Firing up the Kilns — Potters open up studios for tours
By Dawn De Busk
Staff Writer
Last weekend, Bridgton artist Brian Buckland fired up his kiln.
He was creating some new product in preparation for a state-wide event called the Maine Pottery Tour, which showcases ceramic artists in their environment. Every year, during the first weekend in May, the artists open up their studios to the public.
This year, the hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Pottery Tour has existed for 13 years.
“This is my fifth year participating in the Maine Pottery tour as a host and before that I had been a guest artist at my mentor, Tyler Gulden’s studio,” Buckland said.
Buckland has been throwing pots for 15 years and he has owned Buckland Ceramics in Bridgton since 2020. Buckland’s studio is located 184 N High St.
What: The Maine Pottery Tour. Go to www.mainepotterytour.org to find studios in your region or plan a road trip to learn about the pottery process and meet potters and ceramics artists.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Go to www.mainepotterytour.org and get listings of participating artists by regions. Additionally, there is an app that can be downloaded to help people plan their tour.
He discussed the benefits of the tour.
“Being part of the tour is a way to make connections with people in my community and people who travel to see my work,” Buckland said.
“The tour helps people meet artists in their own community and helps bring people to Maine to celebrate ceramics,” he said.
The 2025 tour will highlight the work of 80 different studios throughout the state, according to a press release, which explained the reasoning behind the event.
“The Maine Pottery Tour helps potters connect directly with their audience, fosters community among artists, educates the public about pottery, and celebrates Maine’s vibrant ceramic arts,” event organizers said.
There will be 13 artists in the western region. Some of those include EmmaTpottery, 2 Phoenix Way in Bridgton; Pottery By Celia, 520 Sebago Rd. in Naples; Greener Fields Pottery, 303 Bisbee Town Rd. in Waterford; Cedar Mountain Pottery, located 858 Middle Rd. in Parsonsfield; and Martha Grover and Josh Rysted, 630 West Bethel Rd in Bethel.
About a half hour from Bridgton is Limington, which has three ceramic artists on the tour: Zwellyn Pottery, Winterberry Clay and The Lazy Potter, all located at 20 Spencer Lane.
The Maine Pottery Tour website provides information and also a downloadable app to plan out one’s trip on Saturday or Sunday or both days.
“With over 80 participating studios across the state, attendees can embark on a self-guided adventure, using downloadable interactive maps and the brand-new Plan My Tour app available. This user-friendly app makes it easy for visitors to customize their own Pottery Tour road trip, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience,” the press release said. “Grab your map, invite friends and family, and set out for a weekend filled with exploration, inspiration, and beautiful handmade treasures.”
Northeast of Bridgton in Augusta, there’s a studio called Fine Mess Pottery, where potter Lori K. Watts works.
“This is my favorite event of the year,” Watts said. “I’m kind of a clay nerd. I love talking to people about the kiln and the ceramic process. Bring your questions.”
Fine Mess Pottery will offer wheel demos, plates for visitors to paint, and a kiln opening Saturday at 11 a.m.
For more information, please visit MainePotteryTour.org.
