Local Art
Calling all pot-heads: Art of the Pot's studio tour demonstrates just how coolfunctional art can be
Austin has an organized tour for just about everything, and this weekend will be no different. The 9th annual Art of the Pot studio tour offers a chance to do some studio hopping, while exploring the work of 15 local and national ceramic artists.
Founded in 2004, and currently organized by potter Keith Kreeger and four other local artists, Art of the Pot was established to enhance the visibility of Austin's ceramics community. Over the years, it's grown into a nationally recognized pottery exhibit that attracts guest artists from around the country.
With 15 different exhibiting artists, Art of the Pot presents a broad spectrum look at what an artist can do with clay as a medium, and it's much more than the expected bowl or vase.
“You’ll see subtle glazes, bright and graphic work, and a large variety of forms,” Kreeger says. “The common thread is that it is all functional art.”
The casual, self-guided tour setting gives guests a chance to interact firsthand with the artists and, as guest artist Michael Kline says, “build a community and put a face and person with the work.”
That’s Kreeger’s favorite part of the tour, too. “The pottery you'll see becomes more than just a bowl or vase at that point,” he says.
“It becomes a story and a memory when you bring it home or give it as a gift. There is great thought, and years of refinement, put into each piece you'll see at the tour with each design decision having both an aesthetic and a functional purpose.”
Like any good Austin event, Art of the Pot keeps things fun and a little quirky. Pop into Keith Kreeger’s studio on Saturday afternoon for than just art his “Tacos, Shots and Pots” shindig meshes art with a couple of Austin's favorite things.
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Art of the Pot is free and open to the public. Tour hours are Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.artofthepot.com for tour details.