A RT S & L E IS URE
Creating art with clay dates back almost 30,000
years, and a new appreciation is budding for this
ancient art form in our community. Visit these three
Frederick studios to ignite a passion for pottery:
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A PASSION
The Frederick Clay Studio, The Little Pottery Shop
BY ROSA GARCIA
each offers a unique perspective on ceramic art.
FOR POTTERY
and The Potters’ Guild of Frederick.
If you love the feel of clay between your fingers The Frederick Clay Studio offers classes, open studio time and workshops for all
levels. The creative space pulls you in with
its earthy scents and works in progress. Projects at various stages of completion line the
walls as students toil away wheel throwing.
“I started wheel throwing four years ago,”
said Megan Smith, a student and monitor.
“I was making a Christmas gift for my husband and never stopped, it’s addicting.”
The sentiment is shared around the room
as everyone imparts how their hobby blossomed into true love, a family pastime or
a full-time career.
“I don’t have a pottery background, just
an appreciation for nice things,” McCormick said.
His appreciation and keen eye for art is
evident when visiting The Little Pottery
Shop. You will be amazed by the magnificence and skill of all the work. The gallery
and gift shop showcases locally made ceramics as well as pieces from around the
country. Finely made pottery adorns the
building with bold reds, deep blues and
rustic earth tones that catch your eye as
you wander the gallery floor.
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FREDERICK COUNTY GUIDE | SUMMER 2015
“There is more here than people realize,”
McCormick said. “The pottery here is selected based on its quality and uniqueness.
I want people to find something different
and beautiful when they visit.” Venture up
to the second floor to see pottery mixed
with woven pine needles, luminaries,
hanging planters, dinnerware and other
ceramics. “Many of these pieces are from
local artists. People from right here in the
city, Smithsburg, W