Wayne County to open "Finch Studio Potters"

The Arts Council of Wayne County will be opening “Finch Studio Potters,” an exhibit of pottery from Dan Finch and potters from his Bailey, NC studio on Thursday, October 23. An opening reception will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm hosted by Dawn and Michael McDonald and Kathryn and Cale Sumrell of Goldsboro. Music at the reception will be provided by the Flat Mountain Dulcimers. This exhibit will feature more than 80 pieces of pottery of all shapes and sizes. Dan Finch will be exhibiting as well as Wayne County potters: Theresa A. Glisson, Linda Goodwin, Randy Wright, and Barbara Kosak. There also will be works by potters from Raleigh to the coast and even Suffolk, VA, who all create their pottery at the Bailey studio. There are more than 36 potters participating in the exhibit.

Just outside Bailey, North Carolina you'll find Finch Pottery and Nursery. There you can browse through Dan Finch's stoneware, porcelain, wood-fired, salt-glazed, and raku pottery selection. Along with pots, you'll also find hand-crafted Bluebird Homes and Blueberry plants at the Nursery.

As past Director of the North Carolina Pottery Center and former President of the Village of Yesteryear at the North Carolina State Fair, Dan Finch is continually involved in promoting pottery throughout the state. Dan was exposed to clay while studying for his BA in Industrial Arts and Masters in Liberal Studies. Having worked the land on the family tobacco farm, it was only natural for him to be attracted to the medium. Dan continued his pottery education at the Penland School of Crafts, in the mountains of North Carolina. Extremely diverse, Dan throws miniature pots for children during demonstrations, 10-foot tall pots and 30 pound bowls in stoneware, and delicate pieces of porcelain.

Arriving at Finch Pottery studio, you are greeted by rock gardens, lush plants and bubbling water fountains. A variety of pots adorn the deck, along with a large stoneware wall piece depicting a tobacco barn. That image has come to be known as Dan's “signature.” The studio is not only Dan's work space, but is also a school for pottery students to explore the craft. The relaxed atmosphere and studio hours are a result of Dan's friendly, generous teaching style. He is quick to share his knowledge and experiences as he quietly guides students through the learning process. Each student is allowed to grow at his or her own pace, resulting in pots that reflect the individual's personality and creativity, "By growing and learning one's self, the clay is given life. And when the clay is alive, it reflects the journey, philosophy and personality of the potter."

The Arts Council of Wayne County is located on the corner of Ash Street and Spence Avenue in Goldsboro. Exhibit dates are October 23 through noon on November 26. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 9am -5pm, Saturdays this fall from 11am -2pm, and beginning November 3 Monday evenings until 7pm. This reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. Contact the Arts Council for more information, 736-3300 or www.artsinwayne.org .