Double dipping: Dual shows feature creative ceramic favorites and kiln classics

Potters put their best foot forward as they show off signature work, centerpiecing a selection of personal creative successes.

Offering their most popular forms, in conjunction with the "2016 Tabletop" show at the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Art League Gallery, Kiln Club clay artists put out superior berry bowls and the ideal olive trays. A fluted white crystalline-glazed vase for the wedding, the raku polar bears for the mantle and floral servers cover the favorites.

Soap is showcased splendidly in a hand painted dish. Bowls come partnered as sets, fitting for anniversary gifting and original ring holders offer a warm thought to a shower.

Horsehair pottery appeals to the equine enthusiasts and culinarians crave covered cooking casseroles and brie bakers. Pitfired pieces are sought by decorators for the black and white contemporary palette while raku vases offer classic crackle finishes.

Witty sculptural portraits catch the eye while animal hanging wall tiles interest every wildlife buff. Orinthologists flock to feathered sculptural pieces and companions of canines drool at doggy decorations.

Teapots offer diverse silhouettes from distinctive minds and hands. Artist riffs on drinkable vessels offer a chorus of mugs, tea cups and tumblers. Stately or playful candleholders set the tone for a table as artist do-overs of standards are presented once more, with feeling.

The "Earthy Icons" Kiln Club show at Scope Gallery runs May 31 to June 26. Hours are Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. The gallery is located at 105 North Union Street, ground floor Studio 19, Alexandria, VA. 22314. For further information, call Scope Gallery at 703-548-6288, visit scopegallery.org, torpedofactory.org/galleries/scope, www.kilnclubwdc.org and 'Scope Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center' on Facebook; follow @ScopeGallery on Twitter. The "Tabletop 2016" show is at The Art League Gallery in Studio 21 runs June 8 to July 3. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Thursdays open until 9 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. For further information, call the Art League Gallery at 703-683-1780, visit theartleague.org and torpedofactory.org/partners/the-art-league/

Pictured above: High-fire bird-sculpted cups on a natural driftwood base by Peggy Reichard of Accokeek, Md.; Raku-fired black and white geometric lidded jar by Bev Andrews of Alexandria, Va.; ; Handpainted hummingbird blossom and siamese ring holders by Tracie Griffith Tso of Reston, Va.; Classic squared gold and green high-fire mugs by Klaudia Levin of Silver Spring, Md.; Handpainted porcelain floral tea bowl by Eileen Egan of Arlington, Va.

Kiln Club is an organization of more than 90 Washington D.C. area artists working in the clay medium. Juried members exhibit themed shows every other month at the cooperative artist-run Scope Gallery in Alexandria's Torpedo Factory Art Center.