20th Annual Holiday Sale & Show
Lincoln Square Pottery Studio - Learning Center celebrated its first holiday show in December of 2003. The newly-opened pottery school proudly displayed work created by its aspiring artists. This tradition has carried its way into 2022; the studio hosted its 20th Anniversary Holiday Sale and Show on Saturday, December 3rd.
What makes the Holiday Sale and Show so unique is the opportunity it fosters for its students. Many of the beginners have never put their work on display, much less try to sell it. The studio encourages these new artists to put themselves out there. By taking the leap, they begin to see themselves as true artists, and that their work is valued. Many of our beginners have transitioned into part-time artists, creating work at LSPS-LC during the week, and selling online or at one of the many shows and festivals the studio takes part in each year.
The professional artists that use our space during independent study hours also sell at the holiday show. They create items for the home with expert refinement. Both levels of students create inventive, colorful and charming pieces. With more than 40 artists displaying their work, there is something to be found for everyone.
This year, eight artists will have extra large displays on our class tables. These students work hard to compose festive vignettes of their best ceramic creations. Our featured artists for 2022 are Richard Zeid, Alice Huang Hollowed, Melissa Meigides, Samantha Pellegrino, Morgan Bates, Julie Oh, Lorena Montero and Jessica McCartney.
Jessica McCartney
Artist Jessica McCartney manages to capture the feeling of each season in her clay wares. Springtime flowers, Fall mushrooms and miniature snow-covered villages exit the studio’s kilns according to the time of year. Ornaments, nativity scenes and other adorable pint-sized items will be gracing her table space during the show. Her work is perfect for those who love to celebrate this joyful time.
Richard Zeid
Richard Zeid is no stranger to the holiday show, or to selling his pottery. The artist is prolific on the wheel and isn’t afraid to try new glaze combinations. The results of his steadfast production is an extremely cohesive series of work. Zeid’s displays always impress, and this year he’ll be bringing back his breakfast sets (beautifully matching bowls and cups), butter bells, garlic pots and oil dispensers.
Alice Huang Hollowed
Artist and studio volunteer Alice Huang Hollowed is so good at creating coffee mugs that she barely blinks and eye if she’s asked to do a commissioned set of 100! Huang Hollowed never shies away from bright colors, and her mugs reflect her optimism as well as individualism. The artist’s table will feature her vessels, as well as bowls, vases and unique items that look good in any home.
Melissa Meigides
Melissa Meigides’ pottery always features surfaces that are dappled with flecks. The artist has a penchant for these warm dots, which are the result of chemical reactions between trace metals in the red stoneware and the glaze during firing. Each bowl, plate or cup she turns off the wheel nestles perfectly into its counterpart; a real testament to her expertise in clay. Meigides’ table space will feature the best of her impeccable work.
Lorena Montero
Lorena Montero has a captivating way of tapping into subject matter, color and feelings connected to her childhood and life. The artist will have an array of whimsical chicken sculptures (some functional, some pure art), as well as platters and containers at the holiday show. Each pieces is vibrant and lively. Montero’s sale space will be a place to stop, smile and reminisce.
Julie Oh
Julie Oh doesn’t give up once she’s hit upon a good idea. The artist recreated the shape of a small, green vented berry basket (bought in grocery stores), and found its form very appealing. Since then, she’s experimented with better ways to create the containers, resulting in extremely convincing ones made of clay. Berry enthusiasts will be happy to get their hands on the reusable receptacles, both for their function and artistic beauty. Oh will also have berry strainers, cups and platters at the holiday show.
Samantha Pellegrino
After hand-building a ceramic gnome in class, something sparked Samantha Pellegrino’s imagination. The artist took to the impish characters and made a collection of her own. Each one of Pellegrino’s diminutive people have their own style, accessories and personality. The closer you get to them, the more whimsical details appear. The artist’s table will have these littles for sale, as well as other charming works.
Morgan Bates
Morgan Bates really gets into the spirit of the season- his beard is often filled with mini ornaments to celebrate the holiday show! The affable artist creates cups, steins as well as substantial bowls. Each piece is either carved deeply, dipped hardily in fun glaze combos or features unique decal designs. Bates’ signature creations are his massive coffee mugs, which play well with people whose hands and thirst are considerable.
Artwork as well as the artists themselves have always been the big draw to the event each year. Our usual fundraiser is also a favorite. The Buy-A-Cup Benefit gives attendees a chance to purchase an artist-made mug, which is then filled with a complimentary hot beverage. The supporter has the opportunity to take home a memento of the evening, as well as help out a good cause. This year, 100% of the profit from this fundraiser went to the Common Pantry, just in time to make sure a few more people get the food stability they deserve. We raised $740 for them at the event! Three cheers to that!
The LSPS-LC 20th Anniversary Holiday Sale & Show took place on Saturday, December 3rd from 1-6pm. We are located at 4150 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL. 60618. It was a masked event to keep everyone safe and healthy.