WaterFire will put spotlight on ceramics

Staff report

Sharon, Pa.

The next WaterFire Sharon arts event, which will be Sept. 14, will feature a Ceramic Invitational at the James E. Winner Jr. Arts and Culture Center (ACC).

The best artists and educators in the field of ceramics from within a 70-mile radius of Sharon were selected to participate in the gallery show, which will feature functional pottery, ceramic sculpture and ceramic installations.

“Some of the biggest names in ceramics within western Pennsylvania and Ohio will be exhibiting in the show,” said organizer Christian Kuharik, a Penn State Shenango professor.

The Ceramic Invitational show will be open to the public Sept. 9-29 but with extended hours from 10 a.m. to midnight, along with food and entertainment, during WaterFire Sharon.

The second of three events, WaterFire Sharon celebrates the performing and visual arts. It takes over multiple venues and locations in downtown Sharon, along the river.

The hallmark of the show is a series of wood-burning braziers that are placed in the water of the Shenango River, and which burn for several hours as part of the event.

WaterFire originated in Connecticut years ago as a way to attract visitors to the downtown area, and has since been adapted to cities across the globe.

The first-ever WaterFire Sharon was Aug. 3, and it attracted tens of thousands to the city. The final one of the year will be Oct. 12. All WaterFire events are free. For information, go to waterfiresharonpa.org.

In addition to the 24 artists exhibiting at the Ceramic Invitational, all three floors of the Winner Center will be transformed into a gourmet art and culinary experience. Winery offerings, a strolling violinist, an acoustic group and entertainment by Butch Nichols & Company will be featured.

Chef Theo Gumbs, a native of the US Virgin Islands and one of the Caribbean’s most accomplished chefs, will combine regional flavors with world cuisine.

“In keeping with the Water- Fire World Fire theme, we wanted to transform the Winner center into a quality artistic experience similar to one you might have in Paris or Rome,” said Nathan Matt, director of the center.

Other attractions that day will include remote Daffin’s Candies and Wendell August Forge stores in the front lobby. Forgers from Wendell August will also be on hand to provide demonstrations and interactive experiences until dusk.