St. Nick�s Asheville hangout would have to be Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts.

The well-known school will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with gifts, lights, tinsel, holiday treats and beverages during the River Arts District�s Open House on December 8th.

Fifteen of the studios� ceramic artists will open their doors for shoppers during the event.

�Odyssey artists are just like the rest of us,� says Brian McCarthy with an elfish grin. The co-founder of Highwater Clays and Odyssey continued, explaining: �They know how difficult it is to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and they�re excited to be able to share their unique work at this event.�

The Open House is a treat for those curious about what Santa�s workshop might look like before Christmas. With its long tables, high ceilings, and kinetic energy, Odyssey might be as close to Santa�s North Pole as most shoppers are likely to get this busy holiday season.

�This is a great way to see through the artists� eyes if you weren�t able to make the Studio Stroll,� says Dawn Dalto, Odyssey Gallery Manager.

It�s also a great opportunity to fill stockings with an earthy mineral other than coal. Art lovers will delight in the variety, whether they�re interested in ceramic figures, dinnerware or esoteric and artistic sculptures.

With local celebrity potters including Holly de Saillan, Les Powell, Sarah Danforth and Heather Tinnaro selling their work, shoppers will find gifts as special as the people they�re buying them for.

Other artists participating in the Holiday Open House include: Celia Barbieri, Ned Guttman, Bryan Hill, Anna Koloseike, Laura Loercher, Kat McIver, Susan Musialowski, Fran Welch, Jillian Wolf and Beth Flanagan.

For more information about Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts call 828.285.0210 or visit Highwater Clays� Web site at http://www.highwaterclays.com.

(Images provided by Odyseey.)

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