An example of Chuck Koucky’s horse-hair pottery creations. FILE PHOTO

Ready for Valentine’s Day with a gift of local art? The Pine Island Potters Guild’s February showing will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, at Koucky Studios from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Avoid off-island traffic, come to the show in the outdoor courtyard of Koucky Studios (there is ample parking). Meet island artists and craftsmen and find perfect gifts for your sweethearts in a relaxed and fun environment.   

The Valentine’s showing will feature the works of Pine Island artisans in various mediums: pottery, jewelry, woodworking, ready-to-wear art, paintings, glass, books, gourmet jams, hot sauces and more, scents and candles, mustards and hot sauces, local honey and island-themed home décor. Fresh baked goods will be available for a snack or to take home for a special addition to any meal.  Each show this season has new artisans setting up.  Please stop by and see what the wonderful island artists and shops have to offer.   

At 11 a.m. check out the raku pottery firing demonstration, featuring the horse-hair technique of pottery decoration. Chuck Koucky and some of his pottery students will be demonstrating this method for creating random lines and patterns on the surface of a red-hot raku clay pot using the hair from a tail or mane of a horse.   

All works by participating artists will be available for purchase. This small venue provides a welcoming environment to meet local artists, inquire about their craft and learn about opportunities in the area for classes and workshops. Be sure to ask for a tour of the on-site pottery studio.

The Pine Island Potters Guild shows are held on the second Saturday of each month, November through April, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the courtyard of Koucky Studios at 5971 Bay Point Road, in Bokeelia, at the corner of Bay Point and Stringfellow Roads, just after Mile Marker 11, on the east side of Stringfellow.   

For additional information about the Potters’ Guild Valentine’s Day Show and Sale, please call Nancy Koucky at 239-233-3003 or email her at nrkdesigns@gmail.com.