Gwen Heffner
Information Specialist
Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Phone: 859/ 985-5448
Fax: 859/ 985-5449
gwen.heffner@ky.gov

BEREA, Ky. (October 22, 2004) -- On Saturday, October 30, John Martin of Berea, will demonstrate his techniques on the potters wheel from 10:00 – 3:00 at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

John, who has lived in Kentucky from the time he was four, began working with clay in high school. His interest was so great his art teacher allowed him to take a potter’s wheel home during the summer to practice. John received a BA degree from Western Kentucky University with a double major in ceramics and painting and an MFA degree in ceramics from Southern Illinois University in 1993.

While at Western KY University, John first learned about the Raku method of firing pottery. Raku is a method developed by the Japanese. The pottery is brought to an orange-yellow heat in a kiln, removed quickly from the fire and then either plunged into water or placed in a pit in the ground containing combustible materials. This method of firing, often utilized by Martin, gives an unusually soft and colorful finished surface to his pottery.

John’s well known pottery can be regularly found at the Kentucky Artisan Center. For his demonstration on October 30, John will be create a variety of wheel thrown pieces.

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located just off Interstate 75 at exit 77 (Berea). The Center’s exhibits, shopping, and travel information areas are all open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the café from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 460 artisans from all across the Commonwealth. For more information call 859-985-5448 or visit the Center’s web site at kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov

The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is an agency in the Commerce Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.   

High Resolution Photos are available. Contact: Gwen Heffner, 859/ 985-5448, gwen.heffner@ky.gov