The sale will be Friday, Dec. 1, from noon-6 p.m. in G-10 Rutledge Building. The number of artists featured in the sale has grown tremendously throughout the
years, from eight artists in the beginning to 24 artists this year. Proceeds go back to the Department of Fine Arts. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — With the holiday season fast approaching, the 28th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale at Winthrop University is set for Friday, Dec. 1, ready for all of your gift needs.
The sale has become a tradition for the community as well as a major part of the city
of Rock Hill's ChristmasVille extravaganza.
The number of artists featured in the sale has grown tremendously throughout the years,
from eight artists in the beginning to 24 artists this year. Pieces included in the
sale are traditionally created by student artists, with three Winthrop alumni and
two faculty members participating in this year's sale.
"Our senior class this year is extremely strong," said Jim Connell, professor of fine arts and coordinator of the pottery sale. "The quality of the
pieces in the sale is among the best we've ever had."
Visitors will find many unique, hand-crafted creations from ceramics students and
Winthrop faculty, including Connell. Some selections this year include beautifully
glazed pitchers, coffee mugs with 3D faces peering out at you and an exquisite container
featuring a bird perched on top. Each selection is sure to satisfy everyone on the
gift list.
Not only do students benefit from the experience of selling their work; they also
benefit from the money raised by the sale. Proceeds are put back into the Department of Fine Arts for upgrading classroom equipment and materials.
Connell works throughout the fall semester--and even over the Thanksgiving holiday
weekend!--to ensure the pottery sale is ready for the crowd the following week.
"This is the 28th year of the sale, and the 28th year I haven't had a Thanksgiving
break," Connell said. "But it's worth it. Our community is so supportive of potters,
and we are lucky to have such a devoted fan base."
See the amazing pieces for yourself on Dec. 1, noon-6 p.m., in G-10 Rutledge Building.
For more information, contact Whitney Hough, director of communications and community engagement for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, at 803/323-2399 or houghw@winthrop.edu, or visit the website at www.winthrop.edu/arts.
