FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE for More Information Contact s4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact: Deb Schaber Marketing & Communications Director [email protected] 952.445.7361

Connors Pottery Booth Celebrate 20 Years at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival SHAKOPEE, Minn., (March 2013) – Connors Pottery, Artisan Booth #121, features ceramics designed and created by Tim and Fumiko Connors. The 2013 season will commemorate their twentieth year of joining the community of artisans at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Their story begins in 1975, while Tim was working on an undergraduate degree in business at St. Cloud State University. Tim Connors took a ceramics arts class which altered his life forever. His business major changed to a ceramics art major, and he never looked back. In 1982 he built a gas down draft kiln at his home in St. Joseph, MN. In 1985 Tim became friends with Japanese master potter Kada Kimura, who was doing a one year artist in residence at St. Johns University. Kimura took it upon himself to teach Tim his techniques and Tim encouraged his wife Fumiko to decorate his pottery.

Tim and Fumiko have displayed their work at regional juried art fairs since 1977. In 1987 they relocated their studio to Prior Lake, MN. In 1994 Tim and Fumiko applied and were accepted into the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. They specialize in handmade high fired porcelain and stone ware pottery. All of their glazes are formulated by Tim. Many of the glazes are derived from natural wood ash. All of their work is lead free, oven proof, microwave and dishwasher safe. During the Festival you can find Tim and Fumiko Connors at Artisan Booth #121 and while they’re not at the Festival, fans can see what they are making and art fairs they are attending by checking out Connors Pottery Facebook page.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a first-class experience whose 43rd season begins on Saturday, August 17 and ends on September 29, 2013. The Festival is open weekends, Labor Day and a special day for schools and seniors on Festival Friday, September 27, 2013 open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., rain or shine. The Festival is located seven miles south of Shakopee on Hwy 169. Admission at the gate: Adults $21.95; Children 5 – 12 $12.95; seniors $19.95; four and under are free! Visit www.renaissancefest.com or call 952-445-7361 for more information. -XXX-