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Hansen’s Ceramic Sounds Featured at Potters Wheel Gallery

On Saturday, July 12, Potters Wheel Gallery, located on Gibraltar Road in Fish Creek, will open to new work by Colorado and Baileys Harbor ceramic artist John Hansen. Stoneware and Raku drums, plus exclusive “Planet Speakers,” will be demonstrated and played in the gallery from noon – 5 pm.

Hansen has been making ceramic instruments, primarily “Handland Drums,” for over 30 years. His stoneware speaker enclosures were originally created for a major European art exhibit and have provided artful sound systems for homes, exhibits, theaters and Potters Wheel Gallery. Hansen will show how his forms are made on the wheel and demonstrate their functions throughout the day, as well as periodically throughout the summer. Drums and instruments from other artists will also be available.

Hansen, who began his training in ceramics at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in the 1970s, is also known locally for his work with theater. Celebrating his 25th season of professional work in the arts in Door County, his Planet Speakers are performing as the sound system for Door Shakespeare.

“Planet Speakers act as a reflecting and focusing device for sound, giving them great efficiency, yet looking nothing like a typical speaker,” said Hansen. Potters Wheel Gallery offers these fine sculptural components exclusively in the Midwest.

This year marks the 53rd season for Abraham and Ginka Cohn’s Potters Wheel Gallery and Studio located just across Highway 42 from The Door Community Auditorium. Hansen’s functional pottery, including vases and tableware, will also be for sale in addition to the works of 40 potters from across the country. The gallery is open from noon – 5 pm daily (closed Thursdays). For more information call 920.868.3371.