After a winter spent attending workshops and learning new things, much of the past couple of weeks have been focused on working in the clay studio.
As with all of my work, creating a unique and individual style is deeply important to me. I want pottery lovers to see a piece that I have created and immediately know that it is an AKD work. Part of my method for creating my unique style in pottery is to mix my own glazes.
While there are many beautiful commercial glazes on the market, none of them seemed to quite capture the colors, depth and feel of Lake Erie. Mixing my own glazes and layering them creatively allows me to express so much more of what I see when gazing into the depths of our beloved lake.
One of the our most popular pottery items with customers visiting the gallery is a design that I created and copyrighted in the 1980's for arranging cut flowers.
When met with the frustration of drooping flowers in wide, open-mouthed vases, I realized that I could make something to solve this problem! And so, the AKD flower arrangers were born.
Over the years many flower lovers have purchased these pots for themselves and their flower loving friends and family.
A whole new batch just came out of the kiln and they won't last long!
What to see and do in Chautauqua County: Mayville
Each of the little towns and cities in Chautauqua County has so much to offer visitors and the little town of Mayville is bursting at the seams with things to see and do. We thought we would share some of our favorites with you!
-The Chautauqua Belle offers a daily schedule of steamboat rides on the lake.
-Follow that up with lunch or a cone of your favorite ice cream from Boxcar Barney's.
-If paddling along on the lake is your idea of a day well spent, kayaks can be rented at Evergreen Outfitters.
-Or you could take the whole family to putt a round at Webb's Hotel and Candies miniature golf course.
-Chautauqua Lake is a wonderful lake for skiing, fishing, jet ski's, tubing and just floating in the summer sun! The boat launch at Mayville Lakeside Park is free with ample parking and there are lifeguards on duty for swimming in the park!
-Is food your vacation jam? There are several area restaurants ranging from diners to fine dining.
-Local produce and artisans abound at the Mayville Farmer's Market every Thursday afternoon at the village park.
-How about antiquing? You are sure to find a treasure or two at Our Little Shop or HFM Emporium's indoor flea market.
-Maybe a hike is more your idea of relaxation? You're in luck! There are extensive and well maintained hiking trails that can take you from the old train depot for miles around the village of Mayville, town of Chautauqua and into the neighboring towns and villages. Maps of the trails are available free of charge inside the Chautauqua County Travel Guide. Stop by the gallery and pick one up today!
