See and shop beautiful, locally made pottery for home and table
Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22
Meet the Artists: Friday, August 21 from 6-8pm
Rockin’ blues from Mary Cutrufello to follow, 9pm at Al’s Center Saloon
The Showroom will be open Friday, August 21 from 3-8pm and
Saturday, August 22 from 10am-3pm
Alan Honn Glass Showroom
321 Summit Avenue
Center City, MN 55012
Chisago County is home to an admirable roster of nationally and internationally known ceramic artists. Because handcrafted glass and pottery goods combine so naturally, we’ve asked two talented local potters to offer their work during this weekend event at Al’s Glass Showroom. In addition to his studio practice, Guillermo is an arts activist who is especially interested in connecting local makers and audiences. Peter maintained a studio in the Twin Cities before moving to the area last year: we’re pleased to welcome him and look forward to work from his new space. Both potters make forms that are high-fired, dishwasher safe and a pleasure to use every day. Please join us to meet the artists and to shop some of the best pottery in the state.
About the Artists:
Guillermo Cuellar was born and grew up in Venezuela before coming to the United States to complete high school. He studied ceramics at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon IA. Upon his return to Venezuela in the 1980s, Guillermo was inspired and encouraged at a workshop led by notable Minnesota potter Warren MacKenzie. The two potters commenced a lifelong friendship that continues to this day. For many years, Guillermo maintained a studio in his native country, and is a founder of Grupo Turgua, a non-profit association dedicated to promoting the work of Venezuelan craftspeople. Currently, he lives and works in Shafer MN, and serves as a host potter during the annual Minnesota Potters of the Upper St. Croix Valley Studio Tour.
The artist states, “I do not consciously design my pots with drawings or plans. I set out to make teapots, for example, and the making process generates ideas, each piece responding to the one before. Subtle variations on simple forms often result in dramatic changes in the character and personality of a pot. Small details, accidents, a dent, texture, an accent, a curve of belly, a kink in a handle may all have surprising results. Clay is infinitely receptive and expressive; it records the character of the maker, the circumstances of making and the use given to it. In use, our hands can sense every mark, every ridge and dent, left by the hands of the potter … I make everyday pots to live with in the home, objects that contribute to the texture of daily life. In simple pieces like teapots, coffee cups or cereal bowls, I relish the delightful, surprising interaction of elements and forms of diverse origins. I hope the pots provide as much enjoyment in their use as the excitement and anticipation they bring me in the making.”
For more information, see guillermopottery.com
“I find inspiration from scientific mystery, unexplained history, small complex ideas and large simple ideas,” states Peter Jadoonath. “Through my craft, it is important for me to honor timelessness, tradition, ancestors and predecessors. I strive for this by following my intuition, seeking self-realization, working hard and gathering the patience to take risks … The pots I make are functional, they are meant to hold objects and ideas. The pottery shapes are loose, broad, open to suggestion, and open to interpretation.”
Peter employs a repertoire of folding, coiling, paddling and carving techniques to alter and create distinctive, textured surfaces on wheel thrown forms. About his process, the artist explains, “I pay close attention to texture, gesture, and balance. I was always into drawing and doodling before I ever touched clay, so it is very natural for me to incise, impress, and carve designs into the pottery shapes. I use texture as a graphic device, and to develop composition … (and) carefully mind the ergonomic aspects of the pottery shapes. Proper-fitting lids, sharp spouts, comfortable rims, and soft handles are examples of the quality I pursue in my craft. I glaze pots with iron rich washes, clay slips, and soft matte glazes … It is very important that the pots are sturdy, dependable, and provoke a sense of ease.
The artist holds a BFA from Bemidji State University and is the recipient of both a Jerome Artists Grant and a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant. In 2000, Peter established a studio in St. Paul’s historic Lowertown district and in 2014, he relocated to Shafer MN. “Minnesota has a thick, dense, woven history of pottery and the groundwork has been laid by all our predecessors which I am very thankful for,” he states. “I believe in the Midwestern tradition and the esthetic evolving from it … I continue to make pots, experiment, and learn from my regional arts community.”
For more information, see peterjadoonathpottery.com
