Shenandoah Potters Guild
The Guild
In 1987, a small group of potters were taking summer classes at the Strasburg Museum, in Strasburg, VA.
They felt a need to continue their clay connection during the "off season."
Thus, the Strasburg Potters Guild was born.
From the beginning, the Guild benefited from the historical significance of pottery to the Strasburg area and surrounding Shenandoah Valley. This provided a supporting environment in which the Guild could flourish, both in membership and community support.
After a few years, the Guild had grown from a handful of local potters to over 40 members, drawn from throughout the northern Shenandoah Valley region, from as far south as Mt. Jackson, Virginia to our northernmost members in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Early in 1994, in recognition of this broader perspective, the Guild became the Shenandoah Potters Guild.
The objectives of the Shenandoah Potters Guild are:
• To promote the pottery heritage of the Shenandoah Valley
• To promote pottery as an art form
• To promote and develop the technical, artistic and professional skills of it's members
We address these objectives through programs, workshops, exhibits, and sales, some of which are open to non-members and the general public. Some of our annual activities include the Strasburg Mayfest, participation in various fairs and festivals, an Empty Bowl Soup Supper and a large Holiday Sale in Winchester.
Events
Potter of the Month
- Name: Marilyn Dugan
- Location: Capon Bridge, WV
- WEBSITE EMAIL
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Medium:
Stoneware, glass
Bear Garden Mountain Pottery was established in 2004 when I moved to Capon Bridge, WV. The look and feel of natural items has always been attractive to me, so it was a logical extension of that love to become a potter. The sensuous feel of clay, the unknown qualities of each firing and the role of the potter in bringing forth a functional or decorative work of art are all pieces of the ceramics allure. I love the magic of throwing clay on the wheel and also the satisfaction of hand-building items. An intrinsic part of myself is invested in every piece whether thrown on the wheel or hand-built. Most of my work is functional and oxidation fired. My goal is to create pots that function well and that bring joy to those who use them. The use of handcrafted ware enriches our daily lives. There is wondrous satisfaction in finding just the right shapes to enhance such ordinary activities as eating and drinking. Hand-made pottery has a presence that comes from the soul of the one who made it. It is not silent; it is a bridge between the maker and the user. Irregularities and differences between one piece and another are the mark of the hands that made them. It is my hope that my pots will add beauty and pleasure to your life for many years.
- Name: Lin Hausknecht
- Location: Yellow Spring, WV
- WEBSITE EMAIL
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Medium:
Stoneware
Traditional stoneware pieces from Shenandoah Potters Guild member Lin Hausknecht.
Pit fired, Raku, Electric and Gas fired pieces available.
Lin Hausknecht grew up in Western New York, & has lived in Yellow Spring, WV, along the Cacapon River, for over 20 years.
She has enjoyed creating with clay for more than 25 years.
At her home studio, she makes a variety of objects with clay, throwing many items on the potter’s wheel, including casseroles, mugs, planters, birdfeeders, & bowls.
She also hand-builds items, and enjoys utilizing various firing methods.
Lin's work represents the valley tradition in functional pottery.
She teaches classes at Lord Fairfax Community College as well as local community programs.
See the "CLASSES" link for more info on her class schedule!