Pottery from the ash of a volcano and a barbeque

DAYTON­—The newest Art Event at Wenaha Gallery in Dayton features the pottery of Kennewick artist Pat Fleming. Fleming has been making and teaching art for 54 years and counting.

Fleming’s pottery is unique in its use of local materials including clay dug from Othello, Prosser, and the Walla Walla River Basin.

His glazes also derive from local soil and ash, the latter from the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption and his backyard barbecue.

The gallery will be featuring both functional and non-functional pieces by the artist. In addition to one-of-a kind pieces, Fleming also creates production pottery for commercial clients. Past clients include the Bon Marche, and numerous retail shops throughout the Pacific Northwest. Fleming’s Art Event runs through October 3.