Sunrise at the Chicago AIDS Garden…
with the oversized Keith Haring sculpture “Self Portrait” presiding over the area.
The impressive 30-foot tall sculpture is the largest of its kind…
now residing near Belmont Harbor along the lakefront.

So this mug “may have” come home with me too! A sweet little mug from Lindsey Heiden. Loved the raven on the side… but it was the red balloon that he’s holding that really sealed the deal.

Anyone else remember the movie “The Red Balloon”? I saw it in third grade and for some reason, it has stuck with me ever since. One of my all time favorites. I even own an old VHS tape of it!!! So of course I had to get the mug with the red balloon. Obviously.

GOOD MORNING!!! The day has begun with plenty of pottery for everyone!!! The NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR is open today & tomorrow from 10:00am-5:00pm. Do the roadtrip and hit all six locations… or just come to Sandwich to see all of these potters!!!

Starting with ME!!!
Gary Jackson – Fire When Ready Pottery. ——————————

Kenyon Hansen ——————————

Lindsey Heiden ——————————

Natalie Steinmetz – Windy City Ceramics ——————————

Ben & Laura Gallardo – Jam & Bee ——————————

Amy Song ——————————

Cory McCrory ——————————

This year, we will also have Amy Song joining the Sandwich location with her wood-fired pottery. Amy is also the main organizer of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR… and word-on-the-street is that she will be hosting a new studio Tour stop at her new home in Plano next year!

New to the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR this year… we’re excited to add “Jam & Bee” to our line-up in Sandwich. I’m really looking forward to seeing these colorful & vibrant pots made by husband & wife Ben & Laura Gallardo. Already loving the colors & patterns… can’t wait to see them in person!

Always fun to see Natalie Steinmetz and her wonderful pots. A combination of traditional pots with a wide range of glazed finishes, underglaze transfers & funky creatures popping up here & there!!! Always bringing the fun with a great energy & vibes to the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR!

Also coming to us from the Upper Peninsula… Lindsey Heiden will be returning to the Sandwich location after showing at the Leland stop of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR last summer. Whimsical, illustrative & colorful pottery for the win!!! We can’t wait to see Lindsey & her pots again this year in Sandwich!!!

Joining us from the Upper Peninsula, Kenyon Hansen is back again this year for the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR! We missed him last year in Sandwich… so this weekend will be his triumphant return!!! Cant’s wait to see Kenyon & his pots… many of which remind me of the Northern Lights!

I met Cory McCrory MANY years ago when we were both setting up our booths at the Hinsdale Art Fair… we were intrigued by each other’s work & have become fast friends ever since!!! She is now one of the hosts for the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR… and I will once again be one of her Guest Artists! Can’t wait to play out there again… and maybe add a little sumthin’-sumthin’ to my Cory collection.

For those who have been to my Holiday Home Show… you’ve already seen my Cory McCrory Shrine!!! And for those who come to ART IN THE GARDEN in September… Cory is my favorite “collaborator” for that show too! Always creative… always an inspiration!

Here’s a quick preview of the seven potters (eight?) who will be showing their work at the Sandwich location of the NORTHERN ILLINOIS POTTERY TOUR! Our host is the mega-talented Cory McCrory. I will be joining her again this year… as will Kenyon Hansen, Lindsey Heiden, Natalie Steinmetz , Jam & Bee & the NIPT organizer Amy Song! I’ve never seen the work of Jam & Bee… do they make it seven or eight??? Ha!!!

Click here for more details : www.northernilpotterytour.com