Thrown Together Potters hosting a 2-day sale at Free Range Brewing this weekend

Thrown Together formed in 2006 as an informal place for artists to discuss their work, offer critiques and provide support. Because creative endeavors often demand a certain degree of isolation, the group became an important outlet for the artists. “Making pottery is a pretty lonely activity with countless hours spent in the studio,” said artist Ron Philbeck.

After experiencing individual successes but seeing the marketing advantage of pooling resources (like mailing lists) together, the group decided to start hosting collaborative bi-annual sales in April and October. “We had all done large national craft/design shows and wanted to do something that was more intimate and brought the public to us,” said Philbeck.

Thrown Together events are an art exhibition, sale and party all rolled into one. This weekend’s event in Charlotte will feature guest artist Dan Finnegan from Fredericksburg, V.A., live music from Grey Brewster and plenty of beer at Free Range Brewing.

Each artist has a different area of focus – soda glazed stonewear, handbuilt porcelain, earthenware – and within that focus, the products and styles they produce vary according to inspiration, exploration and customer demand. “Right now my favorite pots to make are vases and jars,” said Philbeck. “I came up with a very neat vase during my last making cycle that I really like. I only made two so now I’m ready to make several more and see where that shape takes me.”

A “make cycle” is usually the time it takes to produce a full load in the kiln, the oven-like device used to harden clay into a finished product. This can total anywhere from 80 t0 180 pots (depending on size) and can take the artist several weeks to a couple of months to complete.

It’s an art that has deep roots here in the state. “North Carolina has a strong pottery history that goes back hundreds of years,” said Philbeck. “We are happy to keep this tradition alive by making beautiful and useful pots that will last for generations to come.”

Not familiar with collecting handmade pottery? Not a problem. Just start with one piece. “Many people start out purchasing a mug or bowl for daily use,” said Philbeck. “Then they realize how much a handmade pot enriches the time they spend with it during coffee or meals. This can lead to a bit of an addiction!”

What about if you break a piece? Whether you’re a customer using it or an artist creating it, Ron says you have to just move on. “It’s part of the process,” he said. “Not everything makes it. And after all it’s just clay and I can sit down and make another pot for the next kiln load.”

Meet the Thrown Together artists

Ron Philbeck
Amy Sanders
Jennifer Mecca
Julie Wiggins
Allison McGowan Hermans
Michael Hamlin

Thrown Together Fall Sale and Party

Location: Free Range Brewing – 2320 N. Davidson Street
Date/Time: Friday, October 3 (5 – 9 p.m.); Saturday, October 4 (noon – 6 p.m.)
Music: Grey Brewster performs Friday night
www.throwntogetherpotters.com