Clay Alliance Holiday Fair - Cincinnati Event

September 13, 2013 Clay Alliance Holiday Fair As the holiday season rapidly approaches, shopping for that unique gift just got a little easier. The Clay Alliance annual Holiday Fair, showcasing the diverse talents of 35 members, returns Saturday, Dec. 7 to the Clifton Cultural Arts Center in the historic Clifton Elementary School at 3711 Clifton Ave. Hours for the fair are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. One artist in the show this year quit her job as a visual merchandising manager to pursue her passion for pottery full time. Christie Goodfellow, maker of CGceramics, creates functional pottery out of her home studio in Bellevue, KY. "My work reflects the appreciation I have for modern design and material reference," said Goodfellow. "I believe that handmade objects enrich our everyday lives and connect us to one another." Another featured artist uses that connection and her experience with pottery to educate. After receiving her bachelors of fine arts degree, Trina Feldhake taught classes for 10 years through the City of Cincinnati Recreation Program. Her love for teaching led Feldhake to open Throwing Clay Pottery in 2001 where she instructed adult pottery classes, maintained the gallery and managed four annual ceramic shows. Throwing Clay closed in 2005 due to illness, but that did not stop Feldhake. In 2007, she opened a studio at Pendelton Art Center downtown where she produces and sells her ceramic work and occasionally teaches classes and workshops. Feldhake also makes functional pieces for everyday use including sculptural baskets where she stretches the practical aspects of the object to create works of art. Visitors to the fair can expect to find a wide variety of pottery- functional wares to decorative art pieces- for themselves or gift-giving. Included are jewelry, items for the home and garden, ornaments, seasonal items, and one-of-a-kind sculptures. Credit cards are accepted. Admission is free and there is plenty of free street parking and in nearby lots. The Clay Alliance, founded in 1999, is an organization committed to sharing a passion for clay. As a nurturing group, it welcomes ceramic artists of all skill levels, encourages their further development, and works to raise community awareness of clay art. Members create a wide range of work from functional to sculptural representing traditional to contemporary aesthetics, various creative techniques, and firing methods. While most members work in clay, gallery owners and clay suppliers are also included. Annually, the Clay Alliance hosts Empty Bowls, a charity fundraiser, plus offers professional development workshops and exhibition opportunities. ### For additional information, visit www.clayalliance.org.