A trio of December events at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts makes its annual contribution to the community’s Holly Jolly celebration with the Clay Studio Exhibit and Pottery Market, a dance exhibition, parade presence and Sunday literary presentation.

The event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7 when the Upper Gallery is filled with the finest examples of BMCA Clay Studio instructor's, independent potter's and student’s ceramic creations.

Participants in the classes inspire each other to reach new heights, according to Clay Studio manager Charles Freeland.

"From explorations in different kinds of clay, twists on classical forms and new sculptural ideas, there should be something for everyone to enjoy," he said. "Our teachers have pushed new ideas along with our students. Come and enjoy community clay at its best.”

Freeland and instructors Geoff Bird, Mathilda Tanner and Mindy McCormick will be represented along with 20 clay studio participants who use the renovated old town garage behind the main Arts Center building to refine their skills through weekly practice.

Many of these potters have been working in clay for years and produce remarkable and remarkably beautiful ceramics. Across the hall from the gallery, the Pottery Market offers the fruits of student efforts through an impressive array of handmade ceramics all created in the Clay Studio during the course of the year.

Ornaments, mugs, trays, plates, jewelry and vessels galore all at reasonable prices make terrific stocking stuffers, hostess and teacher gifts. The celebratory mood is heightened by snacks and warm beverages.

Through the course of the Holly Jolly evening BMCA dancers will present holiday themed dance routines led by Amy Maze. Around 100 dancers ages 3-16 will share their love of dance in front of the Old Depot between 6 - 7:15 p.m.

That same evening actors from the upcoming Front Porch Theatre production of A Christmas Pudding by David Birney will be performing excerpts from the show.  A Christmas Pudding is scheduled the weekends of the 14th and 21st.  If you missed the dancers on Friday, they will be hard to miss as they dance down State Street in Saturday’s Christmas Parade. Look out for the red shirted brigade of BMCA dancers celebrating our wonderful town.

On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m., popular poet and personality James Navé reprises his recitation of "A Child’s Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas.

This will be the third time Navé has offered this dramatic gift at the Arts Center, but he has performed the evocative, lush story describing Thomas’ childhood every year since 1988. Thirty years of practice makes this an afternoon worth spending in the comfortable chairs of the festive Center for the Arts. There is no charge for this holiday gift to the community though donations are welcome.

Additional items from the Pottery Market will be for sale through Dec. 21. The Clay Studio exhibit will be on display until mid-February.

The gallery is free to the public and open Monday - Friday, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is located at 225 W. State Street. For more information call 669-0930 or visit blackmountainarts.org.