Every two years Sue Skinner and Joe Jostes create General Assembly chalices that complement the logo and theme for the event. “The shape of the chalice, the glaze, and the stem were created with the logo in mind,” says Skinner. “The stem is tactile and adds another dimension. The twist of the design adds visual and physical texture and helps highlight the glaze in the way that it pools.”
SJ Pottery, a collaboration of Skinner and Jostes, has commemorative chalices for the past several General Assemblies and is in the process of creating the 2013 edition. The pair have a combined 58 years of experience as production oriented potters who create a functional line of pottery based on historical traditions.
Creating the General Assembly chalices and patens includes many steps and is a two- to three- week process to arrive at the finished state. Chalices are baked in the kiln many times throughout the process in temperatures ranging from 700 to 1,965 degrees Fahrenheit.
Approximately 300 pounds of clay will be used to create this year’s limited supply of chalice and patens. Each piece is weighed and crafted by hand ensuring that while each chalice features the same design elements, no two chalices will be exactly the same.
2013 General Assembly chalices and patens are available now for pre-order from Chalice Press. Order by May 5 and receive 25 percent off. The 2013 chalice design features an orange glazed stem and cup interior. The paten has a swirl design impressed into the center of the plate with a coordinating orange rim. Chalice and paten pre-orders will be delivered to most customers on July 10 and July 11. Pre-orders shipping to the West Coast will arrive on July 12 and July 15.
Quantities are limited. Visit Chalice Press to order.
SJ Pottery, based in Bethel, Mo., about 160 miles northwest of St. Louis, is celebrating 25 years in business and can be reached at sjpottery.com.
