Event set for Tuesday, May 22
Ceramic artist Gary Huntoon will be the featured artist for the May Art, Wine and Cheese event of the Tryon Painters and Sculptors (TPS) on Tuesday, May 22 at 4 p.m.
Huntoon is known for his bold shapes, often functional pieces and assemblages of ceramic shapes, often in a totem configuration.
He uses an unusual glazing effect that gives his pieces a stark, almost oriental look and several pieces were recently featured in several local shows.
Huntoon said, “My dad had an autobody shop so I was always building something – soapbox derby cars, tree houses, model boats and planes. From my dad I learned how important good craftsmanship was. I not only had to work properly but the final project had to look good. I went to school to be a doctor, took a ceramics class and was hooked; I knew I had to do this for the rest of my life. I had a chance to go and study at Pond Farm with Marguerite Wildenhain (the first female pottery student at the Bauhaus in Germany. That was where I learned to throw on the potter’s wheel.”
Huntoon and his wife, Mary Lou, have just relocated to the Traveler’s Rest, S.C. area from their home in Texas, where he taught high school ceramics.
They said they enjoyed the Tryon area when visiting here and became involved with Tryon Arts and Crafts, where Huntoon was able to continue his work in the pottery studio until his house was completed.
Art, Wine and Cheese artists’ demonstrations are open to the public and refreshments are complementary. The demonstration is usually an hour with wine and cheese served until 6 p.m.
The TPS gallery is located at 26 Maple Street in Tryon.
– article submitted by Pauline Ross