Ellie Foulkes of Waimea threw this sweet little covered mini-casserole dish that's 5-inches wide and about 4.5-inches high to “bring fun and joy to people.”  She has a studio at home with her potters wheel, clay, tools and glazes, plus a kiln that was refurbished to fire pots by her clever husband. 

She says that creating lidded casseroles is always an adventure!  The top and bottom have to be fired together to be sure they fit perfectly.  Sometimes the lid sticks and the only way to separate the top and bottom is to submerge them in cold water and then tap the side with a wooden spoon, keeping her fingers crossed that you don’t shatter the whole thing. 

Ellie, who signs each bowl with her name and year, says she loves creating bowls that she can decorate with bright happy colors. This one for the auction has her version of purple flowers that stand out against the white background.  The bright yellow inside adds a pop of joyful color! 

While mostly a hobby, Ellie is honored that Bentleys Home Collection in Parker Square sells her bowls.    

In addition to making pottery, Ellie, a retired educator, dedicates time to supporting our middle school students as a volunteer tutor and teacher trainer in how to become “trauma informed” to build more meaningful relationships with students to support their well-being, and academic and social-emotional growth.