Service Description

In 2024, The Village Potters Clay Center (TVPCC), located is Asheville, NC, was devastated by Hurricane Helene, which brought severe flooding to Western NC. All funds raised from this workshop by TVPCC’s co-founder Sarah Wells Rolland will be dedicated to the recovery efforts for the center. Sarah’s workshop will include a demonstration, talk, and slide presentation titled, “My Process, My Work, and The Village Potters Clay Center: Our Evolution, The Flood, and Rising Again.” In this presentation, she will narrate the journey of The Village Potters Clay Center, from its inception to becoming a vibrant community, and its resurgence following the flood. Donations will be accepted to aid in their recovery efforts. Demonstration: Sarah is renowned for her impactful work and innovative teaching style. She inspires others by sharing her techniques for refining skills and stretching the boundaries of clay to create unique and original pieces. In this demonstration, Sarah will discuss her creative process, artistic purpose, and aesthetic vision. One of her passions as an educator is to encourage ceramic artists and potters to embrace creativity, take risks, and explore the limits of clay through the art of throwing pots. Techniques she will share: 1. Techniques for using all the clay 2. Altering 3. Darting 4. Shaving 5. Handles that complement the form, pulled and wheel thrown 6. Sculpting and adding clay to pots. 7. Spouts and how to make them function well Sarah enjoys demonstrating her Closed Form Pitcher, which incorporates all the techniques previously discussed. She will explain her aesthetic choices and how she adds line and movement to her creations. ABOUT: Sarah Wells Rolland dedicated 20 years to her craft as a studio potter, selling works to galleries. This journey ignited a passion for teaching, culminating in the establishment of The Village Potters Clay Center in Asheville, NC, in 2011. Following a devastating flood in September 2024, efforts are now underway to restore and relocate to a new 18,000 square foot facility. To support this initiative, they are raising funds through a GoFundMe page and offering classes, with the goal of reopening in the summer of 2025. The center remains committed to its mission of fostering creativity and supporting emerging potters within the community.