Potsketch – the Clay Studio of Missoula’s popular annual fundraiser – takes a virtual twist for the second year in a row.
Online and in-person bidding continues through 8 p.m. Saturday, April 24, with a live virtual event beginning at 6 p.m. and lasting approximately one hour. Tune in for welcoming remarks from Clay Studio staff and an introduction to resident artists who will show off featured ceramic auction works and favorite Potsketch pieces.
New this year, virtual auction attendees in Missoula can order an assortment of appetizers created by local chef Marianne Forest to savor while tuning in to the Live Stream Auction Closing Event.
View works in advance at gallery, open noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-3 p.m. Saturday; which masks are required for entry and capacity is monitored.
Funds raised during Potsketch help sustain operations, programs and facilities at the Clay Studio, enabling the nonprofit to offer free and low-cost educational programming to the Missoula community. The Clay Studio also provides a place for local makers and resident artists to create their work.
Either in the gallery or online, peruse small-scale drawings generously donated by local, national and international artists, and an assortment of ceramic art works. This year’s auction features works by more than 100 contributing artists, including many notable Montana-based artists working in a variety of media.
“Many of our returning Potsketchers always look forward to the challenge of creating something new and unique in an intimate small-scale format,” writes Executive Director Shalene Valenzuela. “Their works are reflective of the vibrant art community in Missoula and beyond.”
Among the well-known contributors – many with deep connections to the ceramic arts – include Adrian Arleo, James Bailey, Courtney Blazon, Pamela Caughey, Marlo Crocifisso, Josh DeWeese, Stephanie Frostad, Julia Galloway, Bev Beck Glueckert and Stephen Glueckert, Perry Haas, Kristi Hager, Trey Hill, David Hiltner and Maggy Rozycki Hiltner, Sarah Jaeger, Barb Schwarz Karst, Ladypajama, Beth Lo, Cathryn Mallory, George McCauley, Leslie Van Stavern Millar, Bob Phinney, Marnie Prange, Jennifer Reifsneider, Alison Reintjes and Brandon Reintjes, Bobby Tilton, Sue Tirrell, Phoebe Toland, Shalene Valenzuela, Patti Warashina, Teresa Garland Warner and Kurt Weiser.
Bidding for all Potsketches opens at $50, and bidding for ceramic auction items starts at half the estimated retails value, while petite vessels have a buy-it-now option.
Registration is free and open now online.
“We really hope we will have the opportunity to celebrate with everyone in person for Potsketch 2022,” says Valenzuela.