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The setting sun darted between the fronds of a towering bird of paradise. It glanced off a counter-top embedded with sparkling flotsam and jetsam found by craftsman Bud Gilbert. The golden light then glittered briefly on finely burnished jewelry, hand-crafted by Erin Mindigo Lee, then bounced off startlingly white, sinuous, clay pots thrown by Erin’s father, Chaz Mindigo. Through the beam of light, passes studio owner and functional sculptor Teresa Bowen. Clay Gallery at 302 S. Riverside Drive is where she, and her flock of more than 80 different artistic friends, at one time or another, gather to create.

The Clay Gallery, a nifty little arts space in a house down the street from New Smyrna Beach’s Arts on Douglas, and right across the street from Harris House gallery, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this Saturday afternoon.

Clay Gallery has been selected for the 2008 Best of New Smyrna Beach Award in the Art Galleries & Dealers category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA). The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.