The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail is an annual event in Western Mass, which draws pottery lovers from around the region and even the country to experience firsthand where and how the potters craft their one-of-a-kind pieces. Trail-goers are welcomed to grab a map and guide themselves door to door to 9 different studios where the artists and their guest artists are ready to proudly demonstrate their techniques and offer sales on their pieces of work.
This year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail has a new slogan: The show must go on...line! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately the potters cannot open their doors to the public this year. However, the artists did what they do best - they used their creativity to create something new, different, and wonderful! They have brought the pottery trail to the public through virtual tours and online shopping.
While some of the artists already had existing online stores, many had to create new ones to cope with these times of social distancing. All of the potters have been working hard to boost up their online stores in time for the new Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail online event. From May 30 at noon to May 31 at midnight, the 9 artists and their guest potters will offer sales through their online stores. So you can still purchase locally, handcrafted pottery straight from the makers. The potters are accustomed to shipping their fragile products, so they can safely send you your purchases. If you are local, some may be able to leave your package on their front step for curbside pickup.
To make up for the studio tours, the team of potters have recorded 9 different videos of the 9 studios, so you can see the spaces where the creativity happens and demonstrations of how the products are made. Check them out on their Facebook page.
In past years, there has been a mug giveaway for one person who visits 7 or more of the studios. Instead, this year anyone who purchases a piece from Lucy Fagella during the event, will have their name entered into a drawing for a free mug.
The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail normally draws in thousands of dollars to these potters, who count on this boost in sales once a year. Other local businesses usually benefit from this event as well through all of the visitors who come from near and far and usually spend the weekend shopping, going out to eat, and staying at local accommodations. Let’s all support the potters this year through this adaptive online event so that they may continue their craft and reopen their doors to us all again next year.
Visit asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com for more information!
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