Saturday, December 19, 1998

By Mary Thomas, Post-Gazette Arts Writer

Ceramists from across the country rallied to aid potting legend Karen Karnes. After her Vermont home and studio burned last spring, they contributed pots for a sale that began last week at The Clay Place, 5416 Walnut St., Shadyside. Karnes, born in 1925, was awarded the prestigious American Craft Council Gold Medal for consummate craftsmanship this year, taking the edge off her loss.

More than 50 of the original 176 works have sold, but others continue to arrive. Also on display through Jan. 13 are notes from artist donors and a batch of "kiln gods" that will go to Karnes to ensure better future luck.

Vermont potter, Karen Karnes on right is one of America's foremost ceramic artists, is looking at pots that were contributed by artists across the country to raise money to rebuild her home and studio, destroyed by fire earlier this year. With her is Elvira Peake, owner of The Clay Place Gallery in Shadyside, where the sale is being held. (V.W.H. Campbell Jr. Post-Gazette)