Ceramic and Doll Show Attracts Dozens from In, Out of State

The Exhibitors Association recently held a Ceramics and Doll Show at the Knights of Columbus Council 905 in San Bernardino. People came from several states to the two-day event to enjoy classes in different ceramic styling, training about various techniques and to purchase ceramic supplies from vendors who came from as far away as Idaho and Nebraska to be part of the show. Marchelle and Paul Burnham of Backdoor Ceramics in Adrian, Idaho spent the day giving classes in making pottery through the Japanese art form called Raku. Once baked in the kiln, the piece is put into a container stuffed with paper that bursts immediately into flame. At a point in the cooling process a lid is put over the burning pot and it is allowed to stay in the intense heat until it is covered with a film that needs to be vigorously scrubbed off. Once scrubbed thoroughly the pot is gleaming with iridescence like a bright copper or brass while the colors painted it on before baking are bright and vivid. Each person in the class waited patiently as their pots were fired and released from the process; each pot was strikingly beautiful and different from ones that had similar colors. Owner Paula McCoy of Colors for Earth in Weatherford, Texas was teaching techniques for glass painting to a group of ladies from the San Diego area. Carol Ainsworth, the owner of Lou’s Ceramics in Spring Valley, had brought several of her students into the San Bernardino event so they could learn the intricacies of the delicate work on the glass pieces. Amy and David Roseburg, owners of San Bernardino’s Happy Hands Ceramic Studio, were attending the Ceramic and Doll show for about their 10th year. “We do a lot with local schools,” said Mrs. Roseburg, “It is rewarding to see the students and the work they do.” Jan Harper of Highland had come to the show to purchase supplies from her favorite vendor. “I was introduced to ceramics about 15 years ago by a friend,” she said, “It’s such an enjoyable hobby. I come here every year, twice a year, to the show to check out the classes and get some supplies. I love eagles and do a lot of work with eagles and other animals.” Each hour was topped with a door prize drawing for the attendees. Tim Hayes, Coordinator of the event has been involved with ceramics professionally since 1989. At one point he took over the Exhibitors Association and now oversees the event in the San Bernardino twice a year to meet the demands of ceramic workers throughout several states. Hayes was proud to point out the winners of the prestigious Best of Show ribbons for the two categories at the show. LaVon Hall of Victorville won Best of Show in ceramics for her piece showcasing a family of elephants while Mika Arakawa of the Irvine area took Best of Show in the Doll division. The Ceramic and Doll Show will return to the Knights of Columbus site on June 21 through June 22, 2014. For further information Hayes can be reached at 479-409-4000 or http://www.ceramicdollshows.com.