Annual Potter's Fest celebrates local talent

This year's Potter’s Festival at Crow Valley Pottery, “From Their Hands,” a focus on locally created functional pottery, opens on Friday, July 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the “Cabin.”

Every year the festival presents the works of Orcas artists. The well-known and unknown new discoveries are both showcased in the traditional summer celebration.

An expressive sculpture by Ruthie Newman is one of the show's centerpieces. A long-time Orcas resident, Newman's “Friends” series captures the unique personality of a variety of familiar figures. Her teapots and fountains are created with the same originality.

Returning favorites include the folk art style pottery of Sharon and Mike Douglas and the traditionally thrown and hand carved pots of Robin Rodenberger. Crow Valley Owners Jeffri Coleman and Michael Rivkin will be presenting new works from their own studio, which is celebrating its 50th year on Orcas Island.

Rodenberger will be demonstrating pottery technique in demonstrations during the opening weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Coleman and Rivkin spent close to a year planning this year's festival and have collected hundreds of functional handmade wares in a variety of styles, sizes and price points from dozens of potters throughout the Northwest and beyond.

The show runs through Aug. 2. Additional information is available by calling Crow Valley Pottery at 376 4260.