College Coordinator & Her Pottery Featured in Book!

Morganton, NC – Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) Professional Crafts Program Coordinator Courtney Long is a featured artist in John Britt’s new book, “A Complete Guide to Midrange Glazes.” Britt seeks to demystify the midrange pottery process by covering a range of topics including mixing, application, specific firing and cooling cycles, and all the factors that make glazes work. Britt includes hundreds of glaze recipes categorized according to color. Long’s lidded casserole and set of bowls with the words “Eat Crow” along with her iron rich recipe are listed in the yellow section of the book.

According to Ceramics Monthly Magazine, 75% of potters are now firing their wares at midrange temperatures.

“Throughout my early career, my main focus was high temperature glaze and wood firing methods leading me on two study-abroad trips to China,” said Long. “But during my study, I realized that approach had nothing to do with what I wanted my work to say. I am able to achieve exciting, colorful results using a computerized electric kiln and most importantly, less fuel.”

Long’s functional pottery draws inspiration from old homesteads; the Piedmont region’s red dirt, fall colors found along the Blue Ridge Mountains and local folk and Native American pottery traditions. To learn more about Long’s work, go to www.courtneylongpottery.com.

For more information on WPCC’s Professional Crafts program and pottery classes with Long, call (828) 448-3552 or email clong@wpcc.edu.

Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964. Each year, more than 10,700 students pursue personal enrichment, new skills for a job or career, high school diplomas, college degrees, and transfer pathways. Registration for Spring Semester is Jan. 7 through Jan. 9. Apply online at wpcc.edu/spring or visit the Western Piedmont campus to apply in person.