Three Weeks and Counting

The year is 2008 and the OPA President is Larry Nelson and the Chair of Ceramic Showcase is Beverly Curtis.

2008 was a very international year for the Oregon Potters Association.  We welcomed a delegation of potters from Hokkaido, Japan who participated in events at Ceramic Showcase as well as the Japanese Garden.  The 15 Hokkaido potters brought with them a breadth and diversity of clay techniques and styles which they shared through demonstrations during Ceramic Showcase.  An integral part of the OPA's mission is to provide public educational opportunities in the art of clay.  Although many did not share a common verbal language, the dialogue through clay was extensive.  Through this exchange, 28 OPA members were juried into a show in Sapporo, Japan.

In addition to the Hokkaido exchange, 3 OPA members traveled to El Salvador in February on a volunteer mission to teach art to children.  Artists taught paper making, mask making, book making, weaving and textiles.



And Best of Show 2008 is Karen Washburn.

Best of Show 2008
Karen Washburn

Poster Award 2008
Alan Higinbotham

And The Poster Award for 2008 is Alan Higinbotham

OPA General Meeting

Last Friday was a big night for OPA members. It was an evening to take care of business and catch up with members. Friday was dedicated to good food and for all OPA members that are participating in the upcoming Ceramic Showcase, it was the evening to pick your booth. First up, Janet Buskirk, followed by Ellen Currans and the rest of the membership. While everyone was waiting to choose, it was time to enjoy an amazing spread of food and chat, meet new members and enjoy everyone's company. It is an evening where we all get a chance to socialize, catch up with friends and meet members that many only know by name or the work that they do. New Member-at-Large, Tamara Bryan has taken on the role of OPA Photographer, enjoy the images that she captured during the evening.