The first weekend in May is pottery weekend in Maine! Ceramics studios around the state open their doors to the public during this annual event. Event hours are (except where otherwise noted): Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

It’s a chance to watch creativity at work and see the spaces where the magic happens. Meet the potters, peek in the kilns, maybe try the wheel or paint a plate, and shop for fine handmade pottery, from the hands that made it.

Six years ago this event began in 2012 when a local potters’ guild, the Central Maine Clay Artists, decided to hold their spring open studios event concurrently, to pool their promotional efforts. This year 39 studios, from Alfred to Warren to Phillips, will participate.

“The Pottery Tour is starting to get some attention,” said organizer Lori Watts, of Fine Mess Pottery in Augusta. “Last year we had visitors from as far away as Minnesota. There was a couple from Massachusetts who visited ever single studio.”

Many studios are offering activities during the tour. The Potters House, a studio in Litchfield, will be holding a decal workshop May 6 at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.on May 7. Tyler Gulden, a potter from Walpole who is hosting several guest artists, will be opening his kiln Saturday morning.

Lori Watts’ studio, Fine Mess Pottery, will be offering a drawing to give away a handmade bowl, and a chance for visitors to paint their plates with their own designs.

In Lincoln County, Liz Proffetty Ceramics, 118 W. Old County Road in Newcastle; Whitefield Pottery (Sunday only) and Bayside Clay (both days) 442 Howe Road, Whitefield are participating. For a complete list of participants and more information on them -plus maps! - visit www.mainepotterytour.org.