Wheel-Throwing Demo at TR Pottery in Fish Creek

Tony Gebauer throws large vessels in sections, dries each slightly with a propane torch, and then pieces the sections together for the finished pottery.

Potter Tony Gebauer will demonstrate techniques for creating large ceramic pots on the wheel on the first three Saturdays in March from 1 – 3 pm. Gebauer throws large vessels in sections, dries each slightly with a propane torch, and then pieces the sections together and works with the clay until the seams disappear.

“These special demonstrations are an opportunity for us to share the technique and answer questions about the process,” said Gebauer. “Also, it gives us something else to focus on during the winter and provides an opportunity for folks to stop by to visit. The pots made during these demonstrations will be fired in our anagama kiln in early April.”

An anagama is a single-chamber kiln that uses wood as its fuel. Firings last three to four full days. During this time the kiln is stoked every five to seven minutes, around the clock.

“During the firing, flames have direct contact with the pots creating beautiful variations in surface color and texture,” Gebauer explained. “We always have a lot of smaller functional pots in the gallery from the anagama. These large pots will show what the kiln can do with a large surface area.”

TR Pottery is a working studio and gallery located in downtown Fish Creek on Main Street next to The Cookery restaurant. The gallery will be open the first three Saturdays in March from 10 – 5 pm. For more information call 920.868.1024 or visit http://www.trpottery.com.