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Artists Ready For Tour De Clay

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By SHERRI LONON

In The Loop

Published: December 13, 2008

SAN ANTONIO - Jack Boyle carries on a conversation in his San Antonio pottery studio while working at the wheel. His hands move so deftly as he crafts shapely bowls from lumps of clay that they almost belie the talent required for the job.

After more than three decades behind the potter's wheel, Boyle's abilities are finely honed, as evidenced by the dozens of finished pieces sitting on shelves.

Boyle, who has owned San Antonio Pottery since 1977, said he was always drawn to art, but not necessarily pottery. When he was about 5, he visited a relative in North Carolina, who worked in the field.

"I didn't think it made a huge impact on me," he said, adding that his focus was on drawing.

Years later, when Boyle was enrolled in the University of South Florida's fine arts program, he found himself sitting in front of a wheel. He explained that fine arts majors had to take a number of "studios," or related classes, for their degrees. This meant he was not only exposed to drawing, but also printing, photography, sculpting and ceramics. The ceramics class that would end up shaping his life.

"It was my first real exposure," he said. "I was immediately attracted. I had to do it."

By the time the six-week class was over, Boyle couldn't get enough. "I was so passionate about it."

Boyle is one of several members of the Florida Westcoast Ceramics Society who will open up their studios for the first-ever Tour De Clay. The event, which runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday, will give participants a chance to meet area potters, tour their studios, buy pieces and see the artists in action.

"It's a first of its kind," Boyle said. "This is a unique opportunity for the general public to see how pottery is really made."

The tour involves four studios spread out over the Tampa Bay area, in which 13 artists will show their work and give demonstrations during the two-day event.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Peter Streit, who is organizing the tour. "The Tour De Clay is about actually presenting our work for sale. ... There's nothing like this in the Southeast."
Streit said the potters in the event range from those who routinely show their work, like Boyle, to academics who rarely display their work to the general public.

"We have quite a diverse group," he said, adding that his son, Joshua, 7, also will have pieces on display.

The self-guided tour begins at 10 a.m. today and will include a full day of displays, with each studio opening its kiln at a specific time. Sunday will include live demonstrations.

The kiln openings, Streit said, will be the crowning moments of the tour.

"Every time I do it, it's almost like Christmas," he said, noting that potters cannot be 100 percent certain of the outcome until the kiln is opened.

The Tour De Clay is free. For information, visit tampatourdeclay.com or call Streit at (813) 253-6055.

TOUR DE CLAY SCHEDULE

The first ever Tour De Clay will include a total of four studios today and Sunday. The schedule for the event is:

Pottery Boys Clay Studio

At 30 Bogie Lane in Palm Harbor, this studio will have its kiln opening today at 10 a.m. Potters will have works on display. Throwing demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Information: potteryboys.com or (727) 504-6200.

Clay & Paper Studio

At 110 Peterson Lane in Palm Harbor, this studio will have its kiln opening today at noon. Potters will have works on display. Throwing demonstrations will take place throughout the day on Sunday.

Information: claypaper.com or (727) 772-9570.

Rising Sun Pottery

At 1112 W. Carmen St. in Tampa, this studio will open its kiln today at 2 p.m. Potters will have works on display. Throwing demonstrations will take place on Sunday.

Information: lpstreit@msn.com or (813) 253-6055.

San Antonio Pottery

At 11903 Curley Road in San Antonio, this studio will have its kiln opening today at 4 p.m. Potters Jack Boyle, David Kastner and McKenzie Smith will have works on display. Throwing demonstrations will take place throughout Sunday.

The studio will also host its annual holiday party, starting at 5 p.m. today with live music and refreshments

Information: www.sanantoniopottery.net or (352) 588-42288.

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