It's been quite a summer. We've followed historical clues through old maps and land deeds, hiked into stream banks and swampy hillsides, dug over 800 pounds of clay out of the West Glenville hills, and spent weeks squishing, straining, and processing that clay back at the studio. Now comes the part we've all been waiting for — making something with it.
Here's what's coming up this fall for An Expedition in Wild Clay:
Wild Clay Making Session & Kiln Build — Saturday, September 19
Next weekend is the big one. Outside, ceramic artist and kiln builder Jordan Becker will be constructing a primitive wood-fire kiln from the very clay we dug ourselves. Inside, local ceramic artists will be on hand to guide you as you work with that same wild clay and make something small to be fired in the kiln. No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Morning session: 10:00am–12:00pm
Afternoon session: 1:00pm–3:00pm
Free to attend. Register here!
Uncovering the Past: Clay and the Hudson & French Stoneware of Galway, NY — Tuesday, September 22
If you missed Arlene Rhodes and Susan Wemple of the Galway Preservation Society at our kick-off meeting, this is your chance to catch their full presentation. Through old maps, land deeds, census records, and family bibles, they trace the story of the Hudson & French family of potters who operated a thriving stoneware and brick-making business in Galway during the mid-to-late 1800s. A fascinating evening for history lovers and ceramics enthusiasts alike.
6:30–7:30pm at Main Street Studio. Free to attend. Register here!
First Kiln Firing — Saturday, October 3
After the kiln is built, we fire it. Jordan Becker will lead the first firing of our primitive wood-fire kiln — the moment all of this digging, processing, and building has been leading to. Stay tuned for details on how to be part of this milestone moment.
Wild Clay Reception & Silent Auction — Saturday, October 17, 5:00–9:00pm
The expedition concludes with a celebration. The Main Street Studio gallery will be filled with fired clay pieces made by our community of expeditioners — from kids' first pinch pots and wobbly first attempts to beautiful works by some of our most talented local ceramic artists. Every piece was made from wild clay dug right here in the fields and stream banks of western Saratoga County and fired in a kiln we built by hand.
All pieces will be available in a silent auction benefiting Main Street Studio's community programming — and every piece is a unique, handmade object with a story behind it. Made from wild clay dug right here in western Saratoga County and fired in a kiln we built by hand, they make for pretty extraordinary holiday gifts. We love making these events free and open to everyone, and your bids help make the next expedition possible. The evening will also feature live music by Studio Blue, Charlton's own jazz and swing band. Free and open to the public — we'd love to see you there. Add to calendar!
Whether you've been with us since the kick-off meeting in July or are just hearing about this project for the first time — there's still a place for you in this expedition. Come get your hands dirty, learn something new, and help us celebrate what this community has built together.
