Before the doors open on March 12, hundreds of pottery pieces will have been arrayed on tables in the Maple Grove Community Center. Over the course of the evening, upwards of 200 unique pieces will change hands, with many purchased by art/karma collectors who give more than the suggested price for their selections. Proceeds will benefit CROSS Services, a local non-profit that provides material and financial assistance to families and individuals in need with clothing vouchers, holiday gift baskets, a food shelf and other programs. As this community service extravaganza hits the double digits in age this year, founder Pam Hanson and co-organizer Toni Olsen plan for its greatest success yet. Pottery donations come from students and teachers in Community Education art classes, as well as from local artists like Ruthan Gagner, who annually donates about 100 pieces of “crazy good” pottery, by Hanson’s estimation. The variety and sources of artwork have broadened considerably since 2005, with recent additions such as a kids’ table, featuring pinch pots and clay bead necklaces crafted by K-12 students at district schools.
Attendees enjoy free admission and live entertainment, along with some complementary refreshments. On the menu this year are light bites and beverages from Granite City, The Lookout, Frankie’s and The Daily Dose.
Businesses, individuals, or organizations interested in sponsoring or volunteering for the event can contact CROSS Services at info@crossservices.org or 763.425.1050.
Cost: Free
When: Thursday, March 12, 4–7:30 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road
