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Marcia Merrins hosting stop during pottery tour

Work by Paula Coats.

Marcia Merrins at 42 Rosalyn Court, Fredonia will be hosting a stop during this year’s Chautauqua Pottery Tour, which takes place this weekend. She will be joined by artist Paula Coats.

Merrins is an artist that 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.

“‘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.

“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!”

Work by Marcia Merrins.

Homemade apricot almond biscotti will be on hand.

Joining Merrins 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.

“Lately in my hand building I have become fascinated with adding textured designs to the pieces and seeing how the glazes ‘break’ over this texture. I am constantly amazed to discovered to discover what occurs when clay and fire merge,” Coats said.

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.

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