8th annual Cannon River Clay Tour fires up pottery fans

Pottery fans were treated to beautiful summer weather last weekend during the 8th annual Cannon River Clay Tour. Nine local clay artists and 14 guest artists from around the region joined in the self-guided studio tour and sale that included four different stops around Northfield.

All four locations featured both new and emerging artists as well as familiar established artists.

Connole Studio, at the corner of Oak and Fourth Streets, was hosted by Kelly Connole and Joel Froehle. Guest artists included Chris Singewald, Audra Smith and Olivia Tani.

Just east of Northfield in the country on 90th Street, Chris and Sue Holmquist hosted a stop at the Holmquist Pottery Studio. Guest artists there included Christie Clarke, Steve Hemingway and George Lowe.

On Highway 3 just north of Northfield was another stop, Larchill Farm, with hosts Glynnis Lessing and Barbara Zaveruha. Guest artists set up under tents and inside the barn included Bekah Bliss, Nick DeVries, Ryan Myers, Monica Rudquist and Parker Gamino.

In Farmington, just off Grenada Ave, was the fourth stop on this year’s tour. Eureka Pots was hosted by Colleen Riley, Donovan Palmquist and James LaChance. Guest artists included Delores Fortuna, Luci Haas, Alisa Holen and Samuel Johnson.

The Cannon River Clay Cooperative was formed in 2015 as a nonprofit entity to promote ceramic arts in the Northfield area and support the diverse range of makers in the region, as well as to build community through supporting and encouraging arts education and interaction with the public.

“We do this through hosting an annual clay tour (now in it’s eighth year), supporting and encouraging emerging artists, coordinating educational workshops and events and partnering with local businesses,” said Glynnis Lessing.

Lessing explained that, in 2014, 11 artists in the Northfield area gathered around a campfire at Eureka Pots to establish the Cannon Clay Cooperative and begin planning the first tour, which took place two years later. Members of the Cooperative represent a variety of professionals working in the field — from functional and production potters to sculptors and installation artists, showcasing a rich diversity of work.

“The Cooperative seeks to educate and build community through their interactions with the public; support emerging artists by inviting them to display work; and encourage the public to support local businesses, restaurants, and breweries during their visit to Northfield,” she said.