Celebrating 10 years & Loveland, Ohio Painting to be Unveiled Saturday

Whistle Stop Clay Works 3rd Annual Pottery Affaire celebrates 10 years and will feature the unveiling of the latest Loveland painting by artist Kate Albert

WHISTLE STOP CLAY WORKS: Edited for publication by Chuck Gibson

LOVELAND, OH (September 8, 2020) – Whistle Stop Clay Works will continue celebrating 10 years in Loveland with two very special works of art during their 3rd Annual Pottery Affaire this Saturday, September 12 at 11a.m.-4 p.m.

The pottery studio and gallery opened on June 10, 2010 and offers classes for children and adults, clay workshops and has an art gallery.

“When we hatched the idea of creating a space for a pottery community, we never imagined how much people would come to love it,” said co-founder Kay Bolin. “The studio is a safe place for people to create and express themselves.  It has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my life.” 

In honor of the 10 year celebration, WSCW will be raffling a special Whistle Stop inspired, clay manhole cover. This unique commemorative piece was crafted by Tim O’Grady, clay artist and co-founder of WSCW, for the celebration.  O’Grady has created over one hundred ceramic manhole covers. Each one required about 35-50 hours of work to complete.

“I’ve always been inspired by the beauty, art and symmetry in these everyday objects, that many people simply overlook,” O’Grady said. “I’m very pleased to be offering this special cover to one lucky winner.”

The WSCW studio welcomes the public to attend this special ten year anniversary celebration. Door prizes will be offered every hour during the Pottery Affaire on September 12.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 12 or online at www.whistlestopclayworks.com/pages/shop.html.

The Pottery Affaire features the offerings of local artists including hand-made pottery, paintings, note cards, photographs, and much more. This show is an opportunity to support local artists and buy unique, hand crafted work.

“Support from our local patrons is needed now more than ever,” said Kate Albert, among the local artists whose works will be featured. “The impact of your purchases is greater than many people might realize . . . and it is so very much appreciated. We couldn’t be here without them.”

 Albert’s latest painting depicting Loveland, Ohio will be unveiled during the Whistle Stop Clay Works event. The painting captures the charm and personality of Loveland by including details that makes the city the Sweetheart of Ohio.  You’ll see the Loveland Castle, Bike Trail, canoe livery, Nisbet Park, iconic restaurants and many local businesses highlighted in this piece.

“I have been working for a long time to create something that represents the breadth of Loveland’s unique charm,” Albert said. “There is so much history and energy here that commanded my attention these past years, and I’m proud to be a part of that. The tiny details you’ll see are what make this painting so uniquely captivating. I hope this piece reinforces a sense of pride in the local community.”

The painting can be seen for the first time at 11am on Saturday, September 12. Copies of the painting will also be available for purchase at that time.

The artist, Kate Albert, plans to attend the September 8, Loveland City Council meeting to gift a copy of the painting to the City of Loveland.

The September 12th show will also include demonstrations on the potter’s wheel and pottery studio tours.  Along with hourly door prizes, there will be tent that will support Mason Empty Bowls and the L.I.F.E. Food Pantry. 

NOTE: The outdoor show will require vendors and shoppers to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines.

The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 12th from 11a.m. thru 4 p.m.

More information can be found at: www.whistlestopclayworks.com