Hill Pottery Show Organizers Appeal to Farmers Market Fans

It’s a shame to eat organic, locally sourced food off of factory-made plates.

That’s a message that should motivate farmers market regulars to attend a ceramics show in Capitol Hill soon, organizer Dan Finnegan said.

The Pottery on the Hill Show and Sale, scheduled at the Hill Center for Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, aims to show locals how useable art adds the same “little richnesses” to life that fresh produce does, Finnegan said.

“Young people are really behind the local food movement, but they’re serving all the local food on Ikea plates,” he said.

The ceramist — who makes wood-fired stoneware on the Fredericksburg farm of Hill Center board members Nicky and Steve Cymrot — said the show in its third year will present work by 16 artists from across the country. The dishes, bowls and more will cost from $20 to about $1,000 each, Finnegan said.

Attendees can expect to see work ranging from the mugs with colorful bicycle images that Arlington resident Stacy Snyder makes, to Japanese-inspired designs by Warren Frederick.

Finnegan, 59, said he thinks handmade ceramics will grow in popularity among people who appreciate “a certain romanticized lifestyle.’

“Think about how often you hold a mug in your hand,” he said. “You put it to your mouth, you caress it with your hand. When you’re doing that with a handmade piece, there’s a little bit of magic.”

The free show and sale will be held at the Hill Center (921 Pennsylvania Ave.) Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 2 from 12 to 4 p.m. A preview reception will be held Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. Reception tickets cost $25 each in advance and $30 at the door.