Art Hounds: St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour moves online

Plus, Art Hounds recommend Leslie Vincent's jazz album and a portrait series of families staying at home

a variety of handmade pottery
Due to the restrictions on public gatherings, the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour has moved online. Normally the three-day event draws potters from around the world, and thousands of customers to the scenic St. Croix Valley.
Courtesy of the artists

Mother’s Day weekend marks the 28th annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour, but due to physical distancing guidelines, the three-day event has moved online. Potter Sandra Daulton Shaughnessy says she’ll miss the socializing and festive atmosphere, but she still plans to get her ceramic fix. She’s going to be perusing potters’ websites and she has even set up a couple of appointments with potters who will — via FaceTime — show her their latest wares and help her make her selection. The tour goes “live” at 10 a.m. Friday and runs through Sunday. You can find the directory of online shops here.

Dan Pinkerton is a big fan of vocalist and actor Leslie Vincent, and so he was quick to pick up a copy of her debut album “These Foolish Things.” Pinkerton says Vincent’s virtuosic vocals and a stellar jazz combo bring fresh energy to some timeless classics, whether it’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” or “The Nearness of You.”

three portraits of families on their front stoops
Photographer Scott Streble has been documenting families who are observing the stay-at-home order.
Scott Streble

Photographer Bill Cottman was intrigued when fellow photographer Scott Streble put out a call on Facebook, looking for subjects for a series he’s calling “Porch Portraits.” The series aims to capture families sheltering in place during Minnesota’s stay-at-home order. Cottman says he thinks it’s important to document this particular moment in time, and the people who were here for it.

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.