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Date: 7/19/2022
WESTERN MASS. – On the fourth weekend in July, nine Hilltown potters will open their studios and kilns again for all to enjoy and explore.
Whether one is a loyal follower of the nationally recognized Hilltown 6 pottery tour or a newcomer ready to explore the “gardens and woodsheds” of local potters and their guests for the first time, the 16th annual Hilltown 6 pottery tour and sale on July 23 and July 24 is a two-day free event sure to bring out the hidden scavenger hunter within.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the potters and their guest artists by following a map that includes each destination within 45 minutes of Northampton. In addition to the tour’s educational demonstrations, new this year, there will be hands-on activities for children and adults.
Guests can view and purchase works from potters Robbie Heidinger, Christy Knox, Maya Machin, Michael McCarthy, Hiroshi Nakayama, Mark Shapiro, Eric Smith, Constance Talbot and Sam Taylor, along with this year’s 17 guest potters, including one painter. The hosts’ and guest artists’ work will be displayed and for sale throughout the event.
Maya Machin, a resident of Ashfield and member of the nine Hilltown 6 potters since 2013, creates wood-fired functional stoneware, including cups, bowls, and plates, along with sculptural items such as vases and other pieces. She shared that her studio is in the top part of a converted “big barn” on her property and behind the barn sits her wood kiln that can reach up to 2,300 degrees and requires several people to tend to in the course of 18 hours. She shared that visitors could view this kiln during the tour.
As far as planning and preparation for the tour, Hilltown 6’s website suggests, “Most of our visitors find that taking their time and spreading the tour over two days makes for a great weekend. There are a lot of things to do in this area at night.” But if that doesn’t work, Machin also pointed out, “You can do it in one day, but you get the most out of it by doing it in two days and kind of breaking up.”
An important note for those planning to attend, cell reception may not be accessible in parts of the tour, so it is suggested to print a copy of the map to have in hand in case this happens.
The Hilltown 6 will donate a portion of its proceeds to local elementary schools for art supplies.
Visit www.hilltown6.com for more information and to download and print a map.