Art feeds the soul and handmade pottery by North Carolina artist Emily Reason provides the serving dish. Summer events at Natchez Clay begin with this week’s participation workshop at the Natchez Clay studios. Emily is demonstrating to local potters her techniques for throwing and decorating her beautiful porcelain pottery.

Emily is a former resident of the Energy Xchange studio in Bakersville, N.C., where they utilize methane from a landfill to fire kilns. Her studio is now in the Marshall High School studios in Marshall, N.C., where she creates her work which has been displayed at east coast galleries and at the Smithsonian Craft Fair. She has also been a featured artist in Ceramics Monthly.

We welcome the public to a show and sale this from 5 to 8 p.m. today at 910 Main St.to meet Emily and see her work on display.

In July, young artists age 12 and up will learn clay basics as instructor Amanda Jeansonne shows them how to throw on the pottery wheel in Teen Clay Camp from 1:30–3:30 the week of July 13–17. Kids Clay Camp returns July 27–31 with new activities for ages 7 through 12. “Miss Nat” has great fun ideas for new and returning campers. Morning session is from 10 a.m. to noon; afternoon session is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Grown-ups aren’t left out of the creative fun. Fall class session is starting right after we get the kids back to school. Adult beginner, intermediate and hand building classes are scheduled to begin the week of Aug.17. Whether it is art or function, wheel-thrown or hand-built, in pottery there is something for everyone.

For additional information or to register go to www.natchezclay.com or call 601-660-2375.

Donna Jones is a co-owner of Natchez Clay Studio.