Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Well Rounded Kitchen - Kneading Conference and Artisan Goods


Baking is a craft, or to some, an art form just as is woodworking, pottery, felting or painting. Grains such as wheat, rye and oats become beautiful mouthwatering loaves of bread sometimes for the less patient baker a no knead boule of perfection. Wood becomes cutting boards, pizza paddles, cooling trivets or utensils. Clay becomes an array of plates, cups and bowls. All three join forces during River Roads Artisans Gallery's participation in the Kneading Conference on August 1 from 10AM to 5PM. Stop by the Trade Show on August 1 to find some of the artisan made goods that compliment the bread that will be baked.

Becky Wheeler of DirtGirl Pottery creates deceptively simple bowls for holding ingredients or soup to eat with the fresh baked bread or rolls. They come in an array of colors and sized from a cup to a robust bowlful.


Ray Corson layers together deliciously eye catching utensils, cutting boards, and trivets to grace your table and food preparations. The cutting boards are durable easy to care for mix of hardwoods.

Raku, a wood fired pottery, hand formed and fired by Tim Chicocki of Norridgewock, has an understated simplicity that enhances and not overpowers the work of the baker through a neutral palette. The Zen of bread and its making are accompanied by the perfect handheld bowl to scramble eggs in for a simple morning repast or to dunk chunks of baguette into ragu sauce.

All of these and more can be seen at the River Roads Artisans Gallery located at 191 North Street, Rte 150 in Skowhegan.

Come visit River Roads Artisans Gallery to round out your culinary experience whether you are a foodie or just love the finer things in life.
River Roads Artisans Gallery
219 North Avenue, Rte. 150
Skowhegan, ME

Hours: Wednesday - Friday 10AM - 5pm
Saturday 10AM - 4pm

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Fine handmade crafts, like really good bread, are an essential part of life. Each rounds out our daily existence giving a richer experience on many different levels. River Roads Artisans Gallery will be participating in this years Kneading Conference as a vendor on Saturday August 1st in Skowhegan. The gallery carries the work of several artisans whose handwork transform substance into form like a baker transforms wheat into bread. River Roads Artisans Gallery showcases beautifully crafted items that may be used in the making or consumption of delicious homemade loaves or other delightful baked goods.

Phil Gavin, Shininglass Studios, will be represented at the trade show by River Roads Artisans Gallery with a selection of his exquisite hardwood paddles that make sliding pizza or rustic loaves into an outdoor portable or kitchen oven a more enriching experience.
His checkerboard cutting boards make a fine backdrop for slices of jam covered bread or wedges of toasted cheese sandwiches. Your bread making experience is enhanced by using the finest ingredients and now the best in handmade and crafted utensils to do the baking and eating with.

Several of River Roads' potters have a great selection of bowls for dough to rise in while yeast works its magic. Nancy Jervey of Norridgewock has gorgeous bowls to use for baking or salad making. Once the baking is done sit down with cup of coffee or tea in a beautifully decorated mug that fits comfortably in the hand and enjoy a well rounded experience of the senses that bring a deeper pleasure to the time spent munching on fresh out of the oven goodies with loved ones.



Fully Circle Pottery have a more Mediterranean style to their bowls and platters. Mix up a fruity olive oil dipping sauce in a fanciful bowl to dip crusty Italian bread in. Dining at home can be just as special as going out when the right accent pieces are around.
If you can't make it to the Kneading Conference check out River Roads Artisans Gallery online store. There you will find a selection of artisan made cutting boards and pottery to bring more pleasure to your bread making or cooking experience. The Gallery is open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday through Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday. It’s just a short drive down Rte 150, 219 North Avenue in Skowhegan right next to Evelyn's New and Used Furniture.