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The “Lowdown” on what’s been happening in and around the musing neighborhood lately.

by Carole Epp | Nov 5, 2011 | Uncategorized

I guess holiday season is just bound to be a busy time for artisans, no getting around it. There is a part of me that likes the pressure of deadlines looming and late nights frantically working in the studio. I feel like I’m buzzing at a different level of productivity, one that somehow makes me feel more alive while at the same time burning me right out!

So in my madness I signed up for 3 holiday sales, one of which I’m also helping to organize. Not too bad, well if it weren’t for the fact that I’m 7 month pregnant : ) It’s all good though. I reckon I’ll get the sympathy vote at the sales when I can barely stand to pack peoples purchases.

So here’s some details of where you can find me in the next month or so:

November 25th-27th – Artisans Fine Craft Market

December 3rd to 5th – Sundog Arts Fair
You can find my booth over by the stage – good lord help us all this might be what pushes me over the edge! : )

December 9th & 10th – Winter Wonders Handmade Market

Okay so that’s it for markets, but while I’m on this self promotion rank I really want to tell you about a show I’m in that’s opening right away. I’m super honored and well still kinda in disbelief to be honest to have been invited to exhibit as part of “The LowDown: Tales from the Margin” exhibition.

Here’s some info directly from the Kipp Gallery Website:

The Low Down:Tales from the Margin – This is a traveling exhibition showcasing the work of seven contemporary ceramists. The exhibition is curated by Kipp Gallery Director, Kyle Houser in collaboration with Gallery Coordinator, Jill Foote-Hutton from the Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Montana. Each artist selected for this exhibition is exemplar of contemporary ceramics, which is both honest and current, reflecting narratives that are personal and shared, abstract and implied. The concept began with a volley of ideas and artists, until a group emerged who consistently generate objects that toy with definitions and tease visual, historical and/or technical boundaries. Another key factor in the selection process was an intent to extol the achievements of artists generating their main body of work within low temperature ranges. In joining a fluid notion of narrative, the parameter of temperature and a lineup of artists with diverse audience appeal and experience we hope to illuminate the provocative activity along a specific periphery of the field. The Low Down: Tales from the Margin is a celebration of the creative exploitation possible with electric coils and eutectic compositions. Exhibiting artists: Jason Burnett, Carole Epp, Julie Goyot, Alex Kraft, Max Lehman, Mellissa Mytty, Nick Ramey. The exhibition will originate here at IUP in the Fall of 2011 and travel to Red Lodge Clay Center in the Spring of 2012. http://jasonbigeburnett.com/ – http://www.caroleepp.com/ – http://www.julieguyot.com/ – http://alexkraftart.com/ – http://maxdna.com/ – http://www.melissamytty.com/ – http://nickrameyceramics.com/Crazy eh? I’m so excited to be exhibiting alongside these amazing artists. I only wish I could see the show in person. I reckon it’ll be great so if you can make it to one of the locations to check it out please do.
You can read more about the show, plus get a sneak peak of some of the work on Kyle Houser’s blog homefry sketchbook.I’ll be posting some images of my works in the show here on the blog once the show opens. In the meantime I’ll share with you a piece that didn’t quite make it. (thank you customs and you’re incredible inability to repack artwork! Maybe homeland security was a little worried about her chainsaw…)Oh and one last thing – I know lots of self promoting today, my apologies! – but I just wanted to mention in case you haven’t noticed that I’ve set up a musing about mud facebook page which you can visit to get even more ceramic related content and eye candy for inspiration. I’m still trying to post as much info as I can here on the blog, but the reality is that there is so much relevant content out there that I can’t find the time to post it all. Having the facebook page helps to quickly link to websites of interest and amazing photo albums of clay objects and sometimes interesting dialogues on facebook. Please stop by for a visit and “like” the page. Thanks for your time, that’s enough self promotion for one day, enjoy the rest of your weekend!Cheers,
Carole

Grand Opening at Medalta Today!!!

by Carole Epp | Nov 5, 2011 | Uncategorized

In September 2009, the Friends of Medalta Society received over $3 million in funding from the Federal Government’s Economic Action Plan which would enable them to strengthen economic opportunities in Medicine Hat. On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Friends of Medalta will be unveiling their new gift shop, changing exhibit gallery, major reception gallery and collector’s gallery at the Medalta Potteries National Historic Site, which is a centerpiece of the Historic Clay District.

“Today’s grand opening of Medalta’s new facilities marks an important milestone for a cultural landmark that plays a vital role in attracting visitors to our community while preserving our past,” said LaVar Payne, Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “Our Government is proud to have contributed to an initiative that is creating economic benefits and jobs in our community.” In addition to the Federal Government’s support of the enhancements at Medalta, the Government of Alberta contributed over $1 million, primarily from the Major Community Facilities Program, while the City of Medicine Hat contributed $365,000.

The construction work created significant jobs for local workers over the past two years, positively impacting the local economy during tough economic times. With the enhancements completed, Medalta is expected to be a major regional destination, drawing additional visitors to the area, further impacting the local economy.

“Thanks to the Community Adjustment Fund and Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we have been able to hire a significant amount of local workers,” explained Historic Clay District Executive Director Barry Finkelman. “With these new facilities now open to the public, this region will see additional and sustained economic benefit from being a strong tourism draw.”

To celebrate Medalta’s enhancements, a grand opening celebration is being held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011. At that time, it will be dedicated the “Yuill Family Gallery” and will feature greetings from Federal, Provincial and Municipal representatives. Everyone is welcome to attend this event.