Endorsing Earthy Art for the Holidays

Elect to beat the rush, debate the table and vote for mud by embracing the Kiln Club's holiday sale at historic Colvin Run Mill.

The table and tree lobby welcomes handmade artisan ornaments and tableware for smart earlybird shoppers, no gullible turkeys are they. Washington area potters offer decorative and functional handmade ceramic giftware and tableware for serving and for those deserving.

Local potters will meet and greet during this shopping event, promising artisan one-of-a-kind platters, bowls, cups and more. Whichever party, functional high-fire pottery, distinctive for its vivid glassy glazes over porcelain or stoneware is durable and suitable for microwave, oven and dishwasher use. Powerful silhouettes and handpainted details speak to the artistic eye and are ready to go from kitchen to table.

Decorative raku vases, statuettes and contemporary forms are charismatic candidates with family values, ready to humbly serve as holiday centerpieces or hostess gifts.

Each pottery piece has a unique personal narrative brimming with likability. Platters focus on a central agenda while trays and side dishes represent fringe issues. Vases waver between liberal and conservative while teapots are pure power players.

Whether a NASCAR dad, joe six-pack or security, hockey or soccer mom, this brand of mudslinging makes merry the holiday season.

Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located at 105 North Union Street, Studio 19, Alexandria, Va. 22314. For further artist information call the Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288, visit www.torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope or www.kilnclubwdc.com

Sale is November 2-3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at Colvin Run Mill located at 10017 Colvin Run Rd. in Great Falls, Va. at the intersection of Colvin Run Rd. and Leesburg Pike (Rt. 7). Credit cards, checks, cash accepted.

Kiln Club is an organization of more than 90 Washington D.C. area artists working in the clay medium. Juried members exhibit themed shows every other month at the co-op run Scope Gallery in Alexandria's Torpedo Factory Art Center and members participate in sales in Bethesda, Md. in August and Great Falls, Va. in November.