Josh Ruder's summer internship at Liberty Arts was a win-win for all involved. He helped us build two raku kilns, test glazes, create patterns and pour at the foundry. He also found plenty of time to create many of his own pieces which will comprise his solo show at Brown University in October.
The Metal Surgeon
What you missed Last Thursday
This past Last Thursday@Liberty Arts featured three demonstrations of our artists at work. John Parkinson shared his weaving (Danish cord) technique on a beautiful new custom walnut bench. David Huber fired up his lathe to show his turning and sanding skills on the briar burls he turns into amazing artisan tobacco pipes. Out back Evie and Josh were pulling 1700 degree pots out of their recently finished raku kiln and completing the ancient process to produce beautiful pieces to the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. You can expect more of the same this coming Last Thursday@Liberty Arts on August 27th.
The smell of sawdust has returned!
We have two new artists doing amazing things with wood. John Parkinson (above, and find him on Facebook) is creating beautifully handcrafted custom furniture. David Huber (www.dshpipes.com) is using his lathe and various sanders to turn small semi-circles of briarwood to create top of the line artisan pipes.You are more than welcome to come in and watch the process - especially on Last Thursdays @ Liberty Arts.
Deja Vu All Over Again
Jackie MacLeod woke up Friday morning to learn that a pipe had burst at the studio and water was gushing in.
“My heart sank. Many of you will understand why - the situation was eerily similar to the one four years ago that caused us to lose our studios in the Liberty Warehouse and subsequently led to that warehouse being condemned and torn down.”
Ben Ale Sheehy (owner of Bampro, who now works alongside us) had been battling the water since 11pm the night before. One by one we arrived, grabbed brooms, buckets, created pumps, did whatever we could to get the water out as it poured in until it was finally turned off and our efforts were finally making a difference.
At the end of the day, the lot of us who had shown up were drenched and tired, but feeling so much more hopeful than we’d felt that morning. The damage can be fixed, the water and dampness will be dealt with and relatively little was lost. The photos above show what things looked like on Friday morning and then on Saturday morning. Onward!
HUGE thanks to all of you who stopped by, called, replied on Facebook or just sent good wishes. We love our community!!
Liberty Arts at the Blue Note Grill
As Durham breathlessly waits for the new Blue Note Grill to open on Washington Street, Board Member & artist Leigh Hayes has been creating a signature bronze window treatment, with help from Jackie MacLeod and our summer intern from Brown University, Josh Ruder. Check it out just left of the front door.
Best in Show: David S. Huber
This pipe made by our newest artist, David S Huber of DSH Pipes, was given the honor of Best Pipe in Show at the prestigious Kansas City Pipe Show this weekend.