How did world-renown potter, Mark Hewitt, of Pittsboro, NC decide which of his two huge wood-fired kilns to fill and fire this winter and spring to supply enough pots for his May Kiln Opening and upcoming shows in Rocky Mount and Highlands, NC, and Pittsfield, MA? Each can hold more than 1500 pots, and with the enthusiastic help of apprentices Joseph Sand and Alex Matisse, they set an all-time record and decided to fill and fire them both!
The newer three-chambered kiln, designed to fire alkaline glazed pottery, produced an array of shiny, dark green and rich amber two gallon lidded jars and robust pitchers, tall beer steins, over 100 mugs and tumblers, teapots, tiered vases, large platters and, of course, several of Hewitt’s signature massive “big pots”. This time they are tall Obelisks, vases and jars, standing nearly over 60” tall.
The reliable, sleek, salt-fired groundhog-style kiln, now at its 76^th firing, was filled with planters of all sizes, plates, bowls, lamp bases, more pitchers and mugs and more “big pots”.
Hewitt Pottery Kiln Openings, held three times a year, are cultural and social events. Collectors, designers, customers, family and friends reunite to share stories of previous kiln loads, dine on homemade refreshments, and add a few more pots to their kitchens, gardens and collections. Newcomers discover why Mark Hewitt is a highly respected household name in the pottery world.
The Spring Kiln Opening will be held on Saturdays, May 2nd and 9th from 9-5pm and Sundays, May 3rd and 10th from noon-5pm. For a preview of all the new pots (no sales at this time) stop by on Friday May 1st between 4 and 7pm. More information and directions to the Hewitt Pottery, (an easy drive from anywhere in the Triangle) can be found at www.hewittpottery.com
Mark Hewitt is a member of the Chatham Artists Guild (www.chathamartistsguild.org), the organization that presents the Chatham Studio Tour the first two weekends each December.
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