By Kate Bartlett-
The East Otto Country Associates will again host their annual Holiday Open House on November 4th, 5th, and 6th, from 10am to 5pm. This talented group of local artists was founded in 1986 in Northern Cattaraugus County in order to raise public awareness of their unique artisanal goods. The original six member businesses collaborated and combined advertising funds to attract customers from the surrounding areas. They have successfully brought thousands of customers to the area in support of local artisans. East Otto Country Open House will feature the two remaining businesses: Hog Shed Studio Pottery and Brookside Studio Watercolors.
Micheal Hutten, president of the group, looks forward to this annual event. “Not only is it a significant financial event for our businesses, but even more importantly it is a chance to see many of the friends that we have met here in our studios. This is one more chance for people to support local artists, which helps to keep the arts alive in our county!”
Michael and Elliott Hutten are the owners and founders of Hog Shed Pottery Studio located in Otto at 8420 Otto Maples Rd. They have been producing a wide variety of stoneware products for over 40 years. When Elliott talks about her pottery she says: “Since 1982, I have had the pleasure of using my hands to create original work from clay. Here in my studio, I can sit quietly at the potter’s wheel, shaping clay into a casserole, bowl or mug, knowing that it will eventually find its way into someone’s home. It makes me happy to know that my customers enjoy using the pieces which they have purchased from our studio showroom. I’ve had many people return to tell me how much someone else has loved their gift of pottery, and that too gives me great personal satisfaction. Somehow, a little piece of me goes out into the world along with my work!”
Elliott creates mugs, bowls, casseroles, vases and many other useful items in clay using just a potter’s wheel and simple tools. Her husband, Michael, loads and fires the kiln, which brings out each piece’s unique earthy glaze. This year, Elliott is featuring snowmen, holiday trees and her popular whimsical bird vases as well as traditional dated holiday ornaments. For daily studio hours, call 716- 257-9549, or 716-244-2967.
Brookside Studio Watercolors is owned by artist Robin Zefers Clark, located on County Rd. #13 in Otto. Robin was inspired by her grandfather, Charles Zefers, who taught her art lessons at a young age. “His quick and decisive pencil strokes were mesmerizing to the five-year-old and had a profound influence. Art quickly became her second language,” tells Michael. “Drawing on her love of old photographs and storytelling, Robin creates original watercolor paintings which relate an ongoing pictorial record of life in rural Western NY. She has recently begun to work with oil paints and colored pencil, adding a new dimension to her creativity.” She will have her artwork displayed in her Amish built studio gallery, along with a great selection of limited-edition prints and note cards. For studio hours outside of the Open House, contact Robin at 716-713-5359.
Visit the East Otto Holiday Open House November 4, 5, and 6 from 10-5pm to shop small, support local, and browse these artisans’ selections of unique hand-crafted treasures. Contact Mike Hutten (716) 257-9549 for more information, follow on social media, and visit the studios online at brooksidestudio.com and hogshedstudio.com. You can also find them on FaceBook and Instagram.