MIDDLEBURY — On Nov. 22 the Middlebury Studio School will host an opening for their Small Works Show at its nonprofit pottery and visual arts school, on Route 7 South in Middlebury. The opening reception will be held from from 5-7 p.m.
Nothing unusual about that.
Except there is.
When guests arrive to view the artwork they’ll be led straight into the bathroom. Yup, that’s right, the potty.
The new gallery space is irreverently named “The Loouvre.”
The Loouvre has had some informal shows since its inception last spring, but the Small Works Show marks the first time that the space is going public. Featuring work under $50 created by students, teachers and supporters of Middlebury Studio School, the upcoming show will be exhibiting pottery, paintings, drawings, origami, handmade books and more to see and buy. All of the items in the show are handmade locally and sales will support the artists and art. The Loouvre and the main gallery are open during open studio hours and the show will be ongoing through Jan. 15, 2020. 
“John Vincent coined the term,” explained MSS teacher and potter Kathy Clarke. “Debbie Smith was first exhibiter in the summer and she called it ‘The Pit Stop’… Then Vincent came with his press-work and he dubbed it ‘The Loouvre,’ and that really amused us all.”
If you happen to stop by before Friday, definitely check out The Loouvre. Clarke has her own work hanging in the space now.
“It’s a little windowless room, and the walls are painted grey,” Clarke said, describing the bathroom. “Putting a gallery in there was an idea I had that was met with very mixed reviews… Really it’s for the entertainment of our students, but it might just be a big attraction to the outside world… Who knows we may get a lot of people.”
Clarke has over 25 years of experience with clay herself; both as a working artist and instructor of children and adults. Most of her pottery education has come through master-level workshops and instruction from resident potters at Frog Hollow Craft Center. She believes that handmade objects can have a positive impact on people’s lives…that the “love of making” can be mysteriously injected into the piece and stays there for centuries.
She’s exhibiting paintings and pottery in The Loouvre now. You can see more of her work scattered all around MSS when you stop by.
“We’re bursting at the seems here in our space,” she said. “We’re looking for a fine art space in town.”
For now, The Loouvre will offer MSS a few more square feet of space to exhibit all the work of the students, teachers and supporters. The goal is to rotate The Loouvre’s exhibit every couple of months. So stay tuned.
For more information about the show or upcoming classes at Middlebury Studio School call (802) 352-4471 or visit middleburystudioschool.org.