July 15, 2004

Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival success for local clay artist

By Jeanne C. Lewis
Staff Writer 

On this last balmy weekend, Almaden artist Pirjo Polari-Khan displayed her unique wares at the Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival. Polari-Khan has been a member of the Association of Clay and Glass Artists of California (ACGS), which sponsors the event, since 1983, and has shown her artistry at the festival since joining. 

“I really like this show so much.” Polari-Khan said, surrounded by interested patrons. “We have many people who come to see the work.” 

Polari-Khan related that in the early years of displaying her art at the event, she would bring her daughter, Sabira, and kept the baby in an open cardboard box under the display tables. Sabira, now 19, attends Santa Clara University, but supports her mother by cashiering for her at the festival so her mother may talk to the patrons. 

The ACGS is dedicated to the advancement of ceramic and glass arts. Its home is the San Francisco Bay area and its members include clay and glass artists, students, patrons and supporters, galleries, network organizations and corporate sponsors from throughout California. ACGA’s mission is to establish and maintain high standards of craftsmanship and design in clay and glass; to encourage research, innovation and professional growth and to promote public appreciation. 

Polari-Khan displayed her “Venus of Sunnyvale” statue, her humorous butterfly statements of showgirls and her provocative political statements. She also showed her intricate jewelry pieces, handmade tile tables with leaf patterns, frogs, and her heart collection series. Popular with the crowds attending the event, she was almost sold out by Sunday midday. 

Polari-Khan is also a published author. Her second book “Blueberry Pieway and Other Short Stories” [1stBooks. com] is a playful protest against our over-sexed media.  
Email Pirjo Polari-Khan at ppolari_khan@hotmail.com. 

Photos by Jeanne C. Lewis.