August 24th, 2011
I met Susan Gladstone last year. She is a potter located right here in Rehoboth Beach. The name of her company is called The Happyrock Pottery. Her studio is in the shops at Celebration Mall on 20 Baltimore Ave. Tel. 410-375-7120. She does not have a website yet but if you see something on this post, please giver her a call, email her at thehappyrock@earthlink.net. Or, better yet, visit her studio.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had never seen Susan’s pottery. She told me that she had been a potter for 40 years. Giving it her full attention for about 16 years.
Susan is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. For many years she was a member of Baltimore Clayworks. This is the region’s only cultural institution dedicated solely to the ceramic arts. Now, she is part of the Rehoboth Beach artists’ community. She is a welcomed addition to our area. I think you will love her pieces.
I decided to visit her studio. It is so funny because what is now called Celebration Mall was the original Epworth Church. Many years ago they had a great pre-school. One of my sons attended for several years; great lasting friendships were made then.
There are several artists located in the Celebration Mall. I am glad I stopped by because I had no idea. Different and very impressive.
Her studio is where my son’s classroom was located. It really brought so many memories. But, I was there to see her work with her hands.
I am in awe and amazement to see someone shape a lump of clay into something as beautiful as some of her pieces.
The Raku pottery has small cracks that turn black. These are made by the deposits of carbon in them, turning them black, no matter what color of clay used. The final product is unique.
Susan was working on a “vessel” or bowl when I got there. She made it look so easy. She did a little bit of trimming and then exclaimed: It is not centered. I don’t like it. She picked it up and started kneading it just like bread. She was starting all over again. Here are the pictures from that first start when the term used is “throwing”.
Susan threw that moist lump of clay on a bat. A bat is an accessory. Okay, Susan, if you say so. A lot of people just use the wheel head instead.
Susan found the “center” of the clay by moving a thumb across the lump until no more friction was felt.
Then, the next step was the opening. Susan’s thumbs kept working the clay and stopped very close from the bat.
The sides are pulled up and then the process of “shaping” the vessel or bowl begins. This shaping continues for some time until the desired thickness is obtained.
Susan has Raku pottery, as well as wood fired pottery.
She also has plenty of very affordable pieces that are, obviously, made by hand and no two are alike. Different sizes and colors; the minis were beautiful.
She is also a member of the Rehoboth Art League. That’s where I first saw her pottery.
I learned a few things. I hope I posted them correctly. If not, I will never hear the end of it. She’ll let me know.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
August 12th, 2011
I hope the weather stays the way it is; gorgeous!! There are outdoors festivities to attend to and if you are in Rehoboth Beach this week-end, this is what you will be finding out and about town.
“The Rehoboth Art League, with the people of Delaware and its visitors, encourages artists and arts education, and sponsors exhibits and programs that reflect the diversity of the community in an historic setting and in partnership with other organizations.” rehoboth art league
Two week-ends, rain or shine – Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, and 20 and 21 – It is the 38th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show. Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Parking tip: There will be free parking and shuttle service at K-Mart on Rt. 1. This will probably be the easiest way to this event.
The Rehoboth Art League is located at 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth Beach. If you would like more info., please visit www.rehobothartleague.org or call 302-227-8408.
During the Fine Art & Craft Show there will be more than 120 artists on the grounds of the Rehoboth Art League. Anyone that has visited the League knows how beautiful and serene it is.
Special children’s activities will be provided by Kids Cottage only on Saturday.
Stroll and enjoy the Art Show while also listening to different genres of music; local, classical guitar, island country, blue grass and jazz.
While enjoying your time at the Art League check tent #57. Her name is Susan Gladstone and she is a potter. The Happyrock Pottery is located at 20 Baltimore Ave., at the Celebration Mall. One of her specialties is Raku ware which is a type of Japanese pottery. It is traditionally characterized by the hand molding of the clay as opposed to turning it on a potter’s wheel, each piece being one-of-a-kind.
The other artist to check would be AnitaPeghini Raber. She is a plein-air painter, catching the moment in the open space. Her website is www.rehobothart.com.
Besides being at the League this, and next week-end, Anita has a few other exhibits in town.
At Prudential Gallo Realtors at 37230 Rehoboth Ave. Extended Anita will have some of her work during the Fine Arts Exhibition Series. Other exhibitors at Prudential Gallo Realtors will be Linda Dickey and Michael Sprouse.
Anita also has 62 more paintings at Preshy’s Gallery Restaurant in the Midway Shopping Center as well as at Phillip Morton Gallery and Hobos Restaurant, both on Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach.
Clear Space Theatre Company – Chicago – Last performances August 13th – August 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Clear space Theatre Company is located at 20 Baltimore Ave. For information, special offers and schedules, please visit www.clearspacetheatre.org. or call 302-227-2270.
Saturday, 8/13 – The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society’s Watermelon Festival from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.
The festival will feature hula hoop, paddle ball, and bean bag toss contests, as well as watermelon eating and seed spitting contests!! And, face painting!!
Contests schedules and admission information can be found at www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
As usual, when you are at the beach, kick back and relax….that’s what you are here for…
March 22nd, 2010
For a small Village by The Sea, Delray Beach, Florida can show its visitors a good time and this coming week is going to be a lot of fun.
Monday, 3/22 through Sunday, 3/28 is the 5th Annual Delray Beach Film Festival and Market 2010. There are 200 films, 2 workshops daily, parties, sporting events, student films, networking for filmmakers, distribution and film financing workshop, and so much more. You can call 561-381-3212 or visit www.dbff.us.
This year the Creative Chair of the festival will be Barry Bostwick. Remember him? He was best known for his role as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The other stars that are to receive the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Awards are Sharon Gless, from Cagney & Lacey and Burn Notice and Jessica Walters of Play Misty for Me and Arrested Development.
Mercedes Benz has partnered with the Festival. They will be donating a new Mercedes for the winner of the Hole in One Contest during the golf tournament on Thursday, 3/25. Local golf threesomes are partnered with a film industry or golf pro to complete the foursome.
There will be spectacular parties and each night has a designated after party spot. Film lovers are invited to mix and mingle with the cast and crew of the films screenings during the Festival.
The Delray Film Festival is a non-profit organization, (501) (c3) and is dedicated to provide the Delray community and its visitors with a diverse presentation of independent films from around the world.
The programming includes: Independent feature films, foreign films, including programming relevant to the community: Spanish language and Brazilian films, Haitian films, Jewish and Israeli films, shorts, documentaries, (including a “green program”) animation, Xtreme sports, children’s films and a day of children’s events.
The workshops offered are incredible, free and open to the public. For a complete list of these workshops, and locations, please visit http://www.dbff.us/workshops.asp.
Tuesday, 3/23 at Murder on the Beach Mystery Book Store and at 7:00 p.m., located on 273 NE 2nd Ave., Linda Fairstein will talk about and sign her book, Hell Gate, the 12the book in her Alex Cooper series. Linda Fairstein was a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for 30 years. The event is free and open to the public, but in order to take a seat, you must purchase a book. For more information, please call 561-279-7790 or visit www.murderonthebeach.com.
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the American Orchid Society, located on 16700 AOS Lane, off of Jog Rd. – The Orchid Doctor is In. If you are having problems with your orchids, blooms are falling off, plants are sick, then you can get answers by bringing the invalid plants to the AOS Visitor’s Center and talking with the “Orchid Doctor”. Wednesdays 10 – 11:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. For more info. please call 561-404-2000 or visit www.aos.org.
Thursday, 3/25 Robert Osborne will be at the Crest Theatre, Old School Square. Lecture series features one of the most recognizable TV personalities today and Robert Osborne is also one of America’s foremost film historians. 2:00 p.m. and tickets are $25 and $40. Location 51 N. Swinton. Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 1 or please visit www.oldschool.org.
Friday, 3/26 is the Gallery Walk on Atlantic Avenue from 7 – 10 p.m. The downtown galleries, art studios and showrooms open their doors to the public for an evening of art, music, and refreshments right on the Avenue.
Saturday, 3/27 – Just like every Saturday, The Green Market will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the street on SE 4th Avenue, 1/2 block South of Atlantic Ave. This is a local market and you will find fresh local produce, organic produce, flowers and plants, pasta, hummus, fresh baked breads, pastries and desserts, and handmade Italian cheese, among others. For more info. please call 561-276-7511. Email address: greenmarket@delraycra.org.
Saturday, 3/27 at the Pineapple Grove Arts District, off of Atlantic Ave., NE 2nd Ave. is Take it Easel from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be music, children’s craft area, easels and artists, and all this is on the sidewalks. Need more info? Please call 561-279-1380, ext. 36.
Saturday, 3/27 is the Narrated Bus Tour of Historic Delray Beach. It is conducted by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History. Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes; you will be visiting 10 historic sites. $15/adult/senior citizen, free for children under 18. 11 a.m. departure from the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave., 561-243-2662. You can also visit www.delraybeachbustours.org. Note: Please be prompt.
Saturday, 3/27 and Sunday, 3/28 is the Asian Food Fair & Cultural Show at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion. Continuous live Asian music and dance, arts and crafts, costumes, food and children’s activities. This event is presented by the Bangladesh Association of Florida. $10 admission. Location: 51 N. Swinton Ave., Tel. 561-351-5019 or 561-876-2255. Website www.asianfair.org.
Sunday, 3/28 is the Delray Beach Chorale. Freedom: The American Dream. The music of American composers, traditional American spirituals and more. Location is the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St. at 4 p.m. Tickets $20/person; $5/students. Tickets are available at the door. Please call 800-984-7282 or visit the website www.delraybeachchorale.org.
The Delray Beach Chorale has been performing music in the South Palm Beach County since 1982. The Chorale has about 70 members and performs 2 major programs a year; winter and spring.
Have a great time!! Talk to you later….
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