First Thursday highlights three Japanese potters

Whitefish Pottery and Stillwater Gallery are presenting a unique show to kick off First Thursday Gallery Nights.

“Three Styles from Japan” is an exhibition of work by three established Japanese potters — Fuminori Deguchi, Kazutoshi Yamaguchi and Kazuyo Taguchi.

This is Deguchi’s third time visiting Whitefish. Deguchi and Whitefish Pottery Studio owner Tom Gilfillan originally met through the State of Montana/Japan Trade Office in 2002. In 2003, Gilfillan was fortunate enough to visit and work in Deguchi’s studio in Kumamoto, Japan, his hometown. In 2004, Deguchi was able to visit and work in the Whitefish Pottery Studios to fire the anagama-style (single chamber) wood kiln.

All three potters have been hard at work making pottery and firing the anagama kiln, “Agnes,” at the Whitefish Pottery Studios. Firing the anagama kiln brings a community of potters together from across the state of Montana and, on this occasion, from across the Pacific Ocean.

An opening reception celebration celebrating the two cultures will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, May 2. The show will run through the month of May.