Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1365748
GET FIRED UP FOR GEORGIA'S LARGEST POTTERY SHOW Amid the global pandemic, Macon Arts Alliance has figured out how to have a safe and successful event. The Round Building in Carolyn Crayton Park boasts natural ventilation, high and spacious ceilings, and bountiful light that seems to bring the pottery to life. It is the perfect location for this yearly event. "This is our third COVID ceramics event," said Julie Wilkerson, executive director of Macon Arts Alliance. "We are once again doing everything possible to keep those who come safe while at the same time providing an online shopping alternative for those not comfortable coming in person." This year's featured artist is Ginger Birdsey, a Macon native who currently lives in Atlanta. Along with Birdsey, fifty master potters from around the southeast will bring thousands of functional and decorative pieces. Selected pieces will be available for purchase online at maconarts.org/shop. "Our most recent two events, the 2020 Fired Works in June and Fire & Ice in November, allowed us to pay over $40,000 in commissions to our artists," said Wilkerson. "Many of them have not had another show since 2019, so this event is especially important for them." The event will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a virtual preview held via Facebook Live at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 8. Online sales open at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 9. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, Mary Pinson (marypinson.com) will demonstrate how to use diverse pieces from the show to create beautiful floral design arrangements. The event is free and open to the public and will also be a Facebook Live event. Finished works will be available for purchase. Fired Works highlights the rich history of pottery-making in Central Georgia and its connection to the Ocmulgee River Region. Whether it is the deep red mud or 'white gold' kaolin, potters around the world prefer Georgia clay. The nearby Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is an excellent resource for the history of pottery-making in the area with its noteworthy exhibit of functional pottery crafted by Native American artisans thousands of years ago. The park is one of this continent's richest sites for early artifacts and is where the oldest piece of stamped pottery found in North America was discovered in 1933. Fired Works celebrates the artists who continue this tradition today. Macon Arts Alliance fosters support for the advancement of arts and culture in Central Georgia. We strive to be an innovative leader of a thriving regional arts community. We value strategic partnerships that strengthen the diversity and vibrancy of arts and culture for tourists, residents, artists, businesses and civic organizations. Macon Arts Alliance is the designated Arts Agency for Macon-Bibb County and is charged with implementing the 2020 Cultural Plan for Macon. Macon Arts Alliance is funded in part by the Macon-Bibb County Hotel/Motel tax and through generous private support from foundations, corporations, and individual contributions. April 9th - 17th, 2021 2 Above: Shoppers at Fired Works view work by master potter Alicia David.