The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Dottie Vogel finds her way and shares her story
Contributed story
MIDDLETOWN — At Wesleyan Potters, parents of our school-aged students frequently tell us “I don’t have an artistic bone in my body,” or “pottery is just for kids, I don’t have time.”
Wesleyan Pottery Key member Dottie Vogel represents the perfect answer to those excuses.
Years ago, as her family grew to four children, they remained close, often engaging in activities together. When her oldest daughter received a gift of pottery lessons at Wesleyan Potters while in high school, Dottie’s younger daughters insisted on lessons too.
After a while, they talked Dottie into taking lessons. Now she has been at the Pottery for over 25 years. Dottie shared a marriage with her beloved husband Joe for 66 years until his death. She remains close to her family, that has now grown to include four very creative grandchildren.
Like many adult students and Members at the Pottery, Dottie does not have any formal training in art but has taken a multitude of classes and workshops. Her love of nature and dedication to creating functional pottery inspires and fuels her work.
Nature, especially her beloved flower gardens, is often seen in her pottery as sculptural shapes such as birds, and in her choices of glazes in greens and blues.
“Nature has been a big part of my life and I try to bring it into my work. I am known for my pottery roses and miniature bird baths,” she explained.
Through her artwork, which she frequently gives away to friends and family, Dottie loves to share the “happiness and enjoyment” that is embodied in hand made pottery. In addition to creating beautiful pottery, Dottie loves flower arranging, flower and vegetable gardening, painting, and baking.
An array of Dottie Vogel’s pottery as well as fine crafts created by more than 200 other artists will be available for sale at the Wesleyan Potters 63rd Annual Exhibit and Sale, 350 South Main St., Middletown.
The exhibit and sale opens Friday, Nov. 23, and runs through Sunday, Dec.
9. There areadditional sale hours in the extended gallery from Wednesday, Dec. 12, through Monday, Dec.
24.
For more information visit us at www.wesleyanpotters.com or call 860-3475925. Wesleyan Potters is supported by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, which receives funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.