Pottery by Wendy Thorpe Allen      

Born and raised in Maine, Wendy has a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts from Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire. She has worked doing pre-press in the commercial printing industry for 20 years, evolving with changes in technology from manually stripping flats and burning plates to all-digital direct-to-plate processes.

Along the way, Wendy discovered an interest in pottery, studying first at the League of Hampshire Craftsman’s studio in Hanover, and more recently at the Sharon Arts Center in Peterborough, working with Lulu Fichter and James Mitschmyer. Wendy has established her own pottery studio at her home in Keene, although for the time being she still does her glazing and reduction glaze firing at the Sharon Arts Center.

A load of bisque ware comes out of the kiln.

As a creative problem-solver, Wendy has developed several uniquely functional pieces of pottery art that just make life better. She enjoys working with clay as a tactile and physical activity that provides an outlet for her creativity and developing sense of aesthetics.

Wendy has donated her time and talents to work with 4th and 5th graders at Fuller Elementary School in Keene, coaching them in throwing pots on the wheel. Wendy, and these students, have donated many bowls to the Keene Community Kitchen Empty Bowls project.

A paw print , found along with her initials on almost every piece, is Wendy’s “signature mark.” Scamper the cat and Tahoe the dog are full-fledged members of Wendy’s family along with Tim the husband and Bennett the son. Together they enjoy skiing in the winter and sailing in the summer, among many other activities.

Juried Member