Instructor: Allison Severance

Skill Level: All skill levels

I make pots that are meant to have a job – to be used on a daily basis and that hopefully enhance and add pleasure to the rituals of preparing, sharing, and enjoying food. The serving and prep of food for me (and my domesticity) play a vital role in my choices and consideration of the form and the surface of my pots as soon as the clay hits the wheel. Rims are left thick and handle generous for lifting pots in and out of the oven. I think my pots depict my less is more approach to surface decoration, since it is the food in the finished pot –  whether held in the hand or sitting on the tabletop – that brings the pot to life.  I will demo mugs, oval and square bakers, pounded plates, serving bowls, and other pots for good food.

“I finish my pots in my wood salt kiln because I love exploring the element of controlled chance. And I have always been intrigued by and admired and respected the mystical surfaces of pots decorated by fire, ash, and salt. It is important to me not only to carry on the tradition of creating pots using traditional and historical techniques but to work within the traditional role of the potter and make engaging and well-crafted functional pots. My pots are meant to have a job, to be used and held by many hands to enhance and add pleasure to the daily rituals of preparing, sharing, and enjoying food. My goal is to make good pots for good food or art for food!”

Students will be provided with 25 lbs of cone 6 clay to make their pieces during the workshop. Students are welcome to bring more clay if they wish.

Students will have the option to fire their pieces at the Kevin Lehman Studio for $25 per student, payable to Kevin Lehman at the time of the class.

About the Instructor:

Allison grew up on a rural farm and earned a BA in Art from Hood College in Frederick, Md.

She also studied Painting and Printmaking and Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

While a stay-at-home mom, Allison discovered clay in her late 30’s. She apprenticed with wood fire potters Bill VanGilder and John Thies. She immediately established her first pottery and built her first wood kiln – a catenary arch cross draft. In 2012 she relocated and built another wood kiln- a downdraft bourry box.

Her goal is to make good pots for good food.

Her pots have been included in numerous national and international exhibitions, including Salzbrand Keramics in Germany, the Orton Cone Box Show, and the Strictly Functional Show here in the states. Allison has been included in numerous publications, including Clay Times Magazine; Ceramics Monthly; The Log Book, International Wood-Fired Ceramics Publication; and Salzbrand Keramics 2004. She currently makes and fires at her studio in Cascade, Maryland, and teaches at the Art League in Alexandria, Virginia.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen does not provide cash refunds for the cancellation of classes unless the class is canceled by the instructor or the Guild.

In order to request a withdrawal from a workshop, students must contact the Guild by phone at 717-431-8706 or contact us here at least 7 days prior to the class. Students who request a withdrawal at least 7 days prior to the class will receive a credit that can be used toward another workshop. No refunds or transfers will be given to cancellation requests made with less than 24 hours’ notice of the class.

Please note that we are unable to provide refunds for missed classes due to personal scheduling conflicts. If you are sick with Covid-19 or believe that you may have been recently exposed, please email kelly@pacrafts.org.

To purchase a ticket at the member discounted rate, please login here.

  • From the Potter's Wheel to the Kitchen Table
     2023-06-17
     9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • From the Potter's Wheel to the Kitchen Table
     2023-06-18
     9:00 am - 4:00 pm
We're sorry, but all tickets sales have ended because the event is expired.

Venue:  

Venue Phone: 717-509-7547

Venue Website:

Address:
580 S Prince Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17603, United States

Workshop Teachers