Mudworking the Holidays

The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum* in Delaware Water Gap, PA hosted an Opening Reception for The Mudworks and Friends* Holiday Show and Sale featuring a variety of artisans on Friday November 27th. The myriad of items included everything from jewelry to ceramics and from stained glass window adornments to unique clothing accessories keeping the wearer warm and fashionable. The afternoon proved to be a wonderful experience to get some holiday shopping done early as well as engage in some delightfully enriching conversation with those who created the item with their creative gifts.

There seemed to be fewer artisans present this year than previous ones. But, this diminished number did little to diminish the enjoyment of the event. In fact, the increased space of the gallery lent itself to a more leisurely atmosphere in which attendees could explore the variety of offerings without becoming overwhelmed by them. It seemed the idea behind this year’s show was to have a “Less is More” approach which worked very well.

Among those sharing their creative talents through their handiworks were JoAnn Stratakos* of MudWorks Pottery*, Ursula Pooley* of Me Crazy Jewelry, Linda Newswanger* of Get Lit Stained Glass, Mary Ann Kirkhoff* of Luxury Mohair Fiber Art, Pottery by Margaret Benson*, A and M DiCillo, and Cathy Wells of Out of My Gourd along with Marci Molina*, Anita Bondi*, Stan Stewart* and Susan Bradford* of Mandala Design Works*. In addition to these artisans, Jen Kotch* and Katie Taylor (who are studio assistants at MudWorks Pottery*) shared their works along with young Jessie Pooley* who had some soap products for sale. The Show and sale continues two more consecutive weekends on December 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2009 Gallery www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Here are the Website and email addresses of those mentioned in the article. They are The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum* at www.dutotmuseum.com, JoAnn Stratakos* of MudWorks Pottery* at www.mudworkspotterypa.com, Ursula Pooley* of www.mecrazy.com, Cathy Wells of Out Of My Gourd at camwells@ptd.net, Linda Newswanger* of Get Lit Stained Glass at getlitstainedglass@comcast.net, Marci Molina*, Anita Bondi*, Stan Stewart* and Susan Bradford* of Mandala Design Works* at www.madaladesignworks.com, Mary Ann Kirkhoff* of Luxury Mohair Fiber Art at www.fibersite.com, Jen Kotch* at www.randombabblefromtheday.blogspot.com, and A and M DiCillo at www.Naturesjewels.ecrater.com

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.