In Chervonohrad in the early 1990s, four local artists, looking for a way to earn a living, turned to pottery. This led to the emergence in the town of an entire school of artisans who revived the traditions of black-smoked Havaretska ceramics.
Among the first potters was Volodymyr Kurylo. He has been working at the potter’s wheel for over 30 years. All this time, by his side has been his wife, Olha Kurylo, who at first helped burnish the ceramic pieces and later developed her own creative style.
Olha began creating ceramics in a flat format, and her original sisal panels have found their way into private collections of connoisseurs abroad.
According to the organisers, on 6 September at the pottery festival in Chervonohrad, visitors will be able to meet the artisan couple in person. Volodymyr Kurylo will run a workshop on working at the potter’s wheel, while Olha Kurylo will teach participants how to paint ceramic birds inspired by the work of master Vasyl Shostopalets.
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to talk with the artists, learn more about the traditions of Havaretska ceramics and create small ceramic pieces with their own hands.