Potters in Protest Cle

Hello friends,

My name is Maria and I am a ceramic artist creating under the name 'clear blur design' in Cleveland. I hope everyone had a good holiday and is excited for 2017. If you are like me, you are approaching this coming year with a mix of emotions; anxious thoughts of what this next Presidency will bring. First and foremost, please know that I am not here to debate the person we have chosen to lead our country for the next 4 years. However, I am a citizen of this beautiful country concerned for the well-being of our planet. I live by one of the most magnificent natural fresh water resources, Lake Erie, surrounded by gorgeous green parks, woods and rivers. We lovingly call Cleveland the “Forest City” . It’s important to work toward preserving this no matter who holds the presidency. 

Mr. Trump has repeatedly made statements downplaying the severity of climate change, even calling it a “hoax”.  Many of the top offices in his administration are going to be held by men and women who have expressed doubt for the importance of climate control. A recent New York Times article highlights negative climate change statements made by individuals Mr. Trump will be placing in high ranking positions during his presidency. He has threatened to cancel the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 under which 195 nations agreed to take steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions. If the US withdraws from the agreement other nations are likely to follow. 

This got me thinking: what can I do locally to contribute and make a difference? 

Together with Eileen Sheehan of Sheehan Pottery, we decided to run a fundraiser for the ‘Cleveland Climate Action Fund’ that is part of the ‘Sustainable Cleveland’ project.

Fellow potter, Helen Levi in NYC, came up with a wonderful idea that takes the "Empty Bowls" concept to raise money for a good cause called "Potters In Protest." (#pottersinprotest) This is a nationwide fundraising event benefiting many local and national organizations that protect human rights and the environment. Potters from different cities will be organizing similar events around Inauguration time and I wanted to spearhead one in Cleveland with the help of my  community. The concept is simple: potters donate bowls and restaurant(s) donate soup. People interested in supporting the fundraiser come to our event, make a donation (min $25) and in return will receive a bowl of hot soup. The bowl can be kept as a reminder of that fundraiser luncheon. 

You can also support the fundraiser by donating here on Fundly or attending our 'Potters In Protest' Gallery Opening the night before the event, where we will be collecting money for the cause. 

We will host a Potters In Protest Gallery Opening to showcase the donated bowls on Inauguration Day, Friday January 20th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm EST, followed by the actual fundraiser luncheon on Saturday January 21st from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST. Tickets to the event can be purchased on Eventbrite Event Page.  Both, Gallery showing of the Bowls and Fundraiser luncheon, will be at The Green House in Euclid OH. There is only a limited amount of 50 tickets available.

How you can get involved:

• Potters can donate as many ceramic bowls as they would like. These will be used to help raise money for this great cause. 

• You can donate to the cause through our Fundly account if you are unable to come to the event, but would still like to participate. 

• You can spread the word about our events with other potters and friends. 

• Spread the word to local restaurants who may want to donate soup (bread) for the event.

• Paint Your Own Bowl - Saturday Jan. 14th 10:00am at the Create-A-Craft studio in the Shore Cultural Center. Donate to our cause by buying and painting a bowl for $5 (to cover material  cost) that will be donated to the fundraiser. Your bowl will be glazed, fired, and available at the luncheon for guests to choose from. Follow the event link and RSVP if you plan on attending.

Below is our preliminary schedule:

• Bowls must be dropped off at the Shore Cultural Center by Wednesday Jan. 18th. 2017.
• Gallery Opening showcasing ‘Potters in Protest’ Bowls on Friday Jan. 20th. 2017 at The Green House  in Euclid, OH from 7pm to 9pm
• Fundraiser Luncheon on Saturday Jan 21st. 2017  at The Green House in Euclid, OH from 11am to 1pm
• We will be accepting donations online for the entire month of January. Donations will be forwarded to the ‘Cleveland Climate Action Fund’ by the beginning of February 

I am excited to kick off the new year on a positive note and want to express my extreme gratitude upfront toward anyone who chooses to be part of this initiative.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Maria Smith

Potters in Protest 

Cleveland