When I got to the studio tonight, I found a wonderful sweet surprise waiting for me.
I went downstairs and found this bag full of yumminess sitting on my teacher’s shelf!

She may not think they are so pretty in the bag… they look much better on a handmade plate.
One bite in… and I can attest that they taste incredible. They are yummy! Thank You Kristin.

This week we lost one of our artistic friends at Lillstreet Art Center.
Lois Retzloff was known to many over the years for her talent and constant smile.
She will definitely be missed. She was the “highlight” of Handbuilding Room A.
She was generally a quiet person, and that’s how she went out as well.
Quietly. Overnight in her sleep.

When I found out that Lois had been a staff illustrator for “Highlights” magazine…
she became a rock star to me. I grew up with the magazine and loved the “Hidden Picture”
puzzle in every issue. Lois was responsible for many of them during my childhood.
Every trip to the doctor or dentist would bring another issue and another “hidden” puzzle.

And then she came to Summer Camp…
Lois’ class shelves were located in the room where I frequently have my camp kids.
And on days when the room was filled with campers, Lois would often get her stuff and find
another room to work in. So it was my “job” to introduce her to the kids and tell them all about
her career with “Highlights” magazine. They were surprised to find out that she drew the
puzzle… although I’m sure they didn’t realize it was more than a few years ago! Regardless,
every time Lois would re-enter the room, I would point her out again, and they would give
a rousing “It’s Lois!!!” with applause. Okay… maybe it embarrassed her once and awhile,
but I know deep down she loved it. Because after all, she was a rock star to my childhood.

I’m not sure if these examples are specifically Lois’ work,
but here’s two “Hidden Pictures” to refresh your childhood memory.

Thank you Lois for unknowingly being a big part of my childhood,
and for also being a big part of the Lillstreet community. We will all miss you greatly.
You have left behind a legacy of many childhood memories for more than you know.

Tonight I went out to LaGrange to play with my friend Nancy at her pottery studio.
If you recall, Nancy is also the one who got me started in pottery several years ago.
She’s also one of  Village Potters in LaGrange… and they’re preparing for their
charity event “Empty Bowls.” They’re hosting two open house days for people to come in
to throw bowls. I can’t make either of those days, so I went out tonight so we would have
time to play, chat and make some bowls!!! I made a dozen “empty bowls” for the cause…
and one larger one for them to auction off!

Tonight’s “empty bowl” production reminded me of the night I teach my class
how to make bowls. We work on making bowls with intention, and not a cylinder gone bad.
And then I make a lot of bowls and show my students quickly how that can be altered, fluted,
pinched and shaped to make each one different from the next. So each of my twelve bowls
had a different look. Nancy will be responsible for trimming and glazing to get them ready
for their April 26th “Empty Bowls” charity event.

Many of the potter/owners come from the former Terra Incognito in LaGrange.
When that Terra location closed, they needed a place to work… so they banded together
and opened this great studio space! They’re still in the fledgling stage, but growing quickly!

While many of them are there for studio hours, Village Potters do offer classes and workshops
for people of all ages. They also have shelf space for rent for potters out there who need to
find a place to work. They also have a nice Gallery space at the entrance. So if you’re ever
in need of some fine pottery, or a quick gift, be sure to stop by the Village Potters…
and tell them that Gary sent you!!!

Village Potters : 333 North LaGrange Road, Suite 2, LaGrange Park, Illinois 60526
(708) 352-2330  :  www.villagepotters.com

Here’s another entry in the Valentine Vase pool.
This time it’s from my friend Kelly who is showing off yesterday’s Valentine flowers
in one of my stamped vases.. plus some textured salt & pepper shakers to boot!
Her husband Kel did well again this Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing Kelly!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day today.
And possibly received some flowers from that special someone
that you “just had to” put into a Fire When Ready Pottery vase of some sort?!!!
Like my friend Pam who’s Valentine flowers make my vase look even better!
Well done hubby Pat.

Remember, flowers always look better in a handmade ceramic vase.
Just like food always tastes better off a handmade ceramic plate!
Go figure…

Now that the holidays have passed, this week is a perfect chance to catch up
with some of “My Talented Friends” to share stories, break bread and trade goodies!

Today I had lunch with two of my “ART DETOUR” cohorts… my friend & metalsmith
Sarah Chapman and potter-from-the-Northwoods Amy Higgason! We chatted and
shared some of our Christmas stories. As well as talking about some of our plans for
the upcoming year. With art fair application season right around the corner, it’s time
for all of us to consider where we want to be in the coming months! We had a nice lunch
at a local Thai restaurant – Amy’s choice as she doesn’t have Thai food in the Northwoods!
Along the way, there were also a few gifts shared, a few more trinkets purchased,
and we all left with more “goodies” than we came with!

Amy and I are both proud owners of some new “Chapman-wear”… me with a new
silver link bracelet and Amy with an incredible new ring. Custom-made by Sarah just for us!!!

I also added to my already expansive Christmas ornament collection…
adding two more Amy Higgason ornaments to the mix. Already on my tree…

Have I mentioned lately how much I love having “talented friends”???

Well, Christmas has come and gone…
after months of planning, decorating, shopping & wrapping.
And now it’s time to enjoy some of the gifts you’ve received from friends & family.
And for me, it was a “picture-perfect” present pairing.

First off, I received a beautiful photograph from a photographer friend of mine.
I’ve been “coveting” this photograph for a few years after meeting Brad Pogatetz
as my “Art In The Barn” booth neighbor. I’ve himmed & hawed for years…
and finally, tired of me putting it off I’m sure, my parents purchased a print of it for me
at the “One Of A Kind Show.” Of course, I had no idea. Brad didn’t tell me. Even Sarah,
who was totally in on it, didn’t tell me! Regardless, I love it. Now I just need to get it
framed and find a place to hang it!

I love Brad’s work. It’s an intriguing combination of architecture, history, urbanization,
ruin, vegetation, nature’s reclaiming power, and my favorite… rusty metal.
Check out more of his work on his website, click here – Brad Pogatetz Photography.

Also… as if that weren’t enough…
my parents also gave me a brand-spankin’-new Canon PowerShot camera!
Much like the one I’ve been using for years. Hundreds of sunrises later, a couple bad falls
and few pieces of tape holding it together… I guess it was time for a new camera?!
I’m very excited to start out the New Year with a new camera.
So I can continue my quest for the perfect sunrise!

Well, for one weekend anyway.
Incredible glass artist Amy Lemaire returned to her Lillstreet roots for a Trunk Show,
workshop and slide presentation today. Amy used to have her studio at Lillstreet and taught
glass bead making classes. In fact, I took my one-and-only glass bead making class with Amy
as my teacher. Amy left Lillstreet to go to grad school, and now lives in Lousiville. Her work
has always been spectacular… and it was so great to see her newest pieces in the gallery.

Of course, many of her pieces are large, stunning masterpieces that I could never pull off.
But I did get a couple smaller beads that I think I can wear as a single pendant. The first two
were in the gallery show, and the third was a “trade” with Amy after her slide show!

It was great to see Amy again – even if it was just for a very brief visit.
Again… so nice to have “talented friends.”

Last night I stopped by the “Ceramics Showcase” at McGaw YMCA in Evanston.
A couple of “My Talented Friends” were showing there, so I wanted to swing by before
heading back to Lillstreet for our annual Holiday Opening Party. All of the work in the
Showcase was quite nice, but of course, I’m just a little partial to my friends Cory McCrory,
Roberta Polfus & Delores Fortuna! So I just “had to” add to my collection…

First a couple new things from Cory. An adorable red hat kid which is actually a jar.
The hat comes off to reveal a bright orange interior! And you know how I love orange!

Speaking of orange… I also got another mug from Cory while I was there. I’ve always been
drawn to her sense of color & whimsy. Plus the textures & patterns ain’t too shabby either!

And then, as if I don’t already have too many ornaments on my Christmas tree, I needed to
get another one from Cory. The white bird will get added tot he tree. The black bird will
take up year-round residence elsewhere! You’ll need to come find it!

And another textured, porcelain vessel by Roberta. Such fine detail and carving! Love it.

And a groovy plate by Delores! Great pattern & design… plus a really cool “lip” or rim
of the late that curls over slightly. To help get all of those peas onto your fork!

It was another busy night of art. This Ceramics Showcase and the Lillstreet Holiday Opening.
Of you have a chance, stop by either one, or both, today or tomorrow!

Ceramics Showcase is at the McGaw YMCA at 1000 Grove Street, Evanston, Illinois
Lillstreet Art Center is at 4401 North Ravenswood (at Montrose), Chicago, Illinois

Here’s a HUGE thank you to all of my loyal friends & customers who stopped by
this weekend at my Holiday Home Show. Whether shopping for everyone on your list,
or just hanging out on my sofa, it was so great to see all of you at my place!
So many friendly faces. So many happy shoppers.

Thank you all for always being there, and being so supportive every time!
I couldn’t continue this adventure without your support & encouragement.