In its' ninth year the Clay Collective's Pottery Tour brings the public up close and personal to one of the world's oldest art forms. Art sometimes gets dusty, and unapproachable in a gallery space, and that should not be. Rick Lamore one of the collective's founding members believes their event allows the public to truly understand the process behind the craft of the finished product. "I feel we’ve made great inroads on the local population that people appreciate something they’ve never seen before. I do a demonstration and they see the process that produces that vase on the shelf,' says Lamore owner of Broadwing Clay Studio. 

Why Did The Collective Form Around Cambridge?

"A Lot of potters in area started working at Rowe Pottery, Rockdale Pottery, and WI pottery Columbus," says Lamore. As the market changed, and Rowe changed, the remaining potters in the area started a collective that runs from Cambridge to Johnson Creek. Rowe Pottery perhaps Cambridge's most famous business was established in 1975. The company has gone through changes over the years but still remains true to its' 18th and 19th century, country aesthetic. The group of potters developed a Spring tour to bring the public right into their home studios. Nine years later the event is so well-known that collective attracts visitors from three Midwestern states, and this year features 18 guests potters from around the country showing their wares at 7 locations. Over the years Lamore has seen how the knowledge and appreciation for pottery is passed from parents down to children. When people the studios its' like a quick art class, visitors see how the artists have their means of producing their beautiful work. Whether their kiln is gas, electric or wood fired, "people are quite amazed by what it requires to do this work," added Lamore.

Not only does the event create public awareness for the beauty and approach-ability for pottery but it helps the artists manage their bottom line. A gallery typically offers a 60/40 split, and the artist has to develop a reputation to even get their portfolio in the door. And in this time of COVID-19 some members are finding success online as well.

The 2021 Pottery Tour will look different than it did in previous years due to the pandemic. Lamore says he will have visitors outside viewing his work and demonstrations in a tent much larger than his gallery space. Many other members of the collective plan to have tents as well. Lamore says the Pottery Collective is asking guests to wear masks "for the proection of yourself and others." Hand sanitizer is available at all stops on the tour. And unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic no drinks or cookie trays will be out..

DETAILS:

When: Saturday May 1 to Sunday May 2, Hours: 10 am - 5 pm.

Where: Cambridge, Lake Mills, and Johnson Creek.