Pine Island Potters Guild Holiday Show and Sale Saturday
The popular December Holiday Show and Sale of the Pine Island Potter’s Guild will take place this weekend in the courtyard at Koucky Studios providing an array of homemade items perfect for a loved one’s gift.
The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at 5971 Bay Point Road, Bokeelia. There will be a demonstration from Chuck Koucky at 11 a.m.
Nancy Koucky said seven years ago the Potters Guild formed after enthusiastic students of her husband’s pottery class began a conversation about selling their work, which was created in class.
“We have six shows a year November through April on the second Saturday” of the month, she said. “It’s a small group. The most we have at one time is 12. It is usually around eight to 12. We do have a couple of winter residents that come in January, February and March, (which) are bigger.”
The December show is always geared towards attracting people to purchase items for Christmas presents created by local artists and artisans.
A new item this year is handmade cigar box-style guitars and ukuleles.
“The main box is made from cigar boxes, or other unusual boxes. They are considered ‘roots instruments’ as they were first seen in the Civil War era made from items easily available: cigar boxes, baling wire and broomsticks,” she explained. “They have evolved, but are still a great informal instrument that sound wonderful.”
The Holiday Show will feature everything from jewelry, pottery and wood crafts, as well as stocking stuffer items.
“One of my absolute favorites is a key, an old fashioned skeleton key that is covered in ribbons. There is a story that goes with it. You put it on your door knob on Christmas Eve for Santa to come in,” Koucky said.
In addition, she said sometimes they have handmade soaps, hand-painted clothing and scarves.
Homemade pies, which can be purchased either by slice or an entire pie, banana breads, as well as fancy desserts such as hand-painted cookies and bite-size cheese cakes will also be available. Jams, jellies and locally harvested honey will be on sale.
“There is a special edition Christmas jam that sells really well this time of the year,” she said.
Koucky said the Holiday Show and Sale is a very informal event.
“Even though the artist don’t make a great deal of money, it is a lot of fun. The camaraderie is a good time,” she said. “You will definitely find something for everyone on your list . . . male, female or a little kid.”
For more information, call Koucky at 239-233-3003.
The Pine Island Potter’s Guild remaining shows will be held on Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 14 and April 11.