Kathy Szente-Bodor

On my easel

Another artist that doesn't quite have an easel but is sharing her work in progress 

Kathy is at Studio #5 Monica Generro is also at this location

Maria Szente-Bodor

Another new artist to introduce you to Maria Szente-Bodor
Maria is a potter

Here are some pictures of her work

Marie shares ...... Two decades later still the most exited moment is when I open my kiln after glaze firing

Visit Maria at Studio #5 on this years Tour. She is a guest artist at Monica Gennaro's studio. 

Ed Keith

Ed is one of our potters He has been a favourite on the Tour for many years. 

Recently he did some firing in downtown Toronto and at his home in Ballantrae. 

More information about Raku pottery from Wikipedia is here 

Here are some recent photos of recent Raku events. 

Some from the verandah of the Gardiner Museum and the others of some of my students from Cedar Ridge doing their firing in sunny Ballantrae.

Thank you Ed for sharing these pictures with us. 

Ed is Studio #7 on this years Tour. 

Getting ready for the Tour

Marie Messina is very busy these days .

"I’m working hard getting my pots ready for a glaze firing.
As usual so much to do only 2 months to go!!!!"

Make sure to see the finished works of art at studio #17 on this years Tour.

Potential future Tour member

Marie Messina shares some pictures of her teaching a new generation pottery. Looks like they were having fun ...... maybe a new Tour member in a few years?

All set

Well we are all set to go!

Its a great Studio Tour - meet the artists, see wonderful art, a fun way to spend some time this weekend. We look forward to meeting you ..... look for our signs!

October 19 - 20  10am to 5 pm

Marie Messina

Marie Messina's pottery is always in high demand
Here are some of her latest pieces

1-to be bisque fired

2- to be glazed

3- glazed and ready for final firing

Marie says
"I’m trying to get it all done.
Hopefully I will get there before the start of our tour."

Visit Marie at Studio # 17

Rita Staniforth

Artists find their inspiration from many different things in life. Studio Tour artist Rita Staniforth has found inspiration for future pottery creations...

Rita says: "I've just got back from a trip to the UK and, always looking for inspiration, I came upon an article about a group called "Little Hen Rescue".   They take care of battery hens that are no longer productive, many of which are featherless for various reasons.    While at the shelter, they need to be kept warm so there are lots of knitters across the country making little hen sweaters (or jumpers, as they are called in the UK)!   Once the birds` feathers grow back, they are put up for adoption as pets.   Great idea for a piece of pottery!   So next year, there will be a few of these `little hens in jumpers` on sale.   If I sell any, I`ll donate the funds."  

Make sure to see Rita's work at Studio #4

New work

Tour artist Marie Messina is excited about her new work.....

 

I have returned from my trip to British Columbia totally inspired!  The scenery and beauty there has motivated me to design some fresh, new pieces.  

 

  

In addition to my signature glaze, I have added some new glazes and speckled clay to my latest creations.   

 

I am thrilled to say, I have produced some very distinctively shaped bowls and unique serving pieces for this year’s Studio Tour.

It’s been a marvelous time!  I have loved every moment creating on my wheel and bringing to life each and every piece.   I hope that my supporters will enjoy my latest designs.

Make sure to stop by studio number 20 on this year's tour to see Marie's work

Marie and Margaret

 A picture from last year's Tour at a very popular spot, four artists at one studio. On our Tour every location is a studio of at least one of the artists, therefore some of the stops have more than one artist! 

The Studio Tour artists have started gearing up for the 2012 Tour Weekend.  

Ray McNeice and Margaret Grandison are happy to be again hosting their good friend, potter Marie Messina and their talented photographer son, James Wilkes. This made for a very busy household last year as witnessed by Marie and Margaret taking a much-needed break behind the kitchen counter.

 Thanks to Ray for the write up and James for the picture.

Rita Staniforth

Rita creates wonderful whimsical pottery and has been busy since the Tour.

Rita would like to report

"As a result after the last show, and as a result of our advertising,  I got a commission to make 6 of my sheep.  The client had recently returned from Ireland where she'd spent a vacation with 5 lady friends.  She requested 6 sheep, each with a shamrock on their bellies, which she wanted to give as Christmas gifts.  I was happy to oblige.  I'm currently working on a whimsical Scottish terrier which has been requested by a lady whose mother bought one of my pieces several years ago - again because of the Tour."  

Great work Rita!

Marie's studio

new pieces drying

bisque fired and ready to be glazed

finished product

Marie's studio

Potting with Marie

centering a ball of clay


making an opening in the centre of the clay


pulling the opening to widen it


smoothing the inside of the piece


pulling the clay upward to give height to the piece

smoothing and straightening the outside

flanging (making a rim) on the top of the piece


finished piece ready for the drying process