Beer, BBQ and Pottery

Posted by Lisa Oram, guest blogger of Snow Farm

Sure signs of spring in the Pioneer Valley: fresh picked asparagus at roadside farm stands and The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, a self-guided driving studio tour through the hills of Western Mass.  To round out the art-filled weekend on April 29 and 30, a new event this year invites visitors to mingle with the makers at a BBQ dinner and after party at Snow Farm – The New England Craft Program in Williamsburg. With food provided by Local Burgy and the debut of Pottery Trail Ale from Lefty’s Brewery,  plus a kiln opening and pottery demonstrations, this evening is not be missed!

The Pottery Trail, now in its 13^th year, includes 22 potters in 9 studio locations. Visitors will find tableware of all kinds, sculpture for the garden, and architectural tiles in styles ranging from historical to contemporary, made in work spaces that include restored barns, factory buildings, and small-town storefronts. The FREE tour is open from 10am – 5pm on both days and welcomes families and visitors of all ages. Guests receive a Pottery Passport which can be stamped at each studio. Those who acquire stamps from seven of the nine studios will be eligible for a drawing of pottery featured on the tour.

As the weekend approaches, the potters are making special pieces to be fired in Snow Farm’s soda/salt kiln. Snow Farm is a nonprofit craft education center that offers 2-5 day workshops, not only in ceramics but also in glass, metal, fiber, paper, and mixed media. These cups by Mary Barringer are perfect for Pottery Trail Ale and will be for sale fresh from the kiln, along with pieces by all the potters who participate in the firing.  For advance dinner tickets ($25, $30 at the door), call Snow Farm at 413-268-3101 or [email protected].
Easily reached from Boston, Hartford, New York City, and the Albany area, The Pottery Trail is an annual destination for many. Come for the weekend, come for a day, or just come for dinner!  See apotterytrail.com for a map, listing of all participating artists. 

TOPICS: Arts, Culture, Local Products and Producers, Western MA