Using Your Favorite Things - Everyday!

Pottery -- we use it everyday! Do you? A while ago, my wife and I, talked about using our favorite things, rather than keeping them for special occasions. Since I spend so much time making pottery, it only seems to make the most sense that we use it everyday! It is one of my favorite things.

Here you see square plate and bowl with a dinner creation from our garden. Yeah for summer!

KIDS DAY, CLASSES and more

Studio6thB, the community studio, that houses my pottery, Dutch Lake Pottery, is hosting several events in the month of February. Come on over!

KIDS DAY -- Saturday, Feb. 6th 10-12 or 1-3
A variety of projects will be available for making and taking (after firing), as well as clay games for fun! Cost is 10 dollars per child, or 25 dollars for a family. Children ages 3-12 years old welcome. This includes take home of one project, as well as snacks/drinks, and FUN! Other projects may be taken home for 5 dollars a piece. Signup with Jeff at jeff@dutchlakepottery.com Space is limited, so signup TODAY!

VALENTINE CLAY DATE -- Friday, Feb. 12 7:30 to 9:00
This event is to create an unusual date setting to have fun creating a pottery piece together. Three projects will be prepared so you do not need any previous experience, just desire to have fun together. Cost is 25 dollars per couple. Bring your favorite beverage; Snacks and dessert provided. Signup with Jeff at jeff@dutchlakepottery.com Space is limited, so signup now.

ADULT POTTERY CLASS -- Mondays, starting Feb 8th through March 15 7:00 to 9:00
In this 6 week class we will make functional pieces, serving platters, and handbuilt dinnerware, using textures and forms to create pieces, from beginner to advanced welcome. I will show you techniques and tricks learned over the years as a production potter. Classes taught by me, Jeff Rottman. Cost is 90 dollars. This includes supplies and firing. Space is limited so contact Jeff at jeff@dutchlakepottery.com to signup.

Twenty Dirty Hands Tour

Paul Eshelman, a long standing potter, from Elizabeth, Illinois, invited Dutch Lake Pottery to come to his studio last weekend for the Twenty Dirty Hands Tour in Galena and Elizabeth. It was a pleasure to join him and other friend potter, Joe, in showing our wares on Main Street ! My little family came along and we enjoyed our trip to a new place and with the Eshelman family. You can find his pottery at http://www.eshelmanpottery.com/ and tour information at www.twentydirtyhands.com

See you there next year ??

An Award

Last weekend at the Reed's Lake Clothesline Art Festival in Grand Rapids, I was happily surprised to win the 3rd place Best of Show Award! Thanks to the Grand Valley Artists for their wonderful votes.

Summer Shows Under Way

Well you may wonder why you never see me in person anymore ~ I will be moving about the country this summer at shows 11 shows in a row! Hope you come visit me there. This weekend I am in Chicago at the Evanston Show. I had high hopes of rolling out my new line of work with sushi sets and place settings. However, the kiln is still a'roaring as we speak. Look soon for some new images and items for sale. Until then, happy art buying!

a grand dinner

My studio - Sixth Street Bridge Clay Studio - hosted 'a grand dinner' a dinnerware event last weekend. Participating artists included, myself and Dutch Lake Pottery, Jacob Koster, and Mari Star Golub. Each artist created a table with their own pottery and accompanying decor. The event was a success and hopefully started a new tradition! See you next year for a much 'grand'-er celebration.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Spring is coming!

Our family made a trip to the Frederick Meijer Gardens already this spring to see the butterflies in bloom! Outside the trees are attempting to bud and the grass is looking a tad more green than a few weeks ago. If only the spring weather would stay and stop teasing us all!

Spring has come for Dutch Lake Pottery!! -- I just completed the first 'sign of spring' show at the West Michigan Potter's Guild sale here in Grand Rapids this past weekend. Thanks to all the loyal customers who visit me there. It gave me the itch for all the upcoming shows.

Look soon for a spring and summer schedule of my travels!