By Bill Robinson
Senior News Writer
RICHMOND —
Potters will be turning mud into gold, or at least works of art, as the sixth annual Great American Pottery Festival takes place in Irvine-McDowell Park on Sept. 11-12.
Eight demonstrating potters will be at the two-day festival, and two other potters will have their works on display, said Lori Murphy-Tatum, Richmond Tourism director.
Children famously like to play with mud and always enjoy getting to attempt turning a piece of pottery with the help of a professional potter at the festival, she said.
As if there was not enough fun for children, the Richmond Parks Department’s Kids Fest also will take place in the park.
The Zouper Stars, performers in giant inflated masks who resemble pop stars will be performing again this year for Kids Fest, said Erin Moore, assistant parks director.
“Last year, we had so many tell us that the Pottery Festival was one of the few outings they know of that is truly fun for the whole family,” Tatum said. “Erin is just great about coming up with great activities and entertainment for Kids Fest.”
Families also like the free admission to both festivals.
“These are tough times financially for many families,” Tatum said, “and the pottery festival is a fun even close to home that won’t cost you a lot of money.”
Because this is an election year, the festival expects many poltical candidates to attend.
“We’ve talked to some about competing with their opponents in turning some pottery,” Tatum said. “We haven’t gotten any of them to agree yet, even after I told them there wouldn’t be any mud slinging.”
The festival was started to celebrate Madison County’s pottery-making heritage. And, American Indians were making pottery here long before the first European settlers arrived in the mid 1770s. Bybee Pottery, which is probably around 200 years old or older, is one of the state’s oldest continually operating businesses.
When the first pottery festival was being planned, Tatum said she was unsure if potters other than the well-known Bybee Pottery and Tater Knob Pottery would participate.
Pottery is far from a lost art, she soon realized, as several local studio potters jumped at the chance to display their craft and sell their wares.
Eastern Kentucky University’s fine arts program also includes a good number of accomplished ceramics majors and instructors who also participate each year.
In addition to the potters, at least 40 other Kentucky arts and crafts vendors will have their products for sale.
Because of the city’s budget problems, Kids Fest is being made possible this year by a donation from Meijer in Richmond Centre. Also, a $4,500 surplus from Richmond’s July 4 celebration is helping to fund the pottery festival.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 624-6622.
