Penland - Wrapping It All Up (Almost)

The Penland experience is exciting, challenging and intense. Late nights in the studio, firing after firing, a thorough studio clean-up, an auction and Show & Tell. By the end of Week 2, many of us were dog tired. As Lulu, Betsey's service dog illustrates.

The firing continued all day Thursday, and went well into the night. The chamber I constructed continuously belched smoke.

So did the salt kiln chimney.

The raku kilns (2) were kept the busiest, I think.

Creature after creature emerged to meet the sawdust, adding to the magic and the smoke!

A massive studio clean-up was underway simultaneously. And there were visits from friends and family. Cinder spent much of Thursday with us. And we enjoyed a surprise visit from Ron who was in the area delivering pieces to a gallery. Here, he and our instructor, Susan Halls, talk about English potters.

One of the evening's highlights was the auction that happens at the close of every Penland session. Instructors and students alike donate pieces, the proceeds of which will benefit Penland. Below, Sarah celebrates her winning bid on the class piece we made in Lower Clay. (Also pictured is Iron instructor, Doug). Later, Sarah had all of the Lower Clay participants sign the wooden base. Nice touch.

By the time the auction ended, it was quite late. But there was more excitement awaiting us back at Lower Clay. The salt kiln had cooled enough to unload it. Our kiln god (fashioned earlier by Susan Halls after a real bat paid us a visit) hung above us, presiding over the proceedings.

Results were varied but it was a great experience for me.

Finally, we called it a night and returned to our cabins for what sleep we could catch before dawn arrived. (Not much in my case.) In a few hours, the Penland adventure would come to an end. But not before Friday morning's Show & Tell.