Well, that was unexpected
Apr. 21st, 2017 10:03 pmUp at Ceramic Showcase, in our new old location--back in the Oregon Convention Center, but sharing a hall with the other guilds. We're in the opposite end of Hall A than we used to be, a smaller, more compact show, but it's a nice layout, and easier, I think, to get around in than last years long narrow venue.
I also like being back in the same building on the same date as the other craft guilds. More people come out for the combined event, and we spend free time cruising each other's shows, occasionally with intent to buy.
I don't have a work shift until 1 pm, so spend the morning in the booth, talking to customers, restocking pots and discussing pottery with the high school students who come in by the busload. Explain my decorating process to one pair, who take copious notes and wonder between them which of their shop glazes would make the best base for over-glazing. When another girl tells me she's only managed bowls on the wheel so far, I tell her how to make a canteen-style bottle by joining two bowls together, tipping it vertical and adding a coiled foot and neck. And make her promise to email me a picture if she makes one.

Baba Yaga Takes An Apprentice (I changed the title, after I glazed striped "witchy sox" in red and white on the little girl. Figured she's trying to make a good first impression.) gets a lot of favorable comments, both from customers and other potters, many of whom said they voted for me in the awards poll. So I guess I shouldn't be too surprised when the gallery host comes by mid-morning, says do I know that my piece is getting an award. They've moved it onto the front pedestals, and do I have anything else to put in the gallery? I don't have another sculpture, so give them a big oval platter.
Later, when I walk by the gallery, I see that Ginger Steele has a teapot on the spot, and Terry Axness has a beautiful big sculpture, featuring a crab, a pelican and a giant tortoise. I figure Ginger for the Bennett Welsh (surface decoration) award. Since Terry's piece is on the highest pedestal, I figure me for second place, which is still pretty nice; highest I ever did before was Honorable Mention, two votes below the third place winner.

Comes six o'clock, and Dawn announces that Ginger, indeed, has won the Bennett Welsh award. Then she announces second place to… Terry Axness!
Guys, I won Best of Show. Serious bragging rights, and a $250 prize. Also? While I was on sales shift this afternoon, I met the people who bought the sculpture.
Oh. My.
I also like being back in the same building on the same date as the other craft guilds. More people come out for the combined event, and we spend free time cruising each other's shows, occasionally with intent to buy.
I don't have a work shift until 1 pm, so spend the morning in the booth, talking to customers, restocking pots and discussing pottery with the high school students who come in by the busload. Explain my decorating process to one pair, who take copious notes and wonder between them which of their shop glazes would make the best base for over-glazing. When another girl tells me she's only managed bowls on the wheel so far, I tell her how to make a canteen-style bottle by joining two bowls together, tipping it vertical and adding a coiled foot and neck. And make her promise to email me a picture if she makes one.

Baba Yaga Takes An Apprentice (I changed the title, after I glazed striped "witchy sox" in red and white on the little girl. Figured she's trying to make a good first impression.) gets a lot of favorable comments, both from customers and other potters, many of whom said they voted for me in the awards poll. So I guess I shouldn't be too surprised when the gallery host comes by mid-morning, says do I know that my piece is getting an award. They've moved it onto the front pedestals, and do I have anything else to put in the gallery? I don't have another sculpture, so give them a big oval platter.
Later, when I walk by the gallery, I see that Ginger Steele has a teapot on the spot, and Terry Axness has a beautiful big sculpture, featuring a crab, a pelican and a giant tortoise. I figure Ginger for the Bennett Welsh (surface decoration) award. Since Terry's piece is on the highest pedestal, I figure me for second place, which is still pretty nice; highest I ever did before was Honorable Mention, two votes below the third place winner.

Comes six o'clock, and Dawn announces that Ginger, indeed, has won the Bennett Welsh award. Then she announces second place to… Terry Axness!
Guys, I won Best of Show. Serious bragging rights, and a $250 prize. Also? While I was on sales shift this afternoon, I met the people who bought the sculpture.
Oh. My.
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