Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts’ annual Salad Days celebration offers access to ceramic work that pottery enthusiasts won’t find anywhere else. While the event usually draws more than 500 visitors to the Center’s 54-acre campus, this year’s virtual fundraiser offers a taste of the event’s most popular elements. The fundraiser, which began on June 28 continues through July 11.

A festive sale in Watershed’s online shop features colorful Salad Days plates by artist Kari Woolsey. Formed from textured terracotta, the plates come in four summery hues of pink, blue, chartreuse and gray.

Woolsey explains, “The hand-stamped patterns on the plates are inspired by kitchen linens, while the colors were chosen from my favorite aspects of summer: blue skies, lemonade, watermelon, and summer rain showers.”

Online shoppers can select their favorite plate colors and Watershed will ship orders directly to their homes. For locals looking to save on shipping costs while supporting the nonprofit, Watershed offers an option to pick up purchased plates at the Center’s administrative building during designated dates in July.

The event also features a raffle of more than 25 ceramic prizes. Supporters can purchase tickets for an opportunity to win work by nationally-known artists including Chris Gustin, Linda Lopez, Lynn Duryea, and many others.

For those looking for a prize to please the palate, Watershed is raffling off a five-course farm-to-table dinner on campus prepared by the Center’s Summer Chef. Ticket holders can catch the prize drawing live on Watershed’s Facebook and Instagram accounts on July 9 at 1 pm. - you do not need to tune in to win. Find Salad Days plates and purchase raffle tickets at www.watershedshop.org. Raffle tickets are for sale in Watershed’s online shop until the evening of July 8.

In addition to plates and raffle tickets, the Watershed Shop carries a line of custom apparel, which is screen printed by hand in Portland. Proceeds from all shop sales during 2021 Salad Days support Watershed’s residency, workshop, and education programs.

“This online fundraiser is a wonderful way to collect beautiful ceramics while supporting Watershed,” shares Watershed Executive Director Fran Rudoff. “We look forward to celebrating Salad Days in person again soon and are grateful for our caring clay community.”

Business support for the event comes from Major Sponsors Lucy Lacoste Gallery, Bailey Pottery Equipment & Ceramic Supply, and JF Scott Construction; Participating Sponsors First National Wealth Management, Ferrin Gallery, and J. Edward Knight Insurance, along with Partner Sponsor Mindi Solomon Gallery.