Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
Studio Potter Matthew Gaddie to Create Vessels on the Wheel at Kentucky Artisan Center

On Friday, October 20, Matthew Gaddie of Bardstown will create pottery on the wheel from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.

Matthew Gaddie has his studio on a 315 acre family farm that began as a log cabin homestead in the late 1700’s. In the 1800’s the house served as a stage coach stop and as an Inn on the Wilderness Trail. This history informs his work and Matthew states, “My work reflects the ebb and flow of the simple life I grew to admire as a child . . . and in this age of cheap and disposable plastic, I create permanent objects purposly made to be used, kept, and cared for daily – to become a part of people’s everyday lives.”

Starting out as a painting major, Matthew Gaddie switched to ceramics and earned his BFA degree in ceramics from the University of Evansville under the tutelage of nationally known ceramicist Les Miley. Matthew worked for the Governors School for the Arts and has also studied via numerous clay workshops.

Matthew’s works in both stoneware and porcelain using gas and wood-fired kilns. He sometimes introduces soda to the kiln chamber at peak temperature in order to create bright turquoise surfaces from copper in his glazes. His pottery is often altered into ovals and his surfaces are textured and lively.

Works by Matthew Gaddie are regularly found at the Kentucky Artisan Center, 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 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Center currently features works by more than 650 artisans from all across the Commonwealth. For more information call 859-985-5448 or visit the Center’s web site at www.kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov 

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