Events

“Behind the Wheel”

Slinging Mud with Tracy, John and Jesse

Opening Friday November 4, 6 PM to 9 PM

On Friday evening, November 4 from 6-10 P.M. three of Florida’s best Potter’s will SLING MUD outside the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery, 605 Lake Avenue in Downtown Lake Worth. Seated behind the wheels (potter’s wheels) will be Tracy Rosof-Petersen, John McCoy and Jesse Showalter.  The public is welcome to take the wheel, driving home their own work of art.

John McCoy has recently become an independent, full time artist after thirty-six years as head of the ceramics department at FAU.  One of Florida’s most prolific functional potters, his works are collected by followers all over the nation.  On display in the gallery are works that have been wood fired, soda fired and gas reduction fired.  He will gladly talk firing techniques while demonstrating the differences in the pots on display.

Tracy Rosof-Petersen has been working in clay for so many decades it belies her youth.  She produces works on the wheel that are so large one can only wonder how she can move them from wheel to kiln.  Winner of several public works projects, Tracy’s mosaic wall creations can be seen throughout the county.  A finalist in the national quest for a Lake Worth Dog Park, Tracy can be found working with both children and adults, passing on to them the love of getting ones hands dirty.  Tracy’s work in the gallery ranges from Peace Signs, Night Lights, intricately carved bowls, sink basins and animal watering fonts to huge museum quality Southwest motifs.

Jesse Showalter has long been one of the most popular ceramic teachers at the Armory Art Center.  From a prolific functional potter, Jesse has grown into an innovative Raku and decorative smoked pot potter.  His constant experimentation with these techniques. The debris and chemicals used to create them have evolved into wondrously unique forms and effects.  His students have developed, as well, into some of the finest clay artists in the area, a tribute to his exceptional teaching abilities.

The ability to sling mud while driving the potter’s wheel is an ancient art more addictive to the soul than the popular drugs of the day. (Smoking Pots have a different meaning to clay artists). Once one touches clay and learns to make a first pot, one might never stop.  On this evening the three clay maestros will offer up the excitement of pedal to the metal as they throw their wheels into gear, trying not to spin out of control.

A wine and cheese tasting takes place at every opening.  Clay§Glass§Metal§Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists.  The gallery is located at 605 Lake Avenue in downtown Lake Worth.    Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6-9PM.  For information call 215-205-9441.