Mad Potters Organization’s end-of-semester sale features items from AU pottery artists
By Rakiyah Lenon | Co-editor in chief
The Mad Potters Organization has a ceramics sale on the Summerville Campus near the Jaguar Student Activities Center Nov. 15 – Nov. 17. Tables showcasing handcrafted mugs, bowls, dishes, jewelry and other ceramic collectibles are available to purchase.
Members of the student-led organization take ceramics classes offered by Augusta University’s Department of Art and Design and use the art studio to create their work.
Shannon Bryant, president of the Mad Potters Organization and ceramics major, went back to school and found interest in AU’s Department of Art and Design.
“I was happy AU had an art program,” she said. “It’s just a lot of fun. I get to learn new things.”'
According to Bryant, part of the money earned from the sale goes toward funding trips to the conference of the National Council on Education for Ceramic Arts.
Bryant was one of many artists present at the tables to sell handmade items.
Ann-Marie Hutton, also a ceramics major, started pottery nearly a year ago. She started throwing, a term used to describe using a pottery wheel, six months ago.
“I just really like making things,” she said. Speaking of the results of the finished product, Sutton said, “It’s really rewarding.”
Some of the students in ceramics classes are not majoring in the art but choose to take courses out of interest and enjoyment.
Michael Wetzel, a potter and audit student, has had an interest in art spanning decades.
“I was a fine arts major back in 1982,”he said.
Wetzel has done ceramics at AU for the past 11 years.
Due to the flexibility of not needing to take classes for a grade, he said, “I make things I want to. I’m just doing it for the fun of it. I’m just having a great time.”
Among the items Michael Wetzel makes are mugs, jewelry and dishes. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
Gerry O’Meara, a potter, also takes classes at AU without need for a grade or credits. O’Meara started sometime in 2015 and likes the functionality of pottery as well as the decorative aspect.
Many of her works are shades of teal and blue, a nod to colors that are calm and “make you feel great.”
“I love the water. I like the ocean. I like the lake,” she said.
O’Meara mentioned that she often incorporates natural elements like wood in her designs.
“I just enjoy the challenge,” she said. “I really love art.”
Gerry O’Meara experiments with design and often does commissions. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
The public, students and faculty alike are encouraged to stop by and see what the artists have to offer.
“Anyone can participate in the sale,” said Henry McCarter, a ceramics major and potter with a table at the event.
Potter Henry McCarter creates many pieces including bowls specially fitted with chopsticks. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
The sale is available during the day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Those interested can visit the Mad Potters Organization on Instagram @mpo4lyfe to learn more about the club as well as upcoming sales.
The following photos display pottery for sale by the artists. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)
Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.
