‘Pairings’ blends arts and spirits at Carbondale Clay Center
Carbondale Clay Center/Courtesy photo
The Carbondale Clay Center’s annual “Pairings” exhibition celebrates handmade ceramics and beverages with the creations of 22 potters from Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
The exhibit will debut 6-8 p.m. on First Friday, June 6.
“I have loved being part of ‘Pairings’ over the years,” local artist Ishara Sweeney said in a statement. “As an artist who lives in the Roaring Fork Valley, this is a show dear to my heart because it has the best of everything. It brings together the community, artists, and local businesses that fill the mugs and cups — one of the most intimate objects a potter makes — with libations.”
The Beverage Reception event on First Friday celebrates with an outdoor tasting area. Any purchase from the exhibition is redeemable for a drink of choice during the beverage event portion of the evening. There will be both alcohol and non-alcohol options, including mocktails and non-alcoholic beer.
The Carbondale Clay Center’s 2025 beverage partners are Carbondale Beer Works, Marble Distilling Co., Mountain Heart Brewing Co., and other local producers.
The Carbondale Clay Center “Pairings” exhibit runs until June 28, focusing on functional ceramics — particularly mugs and cups — and their connection to handmade beverages, spotlighting the local makers community.
The Carbondale Clay Center is located at 135 Main St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.
More details on the event, including a full artist list and a shopping link visit, are available at carbondaleclay.org/pairings.
Asher on Aspen: Pura Vida postcards
It was 7 a.m. in Uvita, Costa Rica, and the jungle was already sweating. Our bags were packed with snorkels, flippers, and scuba gear, and we were jittery with anticipation—and too much coffee. We climbed into a small, worn-out boat that looked like it had some stories to tell. Big enough to feel official but small enough to keep things interesting.
