Julie Hadley, Heather Jackson, Lana Kova, Jeffrey Loura, and David Moldover
Show: April 10–May 8
Reception: Friday, April 10th, 5:30–8pm
Note: this event is now full. If you want to be placed on the wait list, please email us
FREE Lecture and Demonstration
Friday, November 7th, 6:30-8pm
As part of our visiting scholars program, La Mano Pottery is honored to host a lecture and demonstration by talented potters from Oaxaca, Mexico. On Friday, November 7th, Elia Mateo and Dorotea Mateo (pictured above), who are part of the Zapotec potters in San Marcos Tiapazola, a small village in the hills of Oaxaca, will be at La Mano Pottery—giving us a rare look at their masterful techniques in working with clay. Elia and Dorotea will also bring some pieces to La Mano which will be for sale.
These remarkable and talented women have mastered their craft in the tradition of their families, learning from their mothers, who in turn passed down knowledge and techniques from their mothers. They have upheld and upgraded a 4000 year tradition of working with clay against all odds and will be in NYC to demonstrate their craft for us.
This program is made possible by the work of Innovando la Tradicion, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the work of talented artisans from the Oaxaca region. Kythzia Barrera Suarez and Diego Mier y Teran, founders of Innovando la Tradicion, will be on hand to describe the work of their organization and to provide context and translation for the demonstration.
The program will start at 6:30 pm. While La Mano is offering this event FREE of charge, there will be limited space. Reserve your spot now so you will not be turned away at the door. Register »
These two artists have collaborated with Liliana Ovalle, a designer from Mexico City and their work will be on display at the Museum of Art and Design from November 4, 2014- April 6, 2015.
***LOTS OF MUGS ARE STILL ON SALE IN THE GALLERY***
Friday, October 17th, 6-9pm
Don't miss the 12th annual La Mano Oktoberfest mug sale and party... Purchase a handmade stoneware mug, stein or cup and we'll keep filling it up!
In the gallery September 8th–October 8th
Reception: September 19th at 5:30pm
This is a collection of the finest work from our staff. See what they did on their summer vacations—at alternative firing staff retreats. Pit firing, raku, horse hair, obvera firing... They went 'back to the earth' before coming 'back to school' (pottery school, that is, where the homework is very dirty...)
In the gallery April 4–May 11
Opening Reception: April 4th, 5:30–8pm
Workshop with Bill Tersteeg
Saturday, April 19, 2014, 10:30–4:00
Register Now »
Please join us on April 19th for a hand building workshop led by Bill Tersteeg. Bill is an accomplished ceramic artist who will share unique hand building techniques as he demonstrates how to make and decorate a musical dragon. Because of their structure and length, the dragons can be used as musical horns, adding to their charm. (Several of Bill’s recent pieces will be on display in La Mano’s gallery during our April show.)
These dragons — standing as tall as 2 feet high — are sturdy cones of clay made without seams. This unique approach, which we have never seen in any hand building book or other workshop, has many applications that can enhance your own decorative or functional work. Bill will guide you step-by-step in making your own dragon and discuss how to apply these new techniques in other ways. Take home more than the dragon you will make — a new arsenal of hand building tips and techniques to add to your hand building skills.
All materials, including clay and tools, will be provided by La Mano Pottery, but you are welcome to bring along any favorite tools. Space is limited so make your reservation soon. You can sign up on line or call the studio to register or for more information: 212.627.9450
About the artist:
Bill Tersteeg owns Crystal Earth Gallery in Dalton, Pennsylvania. He is Professor Emeritus at Keystone College. His ceramic art — including many of his dragons — are included in numerous private and public collections both nationally and internationally.
To learn more about Bill Tersteeg and to see more of his work, visit www.williamtersteeg.com
In the gallery February 28–March 29
Opening Reception: Friday, February 28th
We sat down with Jessie, Richard, DV, and Posey. Read below to find out more about each potter...
Oval Box with Gold Decal
by Posey Bacopoulosf
What is Majolica?
POSEY: Majolica is a glaze tradition that began in the Middle East in the 9th century with a tin-opacified glaze. The majolica glaze is very smooth and white, which makes a good surface for decorating. The various colors are applied usually with a brush to the glazed surface to create the lively decorative patterns. The pots are then fired to cone 04 in an electric kiln.
Why did you choose majolica?
I choose majolica because I love to decorate. And that is what I enjoy most about the process.
What is your favorite tool?
My favorite pottery tool is my dagger brush that I use to make all the thin black lines in my decorations
What do you hope to communicate with your art?
DV: I think that the only thing that I want to communicate and share with my work is a smile. That is their purpose. If someone looks at my creature and it tickles them, then I am thrilled and that is my biggest reward.
From a young child, I was taught and encouraged to work with my hands. I loved sewing, beading and clay and I was very lucky because my mom always made sure that if I had an interest in something then she would make sure that I had the supplies and books. Often, I would take a class to learn a new skill. Play dough was my earliest introduction to clay. Actually, I believe that my mom made a play dough like substance out of corn starch. I think that every child needs the active interest, encouragement and time from an adult to help them develop a passion for crafts because in this day and age it is just too easy for a child to zone on the computer or TV.
Ceramic Bottles
by Jessie Lazar
Tell us about the pictures on your pots:
JESSIE: My drawings are fun and playful. If people look at my pots and smile, I feel I have succeeded.
What is your favorite pottery tool?
My silicon rib. It does the most things. It can be strong and soft and allows me to smooth the clay in order to become the canvas for my drawings and geometric patterns.
Close-up of Narwal Box
by Richard Stauffacher
What other artists inspire you?
RICHARD: As far as hand building is concerned, I really love the work of Shary Boyle and Beth Cavener Stichner, but I draw inspiration from all mediums. Lately, I've been spending a lot of time looking at Max Ernst's collages, Walton Ford's wildlife watercolors, and Luigi Serafini's surreal Codex Seraphinianus, all of which have all crept into my own pieces.
What is your favorite pottery tool?
Rubber-tipped clay shapers . I have a bunch in different shapes and pliability...they're indispensable.
Join us at our Annual Holiday Party & Sale on December 13th, from 5:30-8:30 and get all of your shopping done while toasting to another wonderful year at La Mano.