My work: redware pottery inspired by

the historical potters of Early America

Hailing from Central Massachusetts, I have been honing my pottery skills since 1976 and have developed a deep fascination for the rich history of redware pottery. Each piece is hand-thrown on the wheel, carefully dried, and then bisqued before being coated with my own lead-free glaze formulation and fired once again. To add a touch of antiquity, a natural finish is meticulously applied to the unglazed surfaces. What makes my wares truly one-of-a-kind are the running cat paw prints adorning all Kulina Folk Art and Pied Potter Hamelin plates and platters. These distinctive imprints were inspired by the playful act of one of our cats, Ashby, leaping onto the clay slab.

Drawing from my experience teaching and working in museums, I continue to share my knowledge and passion for pottery through lectures and demonstrations throughout New England.

Embrace the artistry of the past with a touch of contemporary charm - bring home a piece of Pied Potter Hamelin's redware pottery today.

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Group Exhibitions

2021 - “American Clay: Modern Potters, Traditional Pots”, Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA (curated by Stephen Earp

2009 - “History in the Making IV”, a National Juried Exhibition, Ceramic Traditions - Contemporary Pots, The Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery, Rochester, NY

2009 - “Historic Interpretation”, Contemporary artists interpret the historic collection at the Peabody Historical Society and Museum, Osborne-Salata House, Gideon Foster House, Peabody, MA

2009 - “Clay-town,” Sheffield Ceramics Exhibit. The exhibit integrates local historical research with the sgraffito and slipware designs of Rick Hamelin and Gariné Arakelian, Sheffield, MA

2008 - History in the Making III, a National Juried Exhibition, The Firehouse Gallery at Genesee Pottery, Rochester, NY, Honorable Mention

2008-2009 - Keepers of Tradition, National Heritage Museum, Lexington, MA

2005 - Lincoln Library and Museum, Springfield, IL, permanent collection

1999 - The Clay Studio, PA

1998 - National Redware Exhibition, Pennsylvania Designer Craftsmen, Richboro, PA

1993 - Worcester Center for Crafts, Faculty Show

1988 - Early American Life Magazine, Pennsylvania

1987 - Summer’s World Center for the Arts, Faculty Show, Worcester, MA

1986 - Southbridge Arts Center, Southbridge, MA

Lectures/Workshops

1985-Present - Lectures, workshops and pottery demonstrations at public venues, museums and schools.

Recent Publications

2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 - Early American Life Magazine - Directory of Traditional American Crafts

June 2006 - Worcester Telegram & Gazette, article

December 2005 - Early American Life Magazine, “Best 25 Holiday Artisans”

September 2005 - New England Antiques Journal, featured artisan

July 2002 - Early American Life Magazine, “Best of American Folk Art Award” August & May issues feature pictorial

January 1999 - Country Living Magazine, featured artisan

1986-98 - Early American Life Magazine, “Best of American Folk Art Award”

1986-Present - Many other Massachusetts newspapers

1984 - PBS, “A Visit to Old Sturbridge Village”

Grants

1985-Present Massachusetts Cultural Council, over 1,000 grants for pottery demonstrations, lectures and workshops

About Rick Hamelin Redware Kulina Folk Art Security Team

Hands-On Clay Workshops Pottery Demonstrations with Hands-On Workshops Zoom or In-Person Lectures Zoom or In-Person PowerPoint Presentations Creative Workshops by Garine Arakelian Completed Programs Rave Reviews Contact