Ceramic Showcase 2011, April 29 - May 1

東日本大震災被災地
益子焼製陶所支援特別ブース

Help Mashiko potters rebuild their kilns and, in this small way, honor their legacy and show that we support them in this difficult time.

Updated Information 10-5-2011 - Donation Deadline extended. Read More

OPA members have donated pottery, including tea bowls, to raise funds for rebuilding kilns in Japan.
Other organizations will be joining OPA in this effort.

The pottery village of Mashiko, with its 400 kilns, is 50 miles from the March earthquake's epicenter. All wood burning kilns were damaged; electric kilns, studios and untold amounts of pottery were damaged or destroyed.

Shoji Hamada and Tatsuo Shimaoka initiated Mashiko's 20th Century contribution to the revitalization of U.S., European, Australian and Canadian ceramics.

Shoji Hamada was Japan's National Living Treasure of Mashiko-yaki. Tatsuzo Shimaoka, the first disciple of Hamada, also became a National Living Treasure. He trained many apprentices and gave workshops around the world until his 2007 passing.

The Tatsuzo Relief Fund was established by Tatsuzo Shimaoka's daughter following the March 11th earthquake. The TRF's main goal is to help potters having a difficult time obtaining aid to rebuild their kilns and studios. The TRF reflects Tatsuzo Shimaoka's spirit and philosophy of joining hands together.

The Mashiko Kiln Rebuilding Fund booth is #H-15, along the back wall of the exhibit hall. You may purchase the donated pots along with your other OPA pottery through Ceramic Showcase checkout counters with cash, check or Visa.

100% will go directly to the potters of Mashiko, Japan through the Tatsuzo Relief Fund.

If you wish to make additional or separate cash contributions, please follow the instructions in the
Mashiko Kiln Rebuilding Fund Booth.

This just in from Ruri, an OPA Member currently in Japan: (4/21/2011)

During the first distribution the committee decided to award 36 potters, each with 50,000.- yen. Even though it is not a big amount, they can buy bricks, etc, and start rebuilding kilns.

The next award will be done towards the end of May. So our donation will be used fully that time. She said they all faced towards the direction of US and Europe and  bowed to express their gratitude and thankfullness. They also think potters helping potters is just so heartwarming, special and great. And every yen is used thinking about all the potters who helped them.

WHEN:
Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:
Booth H-15, Ceramic Showcase
Oregon Convention Center
777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Located right on TriMet MAX line
Admission is free.

Printable Copy of this information (pdf)