The following article appeared in WPA Press, Vol. 2, September 1999

Pictures of an exhibition. Barb Reed entertains questions and educates viewers (left) while hundreds pass through the Roseville Exhibit (right) at the fourth annual Wisconsin Pottery Association Show and Sale, August 28th, 1999. The Ceramic Arts Collectors’ Annual Convention was held in conjunction with the Show and Sale, adding to the throngs of pottery lovers.

WPA Exhibit and Sale a Big Hit

"Excellent!" "Stunning!" "First Rate!" were just some of the adjectives overheard from the crowd of pottery lovers to describe this year's sale and exhibit. Over 1,200 people attended the Wisconsin Pottery Association's fourth annual Art Pottery Show and Sale, held in conjunction with the Ceramic Arts Collectors’ Association at the Marriot Hotel in Middleton on August 28th. The number of show attendees far surpassed any previous attendance marks. Based on attendance figures, booth sales, and customer enthusiasm for the Roseville exhibit,
the show was a resounding success!

The featured event was the superb exposition of over 400 pieces of Roseville pottery. Many rare early pieces, experimental examples and highly sought after patterns, such as Pine Cone and Futura, were on display. The exhibit was a hit, thanks to a lot of hard work from some key individuals. The following is just a sampling of the individuals I'd like to thank, on behalf of the WPA, for their efforts: Chris Swart, Dave AuClaire, Barbara Budig, and Nicol Knappen deserve special recognition for their dedicated work with the planning, organizing, and skillful display of this out-standing exhibit. In addition, Glenn Clark performed his usual fine job as show manager. Mary Clark again served much of the day at the admission table and did a great job. Elaine Staaland was our hotel liaison and did a great job of keeping things running smoothly between the hotel and the WPA. Barb Huhn did a terrific job coordinating the volunteers this year. Everyone seemed to be where he or she was supposed to be.

Tim Holthaus and Jim Petzold deserve much credit for attracting another large crowd of Ceramic Arts Convention goers to their special presentations and events. Their members give the show a national following.

Additional thanks goes to the Boone's, the Knutzen's and Rose Lindner for helping the exhibit staff put away the exhibit Saturday night. Thankfully from the reports that I've heard, all the pottery made it home safely.

The pottery identification table was new this year and seemed to be a popular spot most of the day; show goers had an opportunity to bring in a 'mystery piece' for our WPA volunteer evaluators to identify. It was estimated that 40–50 pieces were brought for identification. Audience response to this new activity was very favorable.

Norm Hass provided insightful information on art pottery fakes and reproductions at his table at the show. Norm’s information was very pertinent to the Roseville exhibit.

With this year's show behind us it's good to pause and congratulate all that took part. The work of all of our WPA volunteers was much appreciated. And now the planning begins for 2000! Stay tuned — your suggestions and ideas can make the next exhibit and show even better.

- Jim Riordan, WPA President