THIS year’s Ceredigion Art Trail is proving to be a big success with artists of all types and in particular ceramics and pottery - including the opportunity for visitors to try their hand at the wheel this summer.

“It’s wonderful to be able to show people our pottery, and to let them explore their creativity at the wheel”, says Jamie Herschel, a potter with more than 50 years’ experience in the craft who is also the chairman of this year’s Ceredigion Art Trail committee.

“From total beginners to those with some experience of ceramics, we are happy to share our techniques and find it a wonderful way for people to enjoy even more that Ceredigion has to offer.”

Along with wife Dodie, the other half of Nantyfelin Pottery, Jamie creates stunning and affordable ceramics from their studio near Lampeter.

Their work can be seen at Tourist Information Centres, museums and exhibitions across West Wales.

Another pair of potters taking part in this year’s Trail are Duncan and Karen Browning. You may recognise their wares after a mug of theirs was used on television by gardening expert Monty Don at the Chelsea Flower Show.

A new member to the trail is Jackie Barber, whose delicate range of floral pieces have a distinctly nostalgic, vintage feel.

Jackie also welcomes individuals to her beautiful Maesycrugiau studio “Brynifor Cottage” just outside Pencader.

“I’m really enjoying being part of this year’s Ceredigion Art Trail” says Jackie. “It’s a lovely way to promote the work created here in West Wales and I love teaching absolute beginners to make a unique piece at the potter’s wheel”.

There are yet more people potty about pottery on this year’s bumper Trail – Yoka Kilkenny from Siramik’s work is well known across Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire with regular classes (and gorgeous lunches) on offer from her studio.

Close by is Gwilli Pottery, recent Carmarthenshire Tourism Award Silver award winners, which offer beginners’ classes for children as well as adults, and which is famed for its eclectic and humorous designs.

Gabrielle’s Gallery near Synod Inn also offers pottery classes and a superb assortment of creations from painting to framing, as does Vicky Ware Ceramics, north of Aberystwyth.

Vicky’s work uses both porcelain and terracotta and her work is used by chefs in contemporary restaurants in Edinburgh, London, Bristol, Newtown and the Lake District.

As well as individual ceramic artists and studios taking part this year, there are also several potters who are involved with some of flourishing artists groups and galleries such as Hooray4Clay, Shed by The Stream, White Tree Crafts, and Mountain Gate Studios.