Nudged by the Universe

"A Poet and a Potter"

Presented on August 13th at Catbird Seat Gallery, Eastport, Maine

Heidi Reidell (gallery owner/artist), Chris Crittenden (poet), Shanna Wheelock (potter)

Donald Sutherland Ceramics: A Retrospective

on view at Catbird Seat Gallery, Easport, Maine

The universe gave me a little nudge last week. Alright. It was a big nudge. After ten years of teaching art in Lubec, I resigned my post. It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. Logically, it seemed I had no choice. Still, it is difficult to imagine not being at school at the beginning of the year greeting the kids. Whatever circumstances arose that led to my decision I have decided to focus on the new direction that I will take in my career. Though scary to leave what is known, it is exciting to think of the possibilities that lie ahead.

 

 

You know that old cliche: "When one door closes, another opens." Well, I do believe that to be true. The same day that I handed in my resignation at the superintendent's office, I was asked to exhibit my woven work at Washington County Community College. The irony is that the parking lot for the superintendent's office is shared with the college. Literally, one door closed, another opened....just a few parking spaces away. I took this as a good sign.


 

After I resigned I decided to keep the news quiet for a while. I needed time to process. Slowly I began to tell a few people here and there. Soon, another opportunity came my way. My former Heartwood MFA mentor offered me a week-long work-study position at one of her upcoming encaustic workshops in Kennebunkport. I am so excited about this! I have taken Kim Bernard's workshops before and she is a fabulous artist and instructor. Though I will be spending my time setting/cleaning-up, taking photos and film, and being a general right-hand-woman/gofer, it will be an intensive refresher course in encaustics with some new information that I have not previously learned. I will also get to spend time with friends and perhaps find, here and there, moments of quiet to reflect and plan.

 

 

I am excited about the fall and starting a new semester in the MFA program at Heartwood College of Art. Project proposals are due and I look forward to our pod's trip to Quebec City in October. The group of women that I have been working with the past two and a half years are phenomenal. Most of them are experienced world travelers so I will trust them to teach me the ropes. I haven't been to Quebec since a small child when my family would head north for camping.

 

 

For now, the pottery is a full time job and then some. I try to do most of my throwing in the morning and by mid afternoon attempt to get to lunch and either weaving or office work. Work on the Cobscook Pottery internet shopping site is in progress and though I had hoped to have that online this summer, it will take a bit longer than planned. In between the various tasks and errands, Chris or myself tend to shop visitors. It is tourist season here in Maine!

 

 

This past week Chris and I were guest speakers at Catbird Seat Gallery in Eastport. This was our first-ever co-presentation titled "A Poet and a Potter. The evening's discussion was led by gallery owner Heidi Reidell and focused on war and peace. Two of my political works were on display and Chris read some of his war-themed poems before a lively discussion ensued engaing much of the audience. Just being in the theater-turned-gallery is a real delight with its dramatic black walls, high ceilings, plush vintage furniture, and incredible artwork. Currently showing is a restrospective of ceramic artist Donald Sutherland. If in the Eastport area, or even if not, take the time to see this show. Sutherland was a much loved and respected Eastport artist who unfortunately passed away last year. His massive clay constructions will astound you. Really, go see the show. And, if you visit the gallery before Wednesday afternoon, two of my pieces are still on display: Grenade and U.S. Totem.

Some of Donald Sutherland's ceramic sculptures...
on view at the Catbird Seat Gallery, Eastport, Maine

Next week boasts a busy itinerary with Lubec Arts Alive meeting, Chris' birthday, friends, and two kiln firings. I am honored to be one of five speakers at the Eastport Art Gallery on the topic of "A Women's Aesthetic" (August 22, 12:00 noon).  I have a bit of work to do to prep for that and I best get moving on it. Farmer's market tomorrow morning. Taking the tent in the event of rain, but hoping for sunshine. I opted out of last weekend's market but heard that it was hopping despite the wet weather. Can't wait to get my 5 lb. box of organic blueberries from Hatch Knoll Farm and some free range meat and cheese from Olde Sow Farm and Creamery! There might be a loaf of bread in the mix from Boot Cove Breads and I'm hoping for some green beans, too.

Back to Pottery after LAA events

Coming up:

A Poet and a Potter

FREE discussion and poetry reading at

Catbird Seat Gallery & Eastport School of Arts

3 Dana Street, Eastport

Monday, August 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

A pottery sculpture series, Pomegrenade by Shanna Wheelock, sparks discussion on war and peace with poet/ethicist Chris Crittenden. One wields words, one arranges earth. Both provoke thought.

Fort further information, contact Heidi Reidell

heidi.reidell@gmail.com

Chris Crittenden, Auctioneer at Large, challenges the audience to "ride that hot air balloon with him and take it higher" during the Lubec Arts Alive Benefit Downeast Art Auction at Crow Town Gallery. Standing beside him is LAA committee member Lisa Tyson Ennis, who just happens to be holding her own toned silver gelatin print of the smokehouse that was on the block for auction.

 

 The Lubec Arts Alive Downeast Art Auction packed the house!

A Lubec Arts Alive tent was set-up at Flatiron Corner for children to try their hand at Gyotaku printmaking.

 Last weekend's Lubec Farmer's Market had not one.....

Sunrise County Ramblers

 

 not two.....

Three musicians who are associated with the Summer Keys program

 but three....THREE...musical ensembles.

Dana and Susan Robinson

The Sunrise County Ramblers offered up some bluegrass, then an impromptu trio of classical musicians from Summer Keys appeared. Soon after, duo Dana and Susan Robinson pulled out the fiddle and banjo to serenade us with some more folk and bluegrass. Their Farmers' Market song was quite apropo!

One of our incredibly talented downeast artists is Sherry Ashby Cunningham. 

Be sure to check out her upcoming show!

Women in the Woods

A narrative of the simple everyday kind of Spiritual Journey

Eastport Art Gallery

August 20 - September 1, 2012

If you'd like to meet the artist in-person, Sherry will be gallery-sitting all day on August 23rd.

also....

A short FREE Art Talk

A Women's Aesthetics

at the Eastport Art Gallery

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

Speakers: Lisa marquis-Bradbury, Sherry Ashby Cunningham, Sharon Kiley Mack, Elizabeth Ostrander,  and Shanna Wheelock

I'm grabbing a few minutes to finally get a blog post done. The past two weeks have been packed with all kinds of Lubec Arts Alive planning. This is our fourth year and though we said that we would take it easy this year, it was anything but. We had a baptism-by-fire moment pulling this year's events together which included printmaking for kids, art on the beach, and a benefit art auction. I was in high anxiety mode for a few days previous to the event, having never organized an auction. It was especially stressful taking-in artwork right up until two hours before the event, but somehow our tiny but dedicated team did it. Chris was the auctioneer, which was a new role for him. The evening turned out to be somewhat of one long comedy skit and all said and done, we had a fabulous time. All the worries quickly dissipated once the laughter began. The venue was exceptional. Bonnie and Ukey were gracious enough to lend their Crow Town Gallery space which has become a real cultural center for the area hosting concerts, art exhibits, and contra dances. Kudos to the artists who turned out some great work for a worthy cause. Lubec is becoming a bit of an arts mecca which is exciting from my perspective. 

Things are humming along in the pottery cave. I am learning the ways of owning a micro business and trying to meet demands put before me. There are a lot of challenges but I am feeling up to them, for the moment anyway! The kiln produced a successful glaze firing last week and just this afternoon bisque ware was unloaded which is being glazed for another firing on Friday. I am finding that I am already outgrowing my kiln which five or so years ago felt so huge. This is a good thing, though, because it means that I have gotten better at what I do! (I hope that's what it means anyway!) I often feel a few steps behind and unable to catch up, but when I really think about it, I realize that my main pottery production only began a few weeks ago. All in all, I can celebrate a successful production run this summer.

One week into August and the summer already feels to be speeding by. Summer is short in Lubec, perhaps shorter than other parts of Maine. The garden seems to be just coming into its own but before we know it, it will be autumn and the last of the harvests upon us. MFA classes at Heartwood College of Art will be starting up soon, and that means that sculpture kicks back into high gear. I have been visualizing possibilities but have not formalized any ideas on paper yet. 

The Lubec Farmers' market continues. Friday nights are hectic with packing boxes and car for Saturday morning, but I do look forward to my time downtown with all the vendors and the live tunes. Last weekend there were three different musical ensembles! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous every weekend so far.

Cats are mewing for some outdoor time and pots are waiting for glaze down in the cave.  Time for me to begin the work day.

Birthday Celebrations

Shanna Wheelock / Cobscook Pottery website can be found at:

Shannawheelock.com

Though it may be hard to see here, the waves at Reid State Beach were HUGE on my birthday. 

I couldn't resist a quick dip in the cool ocean waters.

Family playing cards at my birthday celebration.  

Looks like no one was dealt a super hand, however, Chris seems to be hiding his cards a bit better than the others. Maybe he won the pile of pennies this time.

Everyone loves Little Lad's Popcorn!

The first set of herring tumblers fresh out of the kiln.

New Cobscook Pottery item: Wine Chillers.


 
 Carving a herring tile.

Freelance writer and photographer Lisa Dellwo gave me a tour of her and and her husband's gorgeous plot of land at Comstock Point. This area was once the location of the American Can Company.

 Herbminders of Maine with their fresh cut flowers at the Lubec Farmers'  Market.

Duane Ingalls offering some fine tunes during the Lubec Farmers' Market.

McGinley Jones, Massage Therapist and chef/teacher for Love's Kitchen,  fired up the stove and sauteed lovely fresh greens and other yummy goodies for patrons of the Lubec Farmers' Market.




Felicia rationing fresh garden pea pods for sale at the Lubec Farmers' Market.

Chris in his beach duds hanging out in the sun and surf at Reid State Beach.

Longtime friend Monica and her beautiful family visiting Maine from North Carolina.

Chanterelle mushrooms are finally making an appearance in the mossy forest, providing us a little something extra yummy for our late night dinners.

Looking at the pictures on my blog I realize how fast the days go and just how much is packed into a week. This past week I took a few days off from the usual studio routine to celebrate my 43rd birthday with family in central Maine. After a late arrival Saturday night, Chris and I joined my sister to watch fireworks at Old Hallowell Days. They were phenomenal this year as the tiny city turned 250 years old. I have a lot of fond memories of Hallowell, having been born there and later spent many years living and working there in the family business, Quality Copy. I have slight memories as a toddler of the pizza shop that dad and grampa once ran, and in later years, I did a three year stint organizing the city's parade for their annual celebration. Lots of great memories in Hallowell and I love making my way back for the festival when I can.

The next day we relaxed with a picnic at Reid State Park in Georgetown. The ocean here in Maine is cold, but I decided to brave the waters. For a hot day, the sandy beach was relatively quiet except for the enormous waves. I didn't remember such waves in past visits but with a lifeguard nearby I thought it would probably be safe to venture out a bit and ride the crests. Towels were set upon the sand and lotions and bug sprays applied. I walked to the water's edge and did a tester with my feet. Not too bad. 

I recall in years past a chalkboard posting of the ocean and lagoon temps listed as if they were specials of the day. A typical Maine ocean temp in this midcoast area was usually in the mid to high 50's. But this day, it felt warm and inviting. So out I walked, the soft sand beneath my feet, the cool foamy combs brushing against my legs. Assessing the height of the waves, and the fierce crash against the shore, I knew that I needed to enter a sizable distance to be able to ride the crests of the waves rather than have them break upon me. I saw my opportunity and made my way, gleefully cheering each time the water swooped me high into the air. 

Then.....

I saw it coming. One of the biggest waves I had ever seen at Reid. Strategy? To move further out before the wave broke. 

But my calculations proved inaccurate.

As I rushed toward the wave, I took it face on.

It was an explosive salty pressure rushing up my nose, in my mouth, crashing me down under. The wave carried me toward shore underneath it's foamy rush. 

In my few seconds of riding underneath the high velocity wave, I had sense enough to do a quick check before rising from my aquatic baptism to make sure that my bathing suit was still in place as it should be. All was good. I rose from the water laughing, a bit more disheveled. No, this was no Baywatch moment. No Bo Derek "10" running along the shore. It was clumsy, and once the lifeguard and Chris both saw me resurface safely, quite humorous. 

That concluded my time in the water.

Trips to central Maine always include a few errands. This trip no different, even though touted as a mini vacation. I was able to pick up a supply order in Portland, make a pottery deliver to Center for Maine Craft, and pick-up the Lubec Arts Alive fundraiser notecards from Quality Copy (they look fabulous!!!!). 

On the same trip, we met up with my longtime friend Monica and her family, visiting from North Carolina. It was great to do some catching-up over lunch and a walk around the back bay in Portland. The visit was short and we had to return to central Maine for dinner with family and an early departure the next morning.

As fun as the short trip was, Chris and I were glad to return home to Lubec. The cats were happy for our return too. We enjoyed a short walk in the rain, listening to the fog horn, and planned out the work schedule for the next few days. The shop being closed for three days in the midst of tourist season is not good. So after we settled back in a bit, I got the shop set-up for today's re-opening. An early rise this morning had me cleaning the cave and preparing for a throwing session. I just purchased "hydrobats" which are essentially pricey plaster disks that set upon the pottery wheel head. Pottery is then thrown on the plaster bats and when done, can easily be moved with little disruption to the wet, floppy pot. In some respects these bats are wonderful, but they will take some getting used to. They wobble a bit and that makes the centering of the clay very difficult. I assume that I will get used to them soon enough. For now, it feels like I am starting new.

The Farmers' Market continues to be a wonderful addition to Lubec.  Last weekend Duane Ingall's performed which was immensely enjoyable. I love music and having the tunes while vending makes the market hours feel less like work and more like a social hour with concert. Fred Pierce of Cobscook Bay Music has done a wonderful job scheduling the performances.

This past week I also spent time with Lisa walking along the property where she and her husband Bill will build. Comstock Point is full of rich history having been the home of American Can Company. There are still remnants of the old factory. Lisa, an avid birder, was ecstatic to spot two Lesser Yellowlegs. I loved her enthusiasm!!!! 

I also had my palm read last week by Lucille Meltz of "Touch the Soul" Personal Coaching. That was such an interesting experience! When I was a child, my mother was the palm reader at the Peter Pan Fair at my elementary school. I loved hanging out in her tent with her various magical-looking baubles. She dressed the part in her gypsy outfit and would scuttle us kids out when someone would enter the tent for a reading. This palm reading that I had last week was not the stereotypical palm reading that you would see in a movie. This was more modern day. I found it all very fascinating and was enormously impressed with how accurate Lucille was with her interpretation of my hands' lines and shapes. It wasn't a fortune-telling-psychic sort of reading, rather a more science based approach. Just an all around neat experience!

Let's see, what else did I fit in this past week Oh....pottery. Lots of pottery. I fired two bisque and two glaze loads and did some more potting and carving. I am up to my eyeballs in orders to fill and am juggling everything in work and personal life with Lubec Arts Alive. The event occurs in about nine days and there is much to do. One day at a time, right? As in years past, I know that our team of awesome volunteers will come forth to help out during the event. We are fortunate to have use of beautiful Crow Town Gallery for the auction. Thanks Bonnie and Ukey!

My Cobscook Pottery shop has been busy. I emerge from the cave mud-covered to welcome folks who hail from all over the U.S. and abroad. This summer I have really stepped it up a notch in production having taken on additional galleries and the farmers' market. I kind jumped in all at once a bit wet behind the ears. I am learning a lot. There is so much I want to do but there are only so many hours in the day. 

I can hear that Chris just finished making the yogurt so I think I will saunter on downstairs and rummage through the fridge for dinner, or forage in the woods perhaps for some mushrooms. The rain showers these past couple days has helped to awaken the chanterelles. They are not particularly plentiful, but the few we do find are a succulent delight!

For info on Lubec Arts Alive events, August 3-6, 2012

lubecartsalive.blogspot.com

 

More Friends and Farmers' Market Fun

 Foggy day in Lubec, Maine

©2012, Joe Phelan photo

 Kayaking on Rocky Lake in Whiting, Maine

©2012, Joe Phelan photo

 

 Fog in Johnson Bay, Lubec, Maine

©2012, Joe Phelan photo

 

 Summer harvest: swiss chard, lettuce, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, rosemary, and Tide Mill's kale.

 

 Roasted kale chips

©2012, Joe Phelan photo

 A Monday morning hearty Lubec brunch with our friend Joe:

Eggs from Lynn Bradbury and Nancy Briggs' chickens, Boot Cove Breads, breakfast sausage from Olde Sow Farm, and greens from the Wheelock/Crittenden garden.

©2012, Joe Phelan photo

 

 Gardenside Dairy has yummy samples of their goat's cheese at the Lubec Farmer's Market.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., downtown Lubec

Check out that awesome duct tape mural in the background!!! You must come see for yourself! 

Forty feet of colorful duct tape - who'da thunk it?!

 The Sunrise County Ramblers provided some toe-tapping knee-slapping live bluegrass music for the Lubec Farmer's market this past weekend. You can hear their music on Facebook!

Music for the Lubec Farmer's Market is booked through Fred Pierce of Cobscook Bay Music. 

Check out his website for upcoming music shows in Washington County.

 A glazing bonanza!

 Speed drying the greenware for several firings this week.

My Sunday blog seems to be falling a couple days behind lately. Weekends have been pretty full balancing the farmers' market and the stream of company that has come through. Maybe instead of Cobscook Pottery we should change our name to Wheelock/Crittenden B&B! I was glad for Chris' return (he'd been away visiting family) and the cats are happy to have their quirky playmate back. Life on the this clay-wheeling homestead is back to "normal" if there is such a thing.

This past weekend for the second week in a row I vended at my spot on the corner of Water and School Streets, nestled once again between the delights of Boot Cove Breads and Herbminders of Maine. A new local farm joined us that had some delicious greens while others provided meats and cheeses and birdhouses. Chris and I did a hefty bit of shopping while listening to the bluegrass sounds of the Sunrise County Ramblers and have been enjoying the fresh market edibles the past few days. Our friend Joe visited from central Maine and after a robust kayak in the beating sun we enjoyed various local treats in a feast that would please even the most critical of the Gods.

The hours in the "cave" have been long. Now that I have put my pottery "out there" the demand is challenging. It feels like everyone called with orders all at once this past week and between those galleries/shops that I sell in as well as my own shop and now the farmers' market, I need to work double time to keep up with it all. I'm not complaining though! It's a good thing! I love what I do and know that as far as work hours go, the summer will be the most strenuous pottery regime. I have been trying to keep the throwing at a steady but reasonable pace, knowing that pottery is tough on the body and I that want my body to be able to handle the production long term. I will admit, though, that my right index finger did get a wee bit sore after carving four herring tumblers in one day. But damn....those tumblers sure look cool! (And I'm pleased to report that my index finger is back to normal and able to assist in typing this blog just fine!)

I worked on glazing and mug handles in between kayaking and meals. We just unloaded the kiln and all but two pieces made it through to my specs. The glaze on the new wine chillers is gorgeous! I only made a few to get started but suspect that they will be a popular item this summer.  The work will go fast as I divide it for deliveries amongst six venues. There is plenty of work in progress, drying, and awaiting firing over the next two weeks, as well as a list of items that I need to throw each morning.

Pottery is touchy. There is a fairly precise moment when it deems trimming or handling. I have to plan out which items I will throw on any given day based on where I plan to be in two to four days. If I know that I will be out of town, I have to wait to throw certain items lest I lose them to overdrying. Even the best of wrapping in plastic bags can be unpredictable. For this and many other quirks of the craft, completing a piece of pottery takes weeks. With the farmer's market, I have had several orders for items in specific colors that I may not already have in stock. If the patron is lucky, I will already have the item thrown and bisque-fired, a blank canvas for whichever color they desire. But most times, it takes three to five weeks to see an order come to fruition. I'd like to think that my work is worth the wait.

I will load the kiln again this evening and if the weather forecast looks good (no major thunderstorms on the horizon) I will set the kiln to fire tomorrow morning. The glaze firing only takes about nine hours (bisque a good twelve to thirteen), but the cooling process is another twenty. It's kinda like a five year old waiting for Christmas morning. You know the goodies are under the tree, wrapped beautifully in shiny paper and all decked-out in bows, but you're not allowed to touch the presents until mom and dad get out of bed. That waiting sure is tough! Most times, there are delights. Sometimes, huge disappointments. Last summer was particularly tough and ended with a whole new set of very expensive elements and relays. Things are looking good once again, and thankfully, with some modicum of predictability.

I best get back into the studio and load that kiln. Thursday and Friday I will be choosing which pieces go where and packing boxes for orders. I think I have outgrown my kiln. I sure would have loved to have fired all these glazed pieces in one load. Funny how when I bought this kiln about six or seven years ago that I thought it was so huge! At the time, I didn't think I would be making seven foot sculptures or distributing functional pottery to outlets throughout Maine. 

You just never know where life will take you.

Lubec Farmers' Market Hopping!

 Lubec Market setting-up for a 9:00 a.m. opening.

 Boot Cove Breads sold out quickly. There was a line of people halfway across the street waiting to purchase the fresh-baked loaves! 

The UMM Ukulele Band serenaded vendors and patrons during the Lubec Farmers' Market.

Cobscook Pottery booth was in a prime spot nestled between 

Herbminders of Maine and Boot Cove Breads!

Olde Sow Farm had a variety of organic locally raised meats and fresh milk and yogurt.



 Luxury log cabin birdhouses!

Denise Rule and Tami Profit Sutherland pose with the awesome cake at the student artwork celebration at Lubec Memorial Library. Thanks Denise and Tami for organizing such a great show! I totally appreciate your hard work and enthusiasm for our students' art!!!

West Quoddy cairns.

Photo by Eileen Mielenhausen

 

Perhaps this explains the mystery of the missing lettuce and swiss chard in the garden.

I'm a wee bit late with the blog post this week. Being a teacher, many people assume that "summer vacation" is a real vacation. Not so, at least for me. Actually, most teachers I know have to work summer jobs. Sometimes more than one. I keep busy with the pottery and community organizing. Right now, both have me hopping. I enjoyed a visit the past couple days from my drumming friend Eileen, but even with company, work continued. The shop kept its near regular hours and my days still started before 7:00 a.m. in the studio. Today was an especially long day and the first opportunity I have had to blog is now, 9:15 at night after a quick dinner of scrambled eggs. (note: those were some mighty fine, local, cage free eggs, with a side of yummy local organic breakfast sausage from Olde Sow Farm!)

As far as jobs go though, today I absolutely loved my job. I rolled out of bed at 6:15 in the morning and had the kiln loaded and firing by 7:15. I then trimmed pots until 10:00 when I took a shower and opened the shop. As a "break" I worked on the artist registration mailing for Lubec Arts Alive, ordered supplies, packed a pottery order, edited a poster and sent it out to print at my brother's copy shop in Hallowell (gotta love PDF files and email!). The afternoon and early evening was spent sitting outside in the sun carving a herring motif onto tall flared tumblers. I listened to birds, visited with our cats Bello and Bouli, and tended to shop visitors. Eggs were delivered, Ruta stopped by to say hi, and I said goodbye to my drumming friend. I didn't have a formal meal at any set time until eggs a few minutes ago and now I end my day with a blog, fifteen hours later.

Not every day is that long a work day, but I will say, it isn't rare. Yesterday was hectic with work and an evening meeting.  I ended my night working on a supply order in bed until my eyes were too droopy to read the computer screen. The day before though, I quit work at noon after only five hours in the studio to clean the house and visit with Eileen. After the shop closed at 5:00 - we went for an amazing hike out at at West Quoddy. It was a perfect day for a hike, sunny skies, gentle cooling breeze. I was so glad to see that some of the cairns were still standing.If in this area, the hike out at the West Quoddy Lighthouse is one of the most powerful and beautiful that you will ever encounter. It rivals the most magical and mystical of places.

Last weekend was the first of the new weekly Lubec Farmer's Market. Saturdays this summer from 9-1 you will find a host of local farms and goods downtown. The inaugural market last Saturday was without exception an amazing event! A handful of local folks have been working hard the past few months to bring this together. Organic farms with meats and cheeses, fresh baked wood-fired breads, greens and garlic scapes, pottery, birdhouses, and chair massages, all nicely choreographed with a few hundred onlookers and patrons enjoying the goods and the live music. The UMM Ukulele Band was my favorite part of the morning. Well, the bread too. Oh, and the sausage, herbs, and cheese that I brought home as well. What can I say - it was an all around success. Kudos to that fantastic team that pulled it all together! (Lisa, Dick, Chris, Claire, Steven, Kathy, David, Melissa et al.) And...what an amazing banner!!!

Also this past week, I attended a student art show reception at the Lubec Memorial Library. Fourth of July committee members juried the student artworks, hung the show, organized awards, and hosted a reception. It was so wonderful to have someone else help out with a student show. It's a lot of work and Denise Rule along with Tami Profit Sutherland and Kerry Brown did an amazing job. Thank you!

What can I say. Everything is amazing. Summer in Lubec, being an artist, enjoying friends and family, creating, and nature. I am truly blessed and grateful everyday.

New Website has gone Live!

 I'm excited to announce that my new artist website is officially live!

Check it out at:

shannawheelock.com

Feels good to be back at the wheel!

 View of Grand Manan

Oil

by Neal McPartlin

 

 Inside Cobscook Pottery 

Lubec, Maine

 Swiss Chard is, thankfully, growing faster than the weeds.  

If in the area....don't miss Ann's art show at the Eastport Art Gallery!

Maine Inspired

A solo exhibition by Ann Rosebrooks

at the
Eastport Art Gallery

July 9-21, 2012

Opening Reception July 12, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

After a few months of conversation, planning, uploading, and editing, the new website has finally made its debut! 

shannawheelock.com

Not being the super-duper techie type, the help of Barnstormer Designs, out of Jonesport, was enlisted. Deborah Bailey was a joy to work with and I am so pleased with the end result. It is still a work in progress but the artist portion of the site is pretty much done. The Transformation Tapestry section should be complete fairly soon and the Cobscook Pottery shopping site should be up and running later this summer. In the meantime, go ahead and take a peek!

My sister Kristin and her partner Neal just left yesterday after a weekend visit downeast. Kristin and I usually have a list of things to do and Neal pretty much does his own thing with a little hiking, painting, and quick trips to the coffee shop downtown. Something new that Kristin and I did this year was to visit Roosevelt's Park on Campobello Island. We secured tickets for "Tea with Eleanor" and by mid afternoon we were sipping some English Breakfast and munching on lemon and gingersnap cookies while looking out over the bay to Eastport. Our guide, Carolyn, offered a glimpse into the interesting life of the former first lady. Eleanor was certainly one to be admired, for her courage and compassion toward those less fortunate. Perhaps it was her own tumultuous upbringing that offered such a perspective, allowing her to empathize with the plight of others. 

The tea seemed a fitting experience in light of this past week's monumental leap forward for U.S. citizens with the supreme court decision which ruled in favor of the constitutionality of the healthcare bill. When I heard the news I cried. So many decisions are made in our country based on  bottom-line finances, often to the extreme detriment of the peoples' wellbeing. However, this decision last week is one that is ethical and a positive step toward the care of humanity. Could this be a turn for our country? I certainly hope so.

Now that company has left and the website is at a break point, I am back in the studio throwing wares for summer sales. In between throwing and trimming I emerge from the cave to greet visitors to the pottery shop. I always meet the neatest folks from far off places with interesting stories to tell about their travels or how they came to visit Lubec. Last summer I even met the great grandson of the man who invented the donut hole! (Now that's an unusual claim to fame!)

A lot of people have been visiting Lubec in summers longer than we have lived here. It's always neat to hear someone else's perspective on the fast-changing and ever-evolving atmosphere of our tiny easternmost town. In the past few years Lubec has been in the midst of a mini renaissance with the opening of boutiques and restaurants. Still, it manages to retain its charm as a remote fishing village yet mainly undiscovered. It's an anomaly to have no traffic lights, chain stores, movie theaters, and fast food restaurants into today's modern society. Yet, despite not having any of these things (and not within 35-55 miles!) we are a happening place with lots to do. The arts are alive and growing here. Between Eastport and Lubec, your calendar can be full nearly every night of the week with a gallery opening, music or theater performance, poetry reading, or nature exploration. Summer Keys concerts have begun and musicians are regularly seen walking down the street with cellos strapped tot heir backs, or fiddle players sharing a tune on a bench downtown.  It's fourth of July week here so the streets are filling at a steady pace and soon the festivities will begin a five day stretch of activities and fireworks.

Speaking of activities and arts...don;t forget to mark your calendar for this year's Lubec Arts Alive! I am busy with my other partners in crime organizing for this year's event which includes a "Create-in Lubec" weekend, printmaking for kids, art on the beach, and a lively downeast art auction. Also this year, in partnership with the Tides Institute and Museum of Art, Leslie Bowman will present a free photography workshop where participants will learn tips and tricks of catching great live shots then go out in the field to document this year's Lubec Arts Alive events. Space is limited for this fabulous photography project, August 3-6, so contact the Tides Institute soon to reserve your space!

To view information on this year's Lubec Arts Alive events, follow our blog at

Lubecartsalive.blogspot.com

I need to get moving here. Shower, put out that OPEN sign, and crawl down into my cave for some serious clay work.

Don't forget about the:

Lubec Farmers' Market

downtown Lubec

Saturdays this summer, beginning July 7th,  9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

I'll be vending my pottery there along with all those nifty farmers selling their cheeses, breads, and veggies!!!

Summer Schedule in Full Swing

 Coming soon:

Shannawheelock.com

My official artist website! It's almost ready to go live!!!!

Also, later this summer, my online Cobscook Pottery shop. 

I'll keep you posted on the progress!

 

 Cobscook Pottery is open for the season. 

Open by chance or appointment most days this summer.

 Jerry Kasunic and Gary Howard expertly move "Razed" from Lubec Landmarks to across the street at Lubec Memorial Library. Thanks guys! 

Showing at Lubec Memorial Library

July 14 -August 8

BMW

Bookman, Mosley, and Wheelock

Painting, Sculpture, Encaustic, and Glass

I'm back at the wheel! 

Mead mugs started off this current production run. 

 

Royane Mosley 

(Sea glass artwork lit up in the window while Royane's opening reception was in progress inside)

Showing at Lubec Landmarks until July 3

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge that unites Lubec, Maine (U.S.) and Campobello, New Brunswick (Canada)

The bridge's 50th anniversary is this summer with a re-dedication ceremony that occurs the same weekend as this year's Lubec Arts Alive event.

View of Water Street from Lubec Landmarks' back deck. Low tide!

Apparently the heat has got to Bouli prompting her to get herself a tall glass of fresh brewed iced tea.

Awake since 3:30 a.m. wondering when I should finally give-in and start my day. Once the mind started buzzing with blog and potting I decided to get out of bed to feed two hungry cats and get things rolling. It's another misty morning. Last night the fog horn lulled me to sleep and this morning I wake to the same. There is a mystical feel to the environment and it is this type of day that ranks high on my most-favorite list.

My mom's visit last week kept things at a slower "vacation-mode" pace, but I have recouped from my down-time and things are heading back to full swing. I finally got into the cave to do some potting which I had not done since perhaps early May. It sure feels good to get my hands dirty again! The glaze firing came out well and production work is about to become serious business. The calendar is about as full as it can be for the summer months with lots of excitement on the horizon.

I am looking forward to vending the Lubec Farmers' Market on Saturdays this summer. We haven't had such a market in years and this one is sounding to be a fabulous line-up with fresh baked breads, herbal teas, garden produce, and cheeses, all locally made. It's pretty cool when you can drive down the road and visit the cows that are providing the milk for your lunch! I won't be milking any cows or selling potatoes grown in a barrel, but I will display my wares that are market-food friendly. Opening day is July 7th, rain or shine. I hear that the ukulele band will be playing, too! So, fabulous food, friends, pottery, and live music. I can't think of a better way to spend my Saturday mornings.

My show at Lubec Landmarks came down on Tuesday and the big shingled column was moved over to the library. I had been stressing over how this would occur without breaking any shingles. Yes, in good ol' Shanna stress-mode fashion I concocted various scenes of mass shingle destruction and nightmares of having to press and fire replacement pieces. So while I am at the gallery with a heap of blankets, pillows, and moving strategies, in walks Gary Howard who immediately assesses the situation and says confidently how easy it will be to move it, "all we need is some rope, a cushion, and a hand truck".  I was of course thinking no way will this seven foot nearly two hundred pound column get from one building to another down a bumpy bricked sidewalk and across the street, up a ramp, and into a new building without some sort of catastrophe. But then Jerry Kasunic showed up and between he and Gary there was not more than a moment of brief reflection on how to accomplish the task. They strapped "Razed" onto the hand truck and scooted it quickly down the curb and across the street. The column will remain at the library into August for the duration of the Bookman, Mosley, and Wheelock exhibit, which officially begins on July 14th. Thank you Gary and Jerry!!!!!

Currently at the library is an exhibit of my students' artworks. The fourth of July committee organized this student showing. Last spring they juried student art from our art show at the school which represented all students in grades Pre-K through eighth. Kerry Brown, Denise Rule, Tami Lee Profit, and Walter Plaut took on the task of selecting representative work from each grade. They hung the show at the library and have set-up a voting system for library patrons to judge the work for various categories. The students will be honored at a reception on July 6th, 5:00-6:30 p.m. Yesterday some of the students gathered at the library for filmed interviews with SAIL (Supporting the Arts in Lubec) which will air on local TV and also be uploaded at some point to YouTube. The kids did a great job and I do appreciate the parents taking the time to bring them in town for the interviews. A huge thank you is in order to Denise, Kerry, Walter, and Tami for organizing this exhibit. I really do appreciate all the work they have done!!!

If you are in Lubec this coming week and have not seen, or want to see again, Jon Wing Lum's documentary "Lubec Arts Alive", the library will be hosting a viewing on Thursday, June 28th, at 6:30 p.m. This year's planning for Lubec Arts Alive is in full swing. For more details on this year's event which includes a "create-in'Lubec" weekend, live art auction, Kids' printmaking, art on the beach, and a Leslie Bowman photography workshop (in conjunction with Tides Institute), visit the official website at: Lubecartsalive.blogspot.com

I just heard a rumble of thunder (I thought it was my stomach at first!) Looks like some more rain coming in. The garden is getting a good soaking and that relieves me of having to water at night. I'm still trying to figure what is spinach and what is weed. It all kinda looks the same to me! Things are sprouting slowly and I still have a few more things to plant (yes, very late!) and the growing season is short here. It's still an experiment about finding our way with what grows and what doesn't in this cool coastal climate. Swiss chard and lettuce grow fine, however, swiss chard and lettuce are apparently the first to succumb to hungry hares.

More thunder rumbles out there. I think I will shut down this computer and start planning my time in the studio. Hoping for a long, productive session this morning.