Judi Munn, resident Ozark Folk Center potter, loading the Groundhog Kiln for the first firing.
This Ozark Folk Center 50th Anniversary Legacy Photo is in honor of Judi Munn.
With appreciation, Robin Shea, member of the Committee of One Hundred.
Judi Munn and, husband, John Perry are the resident potters at the Ozark Folk Center. Judy was a Committee of One Hundred craft apprentice in 1992, learning from then-resident potters, David and Becki Dahlstedt. Judi credits Becki and David with "always being very generous with their information."
The legacy of potters at the shop includes the ones who opened the shop when the Ozark Folk Center opened in 1973: Sheryl Irvine and Diane Young with Mary Lou Kosmeder filling in as needed. Mary Lou was one of the early members of the Ozark Foothills Handicraft Guild, which later became the Arkansas Craft Guild. Lou Alderman was the next potter, followed by David Dahlstedt and then Becki joined David to become the acclaimed pair of American Beauty Pottery, now Mountain View Pottery. Judi took over the pottery shop in 1994 and John apprenticed in 1995 making them, in 2023, the longest continuous crafters at the Folk Center.
Judy studies past pottery methods and connects them to today. Most of the items that they make today would not have been made by potters in the last century who made crocks, bowls, and strictly functional food-holding items. Their whimsical mugs are very popular items that would not have been the mainstay of potters a century ago!
Throughout the year, John and Judy fire the pots they create on the wheel in both electric and propane kilns. Every other spring the groundhog kiln is used for firing. In 2002, a grant from the Arkansas Heritage Foundation funded the building of a traditional wood fired kiln that would have been used in the Ozarks. This style of firing produces beautiful and unique textures and colors.
“I like connecting our work to archeology, this work will be around in 30,000 years. The shards will last longer than anyone’s last name.” Judi and John’s pottery can be found at the Ozark Folk Center pottery shop, during the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, and at various high-end craft shows.
The legacy of the potters continues in the Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour which was founded by Becki Dahlstedt and continues, in 2023, into its 21st year. The Dahlstedts and John and Judi's private studios are open during this very special event and many other artisans welcome visitors during this weekend.
Entry by Lenore Shoults with input from Judi Munn.
The Committee of One Hundred Tribute Wall recognizes contributions to the preservation of Ozark folk culture.
If you would like to help preserve the folk culture of the Ozarks, consider a
The Committee is made up entirely of volunteers so, except for transaction fees, all of your donation funds music, craft, or the herb gardens and, as a 501c3 entity
your donation is tax deductible!
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