Boston Mills Artfest

The first of two Boston Mills Shows begin this weekend. For more information go to BMBW.com

Stop by our booth at the North tent for Boston Mills I (booth 102) and we'll be located in the West tent for Boston Mills II (booth 65).

New Items for Spring/Summer - Take a Look!

We've been busy in our own studio and gallery this spring trying out new colors, designs, and shapes. This is just a sample of some of newer and popular pieces we've been making for our customers. From mugs and coasters to vases and pear sculptures we've had a great response to the new designs. We're about ready to take them on the road as our summer shows are fast approaching but we thought we would give you a sneak peek!

Great prices on items such as cups (approximately 5"T) and coasters. Our three-legged mug has become a signature piece here in our gallery. The 4" square coasters come as a set of four, wrapped with black cord and boxed.

 

Our pear sculptures are one of our most popular items. These come in a couple of different sizes and groupings.
Approximately 13"W x 7"D x 7"T.

 

The small 8" square plates and our 8" triangular tapas plates  are fun for summer parties. We often sell them as candle holders when displayed with a pillar candle.

Introduced earlier in the year, the new "Red" design is fast becoming one of our best sellers. All items are available in any of our signature color patterns.

We also have a variety of serving trays like the rectangular tray w/handles (above) or our very popular long tray, seen below. Rectangular tray 12"W x 7"D x 2"T /

Long tray 26"L x 9"D x 3"H

Our Tri-tray shown here (below) in a new color we're calling Bordeaux is also available in other patterns. This tray can either be displayed an an easel or sits nicely on its' three legs. We've made some to use in our gallery, during our monthly Artwalks, as serving trays for cheese and crackers. 

Tri-tray below approximately 13"T x 13"W x 3"D.

We've also re-designed our stemware (below) for a more festive look and changed the design of the glass bowl. We still offer three styles; white wine (all-purpose), red wine, and martini. We also offer a limited edition champagne flute. These are so much fun for yourself or guests and they make  wonderful wedding gifts! White wine glasses 11"T and martini glasses 8"T.

We're always making a variety of small, decorative vases and lidded jars. These are beautiful accessory pieces that add a nice, handmade touch to any room. The pieces below are shown in the Bordeaux design. Size of vases and jars vary. Approximately 9"-12"T

Some larger pieces we offer, like these slab-built, Japanese influenced "Hamada" bottles are exceptional pieces that look even more dramatic when displayed with some curly willow or bamboo.

These bottles are also available in any of our signature patterns. 

Approximately 16"T x 11"W x4"D.

This new mantle vase really makes a statement and is also the perfect piece to display some dried botanicals. Shown in the Bordeaux pattern but also available in any of our other designs.

Approximately 24"W x 8:T x 5"D.

Because so many people have asked whether we make clocks we decided to make a few. These have quartz clockworks and keep excellent time.

Approximately 17"T x 8"W x 1"D.

Slab is gently curved ... not flat.

  Our narrow mirror is very popular not only because it has great colors and is finely crafted but because of its size. Since it is only 24"W and 34"T, it can be place just about anywhere. We can also custom design mirrors to fit any space.

If you have any questions regarding our items please give us a call at 330.253.3808.
 We would be happy to discuss pricing, availability, colors and shipping. 
 E-mail at zm@zeber-martell.com

May Highlights - Artwalk, New Show and More!

Once again this year we are offering a spectacular Mother's Day Special. Get a limited edition orchid vase planted with a gorgeous phalaenopis orchid for only $98.00. Reserve by April 23rd for pick up at our gallery May 7 & 8. Order by phone at 330-253-3808. This is really a special gift for anyone. Each vase is one-of-kind so shape may vary.

May is shaping up to be a busy month as our summer show season begins. First there will be Artwalk  on Saturday, May 1st from 5-10pm. Our gallery will be open all day Saturday and during the evening after 6pm Angie Haze will stop by to perform in the alley. If it looks like rain she'll be in the upstair's gallery in the building. She has a unique blend of sounds that are simply mesmerizing plus she's right here from Akron. Check out the new Akron sound.

The other highlight in May is the new Canton Museum National Art Show. This show features 80 fine artists and craftspeople from around the country. The show is May 22-23. Parking is free and there is on on-site cafe. Find something beautiful for your home and enjoy the gallery atmosphere of the Canton Museum. Our booth location is 9 and 10.

A Final Word About the Empty Bowl Project

For nearly 30 years we've been professional potters and designers, and Akron's Northside District has been home to our studio for much of that time. The Akron community has always supported and encouraged our work and we are fortunate to be part of such an art-friendly environment. A remarkable collective effort has been created by all the people involved for this years event. It is our hope that the Empty Bowl Project becomes a powerful tool for bringing about positive change locally. We thank those supporters and all the people who made this project possible.

Soup Recipes are in for Empty Bowl Project

Soups on and all the recipes are in for the Empty Bowl Project being held at the Akron Art Museum, Sunday, March 21st. The event is sold out at 244 reservations and those that reserved a bowl will have a difficult time choosing their three soup selections by some of Akron's best chefs. Here is a list of soups that will be offered.

• Crave - Bacon Double Cheeseburger Soup with Chopped Pickles
• VegiTerranean - Celery Root Soup, Tomato Bisque Soup
• Moes - French Onion Soup and Russian Borscht
• Diamond Deli - Wild Rice with Corn and Sausage Soup
• Bricco - Coconut Curried Chicken Soup
• Dine-In-Diva - Black Bean Espresso Soup
• Robert J. - Home-Style Chicken Soup with Homemade Slovenian Noodles, Salmon Bisque
• Taste of Excellence - Southwest Grilled Chicken Soup w/Tri-Colored Tortilla Strips and Key Lime Creme Fraiche
• Flemings - New England Clam Chowder

Tile Commission Installed

We just finished installing our recently commissioned wall tile composition in the newly remodeled lobby of the Akron General Medical Center.  The 5-panel piece is made up of masonite and wood frames that have been textured with modeling paste and then painted with several layers of colors for the background. The ceramic tiles are then "floated" on the individual panels to create a three-dimensional composition. The individual ceramic tiles have airbrushed under-glazes for the surface design and it is then finished with a gloss glaze.

February Artwalk Highlights

Even though we had an incredible amount of snow Friday before Artwalk, we dug out just in time to welcome art lovers to our gallery. So many people had cabin-fever that they came out looking for some fun stuff to see ... and we didn't disappoint. It was perfect weather for clay sculptor Ron White to do a fantastic ice sculpture in the alley of the studio. Thanks to the art trolley driver for dropping the people off in front of our studio where they could easily watch Ron carve away. It was like a winter carnival. And thanks to all who ventured out. By the looks of the crowds at Luigis and VegiTerranean restaurants the snow didn't keep many people away. Mark your calendar for the next Artwalk on March 6th from 5-9pm.

 

Artwalk Returns Saturday, February 6th

This Saturday marks the return of the Akron Artwalks for 2010. Moving from restaurants and galleries to wine bars and shops, the Artwalk features pottery, hand-blown glass and eclectic art in Downtown Akron's historic district and at Northside. Parking near Luigis is free as is the trolley service. Catch the trolley at any stop along the route and ride between studios. Hop on and off and visit all the studios. A walking map is provided with a list of participating studios.   Come out and see the creative side of Akron.

Akron Glassworks resumes there live glassblowing demonstrations from 5-10pm. The Northside District also houses the Red Light Galleries that will host a make-and-take art during the artwalk. Akron's art district extends to High Street with purveyors of the best Akronite Attire, Rubber City Clothing and the We Gallery which include a fine art exhibition by artist J.W. Cooper as well as an interactive community art installation project with artist Emily Vigil. The We Gallery's exhibition space blends into Uncorked Wine Bar, and adventuresome and curious artwalkers can wind their way through a stairwell or two and find themselves at Mocha Maiden, Musica and NOTO - an edgy, chic fashion boutique. With so mich to see and do, it is no surprise that the monthly artwalk is becoming one of the coolest nights out in Akron.

Your Valentine Will Love This!

     

We've been working on some new designs for Valentine's Day and thought you might like to see how they would look on your special Valentine. The jewelry is made from our earthenware clay and impressed with a textured heart design. Around the outside edge, there is a 22kt gold luster finished with a gloss glaze. We've added some glass beads and accents for fun and sparkle. Choose from other styles, available in our gallery.

Warm the Heart

Nothing warms the body like a pot of tea and nothing warms the heart like an expression of love ... especially when you choose to express your feelings with something handmade. You can find that perfect personal gift of love in our gallery. Choose a thoughtful gift this Valentine's Day by giving the gift of art. Stop by the gallery ... we have many new items on display.

Soups On from Dine-In-Diva

Tamara Mitchell, one of the talented, creative, and supportive chefs from Dine-In-Diva has begun testing soups for our Empty Bowl Project, March 21st at the Akron Art Museum. These look so good. She's tested two vegetable based recipes - Corn and Butternut Squash Chowder and Broccoli, Red Pepper, and Cheddar Chowder (using Adams Reserve Cheddar). Both look so good. I'm going to Trader Joe's on Saturday morning and picking up some really good cheddar ... just might have to try the Broccoli, Pepper, Cheddar Chowder. Check out the recipes on Tami's  Garden, Grocery, Gadget Girl blog.

 

Shop our Valentine's Day Collection

Looking for a gift for the one you love? Shop our Valentine's Day gift collection at our studio.

New Red Hot Designs

We're starting to think about spring and love and all the stuff that gives us hope for a new season and we've got some exciting designs in our gallery just in time for Valentine's Day. The jewelry is especially spectacular this year with carved hearts, 22kt. gold lustre and beautiful glass beads. We've designed the earrings in both posts and wires and are available in purple and red. The necklaces too are designed in much the same way also available in both colors. Other Valentine's Day items are added to our gallery every few days. Stop by our gallery and also check out the photos on our Facebook page. The gallery is open Monday thru Friday 11-6 and Saturday from 12-9pm. We'll be happy to gift wrap your item at no additional charge.

SOLD OUT!

Empty Bowls reservations are official closed as we hit our 200 bowl limit. Thanks to everyone for your support. Our goal is for all of us to help out in whatever way we can and so many patrons, chefs, volunteers and the Akron Art Museum have really been generous. From the phone calls we received from those not being able to reserve a bowl we really appreciate your support. We want to keep this event the size that it is and make it special and about community. We're looking forward to making this a solid fundraiser to help alleviate hunger in our area. We our truly overwhelmed by your support. Thank you!

Bowls are stacking up

Bowl by bowl we're starting to gain on the number of bowls we need for the Empty Bowl Project. Usually it's not until later in the day, after the studio quiets down, that we can sit at the potter's wheel and begin to throw. There is a meditative quality about just being focused on the clay and the hum of the wheel that melts away all of the other daily distractions that happen in the studio.

Potter Alan Caiger-Smith said "Shapes which are repeated begin to mature without undergoing any obvious changes. The form evolves by itself, and ... you find the shape has become more agreeable simply by being made often." What you start out with goes through a natural process of subtle change and the more you make the more the bowls begin to reveal themselves as truly individual shapes never exactly what's in your mind's eye and no two ever the same.

Let the bowls begin!

We're starting to make the bowls for our upcoming fundraiser at the Akron Art Museum on March 21st. Reservations are now open for the Empty Bowl Project. All money collected will be donated to Akron's Good Samaritan Hunger Center to fight hunger.

The making and decorating of over 200 bowls is the fun part with a dozen or more bowls made at a time. The hand-thrown bowls hold eight to twelve ounces and no two are exactly alike. We've designed a new bowl this year for people to add to their collection.

We've definitely improved over last year with additional and different chefs being added to the mix. Adding a few new restaurants this year helps to keep the event fresh and interesting as different soups are added. Attendees will get to sample THREE soups instead of two. Also new this year is the addition of live music. Check out the participating restaurants below. Only 200 bowls will be made so reserve your bowl online at www.akronartmuseum.org/bowl or 330-376-9185.

Stop by New Years Weekend

We'll be open this New Year's Weekend (Friday and Saturday) and offering our customers 20% off any gallery purchase. If you're looking for something fun to do, why not stop by the gallery and enjoy a warm cup of cider while you browse the many items in the gallery. Bring your out-of-town guests and show off the creative side of Akron!

Still looking for a great gift?

We have so many wonderful gifts to choose from and a wide variety of price ranges, too. Everything is made right here in our studio. When you stop by you'll be able to select from the many handmade beautiful pieces of pottery and ceramic jewelry. And don't stress out ... we'll even gift wrap your purchase-FREE! Make last minute shopping an enjoyable experience. Stop by, look around, play with the dogs. Hey it doesn't get any better.

Friends and family will be able to toast the holiday season every year when you give them a pair of our signature wine glasses. Our stemware is available in three "styles". We have glasses for white wine (good for all-purpose), red wine, and the ever popular martini which also makes a great glass to serve some type of frozen dessert. We have special holiday pricing - any 2 for 98.00 (reg. 116.00 pr). Plus, don't forget we offer FREE GIFT WRAPPING. Stop by the gallery this Saturday between 12 & 9pm. We'll have some light refreshments available while you browse.

Took a break this morning and headed up to The Sculpture Center in Cleveland to see the work of Japanese ceramist Yasuhisa Kohyama. The show is in its final days at the center and it was now or never to see this incredible work. "The work of Kohyama, 73 years old, is an expressive and bold bridge between the ancient techniques of Sueki and anagama firing and contemporary Japanese abstract ceramics." The surface is unglazed but the the variety of surface textures, colors, and sheens are beautiful, giving each piece an amazing amount of depth. Even though the pieces are thick-walled, there is no sense of them being awkward or cumbersome. In fact, they almost seem to float off the display pedestals. There is a certain richness to the surface that can only be produced by this type wood firing. Kohyama has achieved the perfect balance between form and surface.