Submitted Photos Work by Marcia Merrins will be displayed during the inaugural Pottery Studio Tour Oct. 20-21.

Studio to studio pottery tours have been initiated in numerous parts of the United States. Since there is an ongoing desire on the part of the general public to own and give objects that have been made by hand by creative individuals in their own region, such pottery tours have become quite successful.

Chautauqua Area Potters, a community of local folks that work with clay, are offering the public an inaugural Pottery Studio Tour on Oct. 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public will get to meet the artists and several guest potters in seven different locations.

One of those artists participating is Marcia Merrins, an artist who loves to play with mud.

“Kniti Griti Works reflects my imagination. Since I began working in clay, my goal has been to make unique forms that bring as much joy and merriment to its owner as it does when I am creating them,” she said.

“Footed Bowls” are created from stoneware clay slabs and handbuilt. They are thematically based on interpretations of popular footwear designs or well known characters. “If there is an idea that intrigues me, I plow through the kinks until it meets my satisfaction. This is the impetus for these whimsical bowls as they become beloved personalities. They express attitude without a face. They can be functional, holding practical things, yet quirky. They are created with love and care with glaze applied with careful detail,” she said.

“I am attracted to the random action of fire on clay. For me, raku firing and wood firing are two of the most exciting processes in ceramics. For these, I sculpt animals that display this gift. I am always in awe of the results!”

You can visit Marcia during the First Annual Chautauqua Area Potters Studio Tour, Oct. 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homemade apricot almond biscotti will be on hand.

Joining Marcia will be friend and fellow potter, Paula Coats. Paula came to pottery later in life following a career in secondary education. She offers a variety of wheel thrown and handbuilt functional pottery as well as decorative sculptures.

Marcia’s studio is at 42 Rosalyn Court in Fredonia. Come visit! For more information visit KnitiGritiWorks.com.

Submitted Photos
Work by Marcia Merrins will be displayed during the inaugural Pottery Studio Tour Oct. 20-21.

Submitted Photos
Work by Marcia Merrins will be displayed during the inaugural Pottery Studio Tour Oct. 20-21.