Bill( far right) founded the Frederick Pottery School in 2000 and continues to teach there aided by other talented artisans.
culture, colors and textures and use it today in my pottery.” After earning her degree in art history and archeology from the University of Maryland, she enrolled in pottery classes at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Center. She credits her years as assistant to Fredericksburg potters Trista Chapman and Dan Finnegan to her development as a potter. In addition to functional plates, mugs, bowls and more, Lisa also creates custom tiles. At her LK Pottery & Tile in Harpers Ferry, W. Va.,“ I draw inspiration from the trees, rivers and mountains I discover hiking the Appalachian Trail,” Lisa says.“ My signature style of pottery is an evolution, but always folksy and colorful; a little retro, but modern. I like to think it’ s a reflection of who I am, or at least the best part of me.”
Michael McIntyre of FireRobin Farm Pottery loves every aspect about being a potter, from throwing on his wheel to adjusting and adding things to the designs to creating glazes of wood and bone ash that give his pieces a rustic appearance.
He creates his pieces in his Zen studio, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking his farm outside Leitersburg.“ Pottery got into my soul eight years ago while taking classes at the Frederick Pottery School.” He has built a following via multiple avenues: social networking, selling wares at craft fairs, charitable donations.“ But in the end,” he says,“ it’ s about making great pots. Make great pots and people will find you.” §
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34 March / April 2013 Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond