pottery Festival is a nonprofit organization, it’s mission is to provide a venue for quality clay artists to educate and engage with an increasingly knowledgeable public by raising the appreciation and understanding of pottery to help broaden the depth and breadth of ceramic arts in Minnesota.

This activity is made possible, in part, by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. The Minnesota Pottery Festival Board would also like to thank our generous supporters: Continental Clay Company, Crow River Winery,  Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Minnesota Clay Company, Smith-Sharpe Fire Brick Supply, Shimpo Ceramics, and all of our generous individual donors and volunteers.

More information and full list of artists available at www.mnpotteryfestival.com.

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