Clay artists are not the only ones who can take part in the Watershed Experience.  The distinctive, creative atmosphere here can provide inspiration for every artistic medium.  During the week of August 3-8, Mary Barringer, editor of Studio Potter Magazine and an accomplished clay artist herself,  hosted a special workshop session at Watershed.  The workshop, entitled “Clay & Words: A Workshop for Artists who Write,” focused on the vital connection that exists between our thinking and making processes, and the vital role played by words and writing, both in our own work and contemporary ceramics as a whole.

Mary Barringer, Creamer with Crease.

This dynamic session attracted a wonderful group of individuals, including Ken Shipley from Tennessee, Sandra Dunn from Oregon, Elenor Wilson from New York, Kat O’Brien from Montreal, as well as summer staff member Janine Parziale.   It was clear that this group had a great connection and ideas flowed easily.  While the majority of their time was spent working in the common area of the house, they did make time to do a little work in the factory studios, and brought their own special flow to the energy of Watershed…it is rumored that they even took part in an impromptu dance party!