Weekend Art Sale to Be Held at Wagner Grist Mill

A unique art sale highlighting the work of a borough native--among others--will be held at the Wagner Grist Mill in Hellertown this weekend.

The Grist Mill, which is maintained by the , was chosen as the setting for because of its character and ambience, raku potter Deborah Slahta explained.

"It really is a beautifully restored building," she said of the three-story stone structure on West Walnut Street. "I just think a lot of people really don't know about it."

Slahta, who grew up in Hellertown and currently lives in Lower Saucon Township, is an artist-in-residence at Bethlehem's Banana Factory, where she also teaches ceramics. Her work is influenced by geometry and inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Native American potters.

This year will mark the first time the annual two-day sale is held in Hellertown, she said, adding that it was previously held in a "really beautiful barn" in Vera Cruz, Lehigh County.

In addition to Slahta's work, the November Sale will feature blown glass by Charles Sorrels of Emmaus; sculptural vases inspired by Japanese bonsai by Tom Laudenslager; jewelry made from flameworked glass beads by Jen McGinithen; fine porcelain jewelry by Klara Borbas; natural soaps from Susan Kern of Le Savon Maison Natural Soap Company; contemporary glass bowls and platters by Susan Ward; and contemporary plates, bowls, platters and enameled jewelry by the Brooklyn-based Kiln Design Studio.

"We're really excited about the sale," Slahta said, adding that it's free and open to the public.

Light lunch fare and hot dogs will be sold by the Hellertown Historical Society and there will also be a "surprise exhibitor" at the Food Stand, according to a press release about the event.

The November Sale will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6.

For more information, visit www.thenovembersale.com.