Represented by the auspicious dragon in Chinese mythology, 2012 is a very significant year for the arts on Denman.
The long weekend in May will mark the Silver Jubilee for the annual Pottery Studio Tour, and this Sunday, the public is invited to attend a special warmup event with Denman’s very own legendary dragon!
A rare, climbing-hill-dragon kiln (also known as an ‘Anagama’) is built into a hillside on the forested property of internationally known potter, Gordon Hutchens. One of only two of its kind in North American today, this fire-breathing giant awakens each spring with an enormous appetite for wood that must be satiated with round the clock feedings for days.
Potters attend from near and far to participate in the communal ritual that is an Anagama firing, and between 1 and 4 p.m. this Sunday, the public is invited to observe this ancient ritual.
Many of the most beautiful results from this firing will be on display over the official Pottery Studio Tour weekend May 19 and 20. Twelve venues will be featured this year, including the Denman Arts Centre Gallery.
A 25-year retrospective will celebrate the history of creativity through clay on the island, including both past and present tour participants, as well as others! For directions to the climbing-hill-dragon kiln, and a sneak preview of the tour, visit www.denmanpottery2012.blogspot.com.
— Denman Pottery Studio Tour
