Technically the last day of my session is Friday, but Thursday held that same bittersweet feeling as the last day of summer camp.  It was obvious that nobody wanted this special time to end, yet many have loved ones back at home who they could not wait to see.  The electric kilns were firing the last loads of lowfire work, and the soda kiln was slowly cooling.  So residents began to pack up finished work and supplies.

However, at least one resident found time to sneak off to the hillside and create an on site sculpture.  Tom Dykas made this three and a half foot dog on the grassy slope outside the window of the factory studios.  This is such a wonderful example of “Art for Art’s Sake.”  Having some time left after finishing his other work, Tom braved the mosquitos and black flies to form this spontaneous piece “just because he wanted to make something.”

Thursday evening we were treated to an Indian inspired feast, prepared by members of Watershed’s Summer Staff.  Then, after a dessert of homemade mango and ginger ice creams, we headed back to the factory to unload the soda kiln.

Always an exciting event, it felt like Christmas morning as each piece was handed out and examined.  This was a great firing; we all got wonderful effects on our work, and there were smiles all around.

And as for the weasel?  The outcome was a little lack luster…the bones did survive the firing, but ended up being welded to the piece during the process.  However, Amy has not given up on the piece, and plans to attempt grinding the rough spots!