Eppolito notes she makes wood fired pottery intended for everyday use. “A wood kiln has many variables. My interest and passion intertwine as I seek to understand the nuances of its response on my pottery. Therefore, I acknowledge the atmosphere of the kiln, using glazes and flashing slips that interact with melting wood ash. My forms encourage subtleties like controlling pooling, encouraging flashing, catching wood ash, or growing crystals. In turn, my pottery reflects an American tradition borrowed from an Asian aesthetic; yet, the wood ash speaks to my place, my home, Chautauqua County,” she said.

Below is information about the participating artists that she will be hosting.

ANN MORMILE

Mormile completed her Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and Bachelor in Fine Arts in ceramics in 2004. Shortly after her graduation, she began teaching at a private art studio in Jamestown, managing their ceramic studio and selling her work at a variety of venues. She spent about three years in Jamestown, and a fourth year teaching classes at the Cattaraugus County Arts Council before beginning graduate school at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2008.

This is artwork by Ann Mormile, who will be exhibiting along with Eppolito.

In 2011 she graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts in ceramics and a minor in metalsmithing. That fall, she began teaching and managing the Ceramic Studio at the University of Pittsburgh in Bradford, Pennsylvania, and instructing sculpture at St. Bonaventure University. In 2012, she became a full-time artist in residence at St. Bonaventure, and is currently a lecturer.

“In conclusion, I am, and will remain, a perpetual student. There will always be another technique to learn, skills to improve upon, and concepts to explore,” she said.

JESS SIMMONS

Simmons noted she first touched clay 15 years ago, unknowingly beginning deep delves into her artistic career. The medium led her to study at Alfred University where she graduated in 2013.

She currently lives and creates in Erie, Pa. As a full time, ceramics instructor at BLOOM Collaborative, Simmons is passionate about helping others facilitate joy and discovery through the creative process. She continues to develop her own work with a focus on utilitarian ceramics for everyday use. She stays inspired by the domestic landscape and her determination to keep “handmade” an essential part of the contemporary home.

Jess Simmons’ art will also be hosted by Eppolito.

Tour Chautauqua County on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to visit local potters in their studios, learn about their process and see new work available for purchase. Studios include: Mudslingers (Ron Nasca with Ted Lee, Amy Snyder, Jake Swanson, Sarah Zielonka) at 18 Water St., Fredonia; Lisa Eppolito with Jess Simmons and Ann Mormile at 261 Seymour St. Fredonia; Marcia Merrins with Paula Coats at 42 Rosalyn Court, Fredonia; Marvin Bjurlin with Randy Crawford, Linda Currier, Sally Danforth and Joe Moosman at 25 Maple Ave., Fredonia; Jim and Pat Reno at 6007 Route 54, Dewittville; and Audrey Dowling, Portage Hill Art Gallery, 6439 Portage Road, Westfield.

For details, see the Facebook page Chautauquapotterystudiotour.