It was a long winter, but we made it through to this marvelous spring. Many thanks go to my apprentice Julie Jones and assistant Glenn Kern, both of whom labored tirelessly and were good company throughout. My friend Mark Griffith visited from Shropshire for too short a time but made some sweet "yunomi's," or tea cups, before having to return to England, and the very talented Chad Brown came up from Seagrove for two weeks and filled the workshop with first class pots.

We fired the big glaze kiln twice, both went well, with the second delivering spectacular big pots - the biggest I've ever made. Luminous amber alkaline glazes and dark greens coat the pots, both big and small, with paler celadons quietly shining. More experiments with Chapel Hill gravel and a granite from Rockingham produced some astonishing colors and sleek surfaces.

The exhibition "Falling Into Place" opened at the Nasher Museum at Duke, it's a great show at a wonderful venue, and I encourage those who've yet to see it to join us there on June 12 to "Meet the Artist."

Julie Jones and her Preview pots.

Julie recently found a place to start a pottery, not far from Creedmoor, north of Durham, and will be leaving to begin the task of building her own workshop and kiln. Although her stay here has been brief Julie has worked incredibly hard, improved her skills, and displayed a fine decorative touch. Her quiet determination is an inspiration. Thanks for all you've done, and best of luck!

Chad Brown and his Preview pots.

Chad is a member of the Chriscoe family of NC potters, and one of the finest young makers in Seagrove, where he's been working as a production potter for several years. His two week stint here was wonderful, he made lots of fine pots, and engaged us with his good humor and easy manner. He'll soon be setting up his own shop near the sweetly-named community of Black Ankle, with his fiancée Erin, and I'm looking forward to seeing his progress.