Orcas: Crow Valley Pottery prepares for 5th Annual Potters Festival

Crow Valley Pottery opens their fourth annual Potter’s Festival on Friday, Aug. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. with an opening reception that will feature demonstrations by Orcas Island artist Robin Rodenberger, music by Katie Jensen and wines from Vercingetorix Wines.

The 10-day art show will display the work of more than 30 regional and international potters including old favorites and new finds as well as sculpture, stoneware and raku according to Crow Valley Pottery owners Michael Rivkin and Jeffri Coleman.

Rodenberger, who has exhibited at the Potter’s Festival in previous years, has created a variety of new works for the show and will be doing demonstrations in throwing, sculpting and sculpture during the reception and on Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10.

“Robin Rodenberger is a long time Orcas resident who continues to expand her talents as a potter. This experienced artist throws pots on the wheel in traditional fashion, hand carves pots in her signature leaf motif, and creates outstanding original sculpture,” Rivkin says.

Potter Ruthie Gibbs will be doing a kick-wheel demonstration and artist Debby Neely will show woodblock print techniques during the festival.

Entertainment at the opening reception will be the island folk music of Orcas performer Jensen. According to Rivkin, Jensen’s music defines an earlier, gentler and slower time on Orcas.

New this year according to the owners is the addition of the award-winning wines of Vercingetorix Winery. The winery owners Bruce and Jan Hall, who share their time between Eastsound and Oregon, will be pairing their wines with Lou Daub refreshments at the reception.

“All the wines are limited bottling, and the Halls are excited to share some of their favorites with folks on Orcas,” Rivkin says.

More information is available by calling Crow Valley Pottery at 376-4260.

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