Baltimore Clayworks kicked off its 30th anniversary by inviting back an old friend. "Fire & Spice Block Party and Seconds Sale" was the new and improved version of Clayworks' former "Spice It Up" summer party.
"The last year [for Fire & Spice] was 2006. So we brought it back. It's casual. It's fun. It's based on the arts. We have an entire studio filled with seconds, and it all goes on sale tonight," said Deborah Bedwell, Clayworks founder/executive director.
"It's big, spicy and it's back," said Jannette Witmyer, as she chatted with fellow board member Kevin Apperson and John K. Smith, anniversary committee chairman.
Tents and buffet lines were set up in the parking lot, while the New Kings of Rhythm played funk, reggae and blues.
Event co-chairs Stuart "Topper" Crook — who co-chaired the event with wife Linda Crook — surveyed the scene, beer in hand.
"A couple of guys donated beer and a couple of guys decided to cook pork. We have 300 pounds of pulled pork, including a whole pig," he said.
It was first things first for some guests. Folks like John Carter, Baltimore city architect; Perry Reifler, Baltimore-based attorney; and his wife, Wendy Owens, Nationwide Insurance attorney, immediately headed to the studio and loaded their cars with ceramic treasures from the sale.
"My car's full!" announced Jill Lehr, Kokopelli partner, as she headed to the buffet.
Meanwhile, the clouds gathered.
"There is no rain," said Bedwell confidently, with a don't-you-dare look at the darkening skies
Those skies soon opened up, however, and the downpour began. That didn't dampen the spirits of these partygoers. They ran for cover into the studio, or under one of the small tents and waited for the storm to pass. Volunteer Sally Gold, a Baltimore-based attorney, wasn't about to let a good opportunity pass.
"Five dollars, pick a number," she repeated, promoting the 50-50 raffle to a captive audience huddled under a tent.
"How many have you got left?" inquired her husband, Elliot Zulver, Walbrook Mill & Lumber owner, as he counted out the cash they had collected so far.
The rain made longtime supporter Bob Nichols, a retired teacher and artist, nostalgic.
"The first 'Spice It Up,' it rained. So, we danced in the rain."