Award Winning Sycamore Pottery will host their 43th annual Open Studio the weekend of May 8, 9 and 10. The public is invited to visit the studio and workshop located at 5210 Paynes Ford Road, Leetown. Hours are 10 to 4.

Ren and Pam Parziale make stoneware and salt glazed pottery. Their classical shaped bowls, pitchers and platters are made on the potter’s wheel and high temperature fired. They also make earthenware pots decorated with colorful majolica glazes.

The Parziales founded Sycamore Pottery in Jefferson County in 1971. Ren’s early training was as a production potter within the tradition of early American folk pottery. Pam studied at the Haystack School of Crafts with Cynthia Bringle.

The Parziales are featured on a YouTube video “Risk and Peace” by filmmaker Jack Kelly. This is part of the online series ArtVoiceWV.com which profiles West Virginia artists. Risk and peace can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/byAWD3sGurM

“Our customers enjoy handmade objects. In a high-tech world, objects made the old fashioned way are valued by people who come to the pottery,” says Pam. “Pots made on the potter’s wheel are a way to connect to the past, to our country’s history,” says Ren.

From intersection of Route 9 and 480 (Kearneysville), go south on Rt. 1 towards Leetown 3 miles. Turn onto Paynes Ford Road at historical marker “The Bower.” Go one mile to 5210 Paynes Ford Road. Turn up hill and follow signs to Sycamore Pottery. Or call 304-725-4251; email: pamo.ren2@gmail.com