Clay Times Back Issues Vol. 2 Issue 6 • Sep/Oct 1996 | Page 16

Fourth Strictly Functional Pottery National Exhibit ❝ O ne might be tempted to think that presenting a functional exhibition would limit breadth of the presentation, but this exhibit clearly proves otherwise,” said project director Jean Lehman of The Fourth Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Exhibit. were majolica, terra sigillata, sgraffitto, feathered slip, slip trailing, colored porcelains, ash, saturated copper, shino, soda, and salt glazes. Oxidation, reduction, salt, soda, and wood firings were all used to finish the pieces. This year’s exhibit drew 722 slides submitted by 288 potters in 44 states. Juror Phyllis Blair Clark of Ohio selected 82 pieces for the exhibit. Her jury criteria consisted of form, functionality, fine craftsmanship, evidence of the potter’s hand, and originality. Although the physical exhibit was held April 29-May 19 in Lancaster County, PA, you may still view the entire exhibit on the World Wide Web at http://www.art-craftpa.com. “Many gallery competitions in the U.S. are not geared to functional pieces,” said Lehman. “The Strictly Functional Pottery National Exhibit adds an extra dimension that has often been missing from the national ceramics scene.” Pitcher. 7” x 7.5” x 3” by Posey Bacopoulos. Majolica on terra cotta. Earned “Project Director’s” Award for Excellence in Form and Function. 16 ▼ BY LYNNE SCHLINKMAN The show ran the gamut in style, materials, glazing methods and firing techniques. There were platters, pitchers, candlesticks, vases, jars, bowls, baking dishes, casseroles, teapots, cups, ewers, a breakfast set, a soup tureen, and a watering can. Clays included earthenware, redware, stoneware, and porcelain. The pieces were thrown, handbuilt, thrown and altered, cast, or extruded. Glazing techniques represented The exhibit began when potter and project advisor, Scott Jones, saw what he terms as an “imbalance” in exhibits. Believing that functional potters needed a venue of their own, Jones started the SFPN Exhibit in 1992 with support of the Market House Craft Center, a nonprofit organization which promotes crafts and craftsmen. “An enjoyable part of the job is unwrapping the pots. It’s just like X-Vase. 18” x 7” x 7” by William Shinn. Stoneware; extruded and slab. Earned “Best of Show” Award. This year, Jones, who needed more time for his pottery career, moved into another role as project advisor, while Lehman took over as project director. Christmas!” said Lehman, who was assisted in her various duties by 50 volunteers. A functional potter herself, Lehman organized a volunteer Fish Dish. 4” x 16” x 6” by Jeff Oestrich. Thrown and altered; salt-fired. Earned “Juror’s Choice” Award.