Arty Crafty Day comes to Davistown

Pottery pieces by Marienne Stollery

Davistown Progress Association is getting set for a huge Arty Crafty Day on March 6.

To be held between 9.30am and 4.30pm at the Progress Hall, the day will feature a variety of stall holders selling home crafter wares, as well as music, refreshments including vegetarian food and a sausage sizzle, tea, coffee, cold drinks and cakes.

The day, which aims to raise funds for maintenance to the hall, will also feature a chocolate wheel, yoga demonstrations, dancing and history walking tours.

Potter Marienne Stollery is one of the artists who will have her work available for sale.

“I first discovered pottery 50 years ago and from the moment I touched the clay I knew I was well and truly hooked,” she said.

“The whole process, from making the piece to opening the kiln, is long and challenging with many opportunities for disappointment along the way but I find it exciting, especially when the kiln gods are smiling.

“I have immersed myself in clay for many years; teaching pottery, giving workshops and with (my partner) Neil, building a mudbrick home in Tumbi Umbi; a wonderfully peaceful place to work among the gumtrees and wildlife.

“I have spent many years on the committee of the Central Coast Potters Society and am a life member.

“I was also on the advisory committee at the Gosford Regional Gallery and a foundation member.

“At the moment my work evolves around dry glazes, one-off pieces, often textured, which have an ancient, perhaps Asian influence.

“These pieces are fired multiple times in order to get the effect I am after.

“In contrast, being an avid gardener, I am enjoying making animal planter pots.

“So far I have enjoyed making elephants, goats, ducks, cats, dogs, possums but I am sure there are more to come.”

Also exhibiting her works on the day will be silversmith Anita Riemann.

Always creative, she found her passion in making silver jewellery six years ago.

She can start to make a piece with a vision in mind and loves how along the way the piece turns into something else.

She has been involved in many artisan shows on the Coast and works from her studio at Killcare Heights.

Terry Collins