A Mids?mmar Celebration

Painting by Liz Maltman.

Clay Bay Pottery in Ellison Bay celebrates Midsömmar with the opening of its new show, The Language of Flowers. The public is invited to view new works while enjoying refreshments and music by David Hatch and Lynn Gudmundsen on June 19, 5 – 8 pm. New works will be shown by Judy Bergerson and featured artists David and Jeanne Aurelius, Peder Hegland, Mary Deneen, Martha Winter, Sylvia Youell, Rick Risch and Liz Maltman will be on hand to greet guests. Flower-filled activities for the family and pottery demonstrations are on tap for June 20, 12 – 4 pm.

This year’s theme was inspired by the New York Times bestseller, The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, whose main character has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them.

Jeanne will show new lady vases, platters and bowls adorned with chrysanthemums, hollyhocks and trillium.

David’s prolific flower gardens were inspiration for his pieces. He’ll show platters and plates with abstracted flowers from stencil cut­outs along with designs from his favorite flowers – lupines, lilies and passion vines.

Peder Hegland created pottery pieces depicting his interpretation of scenes from the book.

Mary Deneen and Martha Winter created “Open Minded Women” who hold, tend, and share the beauty of summer flowers. They will also have whimsical mugs, small plates, and wall pieces.

Platter by Jeanne Aurelius.

Local artist Rick Risch works primarily in oil, and is inspired to paint a blossom in the simplest way.

With the exception of the small oil-on-copper pieces done especially for this show, Liz Maltman’s paintings have been created en plein air, drawing inspiration from gardens, flower-filled fields and vases of flowers.

Nationally known local jeweler Sylvia Youell is crafting some sterling silver pieces with flower motifs for the show, including flower pendants and unique lady slipper sculptures.

Midsömmar will be celebrated at Clay Bay Pottery on June 19, 5 – 8 pm, and June 20, 12 – 4 pm. This exhibit will be open through the end of August. For more information call 920.854.5027.