Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: bonnie mcnett

  • Loveland Art Festival draws 4,000 visitors

    Loveland Art Festival draws 4,000 visitors

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Art Festival was held on Saturday, September 7 at Whistle Stop Clay Works in Loveland, Ohio. The show drew an estimated 4,000 people and highlighted local artists from a wide variety of genres, including pottery, fiber art, photographs, jewelry, paintings, wood working, charcoal drawing, water colors, and mixed media.

    The show featured two non-profits: Angels by the Trail and the Loveland Legacy Foundation, that had educational material to educate show goers about their organizations’ missions. In addition, the show had eleven high school art students who displayed, talked about and sold their work.

    “The Loveland Art Festival has partnered with Loveland High School for five years and is pleased to facilitate this real world experience for art students looking to sell their work,” said Festival organizer, Bonnie McNett the owner of Whistle Stop Clay Works.

    “It was an amazing show. The weather was nearly perfect and we had a record number of people attend the art show. Shoppers browsed over seventy artists, listened to live music and got a bite to eat from the El Vaquero food truck,” commented Patricia Franklin, one of the show organizers. “We were truly humbled by the community’s support of the artists, high school students and the two non-profits,” she added.

    The Loveland Art Festival awarded $1,000 in prize money for the winning artists. Amy Noffsinger won first place ($500), Kate Albert took second place ($250), Clinton Wood III was awarded third place ($100) and Kate Irwin-Rutter was awarded honorable mention.

    The People’s Choice winners, who were voted on by the public, were Helen Atkins and Jennifer Kaplan, each receiving $75.

    The 2025 Loveland Art Festival will be held at Whistle Stop Clay Works on Saturday, September 6th, so mark your calendars. Artist applications will open in January. Visit lovelandartfestival.com for additional information.

    These photos of the Festival were taken by Loveland Magazine Intern Andrew Sichak © Andrew Sichak.

  • Whistle Stop Clay Works raises $1,800 for the League of Animal Welfare 

    Whistle Stop Clay Works raises $1,800 for the League of Animal Welfare 

    Rhonda Kidd, Operations Manager at the League of Animal Welfare accepts a $1,800 check from Bonnie McNett, of Whistle Stop Clay Works. The studio raised money for the animal shelter by selling 143 penguin ornaments this holiday season.

    Loveland, Ohio – Every holiday season, Whistle Stop Clay Works in Loveland chooses a non-profit to be the recipient of their holiday ornament sales. This year the studio chose the League of Animal Welfare, a non-profit that finds homeless pets their forever home and provides low-cost veterinary services.  “The economic impact of the pandemic is still being felt. We wanted to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community: dogs and cats who have been surrendered by people who can no longer care for them,” said Bonnie McNett, Clay Works owner.

    It is a Whistle Stop Clay Works tradition to give away unglazed holiday ornaments at the Christmas in Loveland event held in December each year. This year they made 500 penguin ornaments that were distributed free of charge to local residents. The studio also sold hand-painted penguin ornaments for $12 each with 100% of the purchase price benefiting the League.

    “The response from the surrounding community was outstanding. The studio sold 143 ornaments and we rounded up the total to make our donation $1,800,” said McNett.

    The League of Animal Welfare has been helping homeless pets for over 70 years. More information can be found at:  https://www.lfaw.org/.

    Whistle Stop Clay Works is located at 119 Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio.  They have an art gallery and offer classes for adults and children, workshops, and private parties. More information can be found at: www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

  • This Saturday Artists will Shine at the Pottery Affaire in Historic Downtown Loveland

    This Saturday Artists will Shine at the Pottery Affaire in Historic Downtown Loveland

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    To view highlights about what will happen at and the artists and craftspersons in the Pottery Affaire visit Whistle Stop on FaceBook!

    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is hosting the fifth annual Pottery Affaire on Saturday, September 3 from 11 AM until 4 PM. The show highlights local artists who will be offering handmade pottery, fiber art, paintings, turned wood items, note cards, photographs, and much more. This show is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and buy unique, handcrafted work. 

    The show will also be supporting the L.I.F.E Food Pantry, which fights food insecurity in the Loveland area. The food pantry will have a booth at the show and 100% of sales will go directly to the non-profit to help those in need. “We are excited to be partnering with Whistle Stop again this year. We raised over $500 last year and we are pleased to have an opportunity to educate people about our mission,” said Linda Bergholz, director of the pantry.  

    The show will also feature Loveland High School art students who will be selling their work.

    The family-friendly event will have food, soft drinks, as well as wine and beer to help shoppers refuel and hydrate. In addition, there will be hourly door prizes, demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, and pottery studio tours.

    “It’s going to be another amazing show. There will be nearly fifty artists showing their work. The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that is just right for you or someone on your shopping list,” commented Bonnie McNett, new owner of WSCW. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the beautiful O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” she added.  

    The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 3rd from 11 AM until 4PM.  For further information call (513) 683-2529 or visit www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

  • Artists will Shine at the Pottery Affaire in Loveland on September 3rd

    Artists will Shine at the Pottery Affaire in Loveland on September 3rd

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    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is hosting the fifth annual Pottery Affaire on Saturday, September 3 from 11 AM until 4 PM. The show highlights local artists who will be offering handmade pottery, fiber art, paintings, turned wood items, note cards, photographs, and much more.

    This show is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and buy unique, handcrafted work. 

    The show will also be supporting the L.I.F.E Food Pantry, which fights food insecurity in the Loveland area. The food pantry will have a booth at the show and 100% of sales will go directly to the non-profit to help those in need. “We are excited to be partnering with Whistle Stop again this year. We raised over $500 last year and we are pleased to have an opportunity to educate people about our mission,” said Linda Bergholz, director of the pantry.  

    The show will also feature Loveland High School art students who will be selling their work.

    The family-friendly event will have food, soft drinks, as well as wine and beer to help shoppers refuel and hydrate. In addition, there will be hourly door prizes, demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, and pottery studio tours.

    “It’s going to be another amazing show. There will be nearly fifty artists showing their work. The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that is just right for you or someone on your shopping list,” commented Bonnie McNett, new owner of WSCW. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the beautiful O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” she added.  

    The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 3rd from 11 AM until 4PM.  For further information call (513) 683-2529 or visit www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

  • [Video Interview] Operations Manager buys Whistlestop Clay Works in Historic Downtown

    [Video Interview] Operations Manager buys Whistlestop Clay Works in Historic Downtown

    by David Miller

    David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine

    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW), an intimate pottery studio in Historic Downtown, is excited to announce that Bonnie McNett has purchased the business from co-founders Tim O’Grady and Kay Bolin. The studio, which opened in 2010, will have ownership transferred effective April 1, 2022.  

    “We could not be happier or more excited for the future of Whistle Stop Clay Works, the pottery students, and the Loveland area. Whistle Stop is a vibrant, interactive business and a real asset to this community,” said current co-owner, Kay Bolin.

    The acquisition of WSCW by McNett will allow the studio’s mission of bringing the ceramic arts to Loveland to continue and provide local residents a way to explore their creativity and relax with friends and family. McNett, who has been Operations Manager for five years, brings an energy and vision to WSCW that has helped the business prosper and grow. She has been an instructor at the studio for 8 years and has been involved in the ceramic arts for over 30 years

    O’Grady and Bolin decided it was time for them to try retirement again. Both had previously retired from a textile company, but in 2010 bought the property at 119 Harrison Avenue and converted the building to the WSCW teaching studio and art gallery.

    Whistle Stop Clay Works is a ceramics studio located in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. The studio offers classes for adults and children, workshops, private parties, team building activities, firing packages for artists with home studios, and an art gallery.  The studio is located at 119 Harrison Avenue and can be reached at (513) 683-2529 or at www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

    Bonnie McNett

    Studio owner & manager

    WSCW@whistlestopclayworks.com

    (513)683-2529 or (513)325-4132

  • Whistle Stop Clay Works raises $2,000 for the League of Animal Welfare

    Whistle Stop Clay Works raises $2,000 for the League of Animal Welfare

    Loveland, Ohio – Every holiday season, Whistle Stop Clay Works in Loveland chooses a non-profit to be the recipient of their holiday ornament sales. This year the studio chose the League of Animal Welfare, a non-profit that finds homeless pets their forever home and provides low-cost veterinary services.

    “The economic impact of the pandemic has hit our community hard. We wanted to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community: dogs and cats who have been surrendered by people who can no longer care for them,” said Kay Bolin, studio co-owner.

    It is a Whistle Stop Clay Works tradition to give away unglazed holiday ornaments at the Christmas in Loveland event held in December each year. This year they made 500 gnome ornaments that were distributed free of charge to local residents. The studio also sold hand-painted gnome ornaments for $10 each with 100% of the purchase price benefiting the League.

    “The response from the surrounding community was overwhelming,” said Bonnie McNett, studio manager. “The studio sold 193 ornaments and we rounded up the total to make our donation $2,000.”

    The League of Animal Welfare has been helping homeless pets and giving them the lives they deserve for over 70 years. More information can be found at:  https://www.lfaw.org/.

    Whistle Stop Clay Works is located at 119 Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. They have an art gallery and offer classes for adults and children, workshops, private parties, Cocktails & Clay, and studio rentals. More information can be found at: www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

  • Whistle Stop Clay Works is participating in Christmas in Loveland

    Whistle Stop Clay Works is participating in Christmas in Loveland

    Promoted Post

    Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is participating in Christmas in Loveland happening Saturday, December 18 from 4 until 8 PM in Loveland, Ohio. The event, which draws thousands of residents, highlights the giving spirit of local businesses all over Loveland.

    Whistle Stop Clay Works will be giving away 400 undecorated “gnome” ornaments to children who stop by the studio at 119 Harrison Avenue. The clay ornaments can be taken home and decorated with paints, markers, and glitter.

    “Christmas in Loveland is an opportunity for our studio to show appreciation to the people of Loveland for the support we have received from the community.  We will also be having a raffle and giving away pottery to two lucky winners, ” says Tim O’Grady, studio co-owner. 

    The WSCW studio will also be selling artist decorated gnome ornaments for ten dollars with 100% of the purchase price benefiting the League of Animal Welfare. “We are excited to partner with the League of Animal Welfare this year.  They are an invaluable advocate for homeless animals and have been operating for over 70 years,” says studio manager Bonnie McNett.  Additional information about this non-profit can be found at: https://www.lfaw.org. 

    In addition, the studio will have a special sale for those shopping on this festive evening.  The gallery will be stocked with mugs, serving and soup bowls, platters and plates, chip & dip servers, sculptures, wall hangings, whimsical fairy houses and holiday decor and ornaments. Christmas in Loveland is happening Saturday, December 18 from 4 until 8 PM.

    WSCW is located at 119 Harrison Avenue, in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. Parking is free.  Additional information can be found at https://lovelandmagazine.com/christmas-in-loveland-is-december-18/ or by calling the studio at (513) 683-2529.

  • Pottery Affaire raised nearly $1/2 K for LIFE Food Pantry

    Pottery Affaire raised nearly $1/2 K for LIFE Food Pantry

    Audrey Hawley, Linda Bergholz, and Bonnie McNett

    by David Miller

    David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Leading up to last Saturday’s Pottery Affaire at Whistle Stop Clay Works where the art show was held, artists crafted unique pottery designs that would be sold during the show and the money raised would be given to the LIFE Food Pantry. Raffle tickets were also sold throughout the day for a chance to win two clay vases. Some visitors at the show also just dropped money into a donation box or after purchasing an item donated their change as well.

    Yesterday, Bonnie McNett, representing Whistle Stop, presented a check to Audrey Hawley and Linda Bergholz of the food pantry for $449.

    Audrey said, “Thank you very much to the artists and their donations and for their creativity. It’s wonderful for the whole community.”

    “Actually, this will be great,” said Linda about receiving the check, “Because this time of the year, going into the Fall season is when we have a lot more requests for financial assistance. We have a lot more people coming to the pantry needing help when the weather is changing and the temperature is getting colder.”

    Bonnie said she was just happy to pass along some, “good fortune to those in need.”

    “A check like this will go a long way in helping people with their financial needs,” added Audrey.

    You could easily put the total over 1K by adding your own donation to the Panty.

    CREDIT CARD (ONLINE THROUGH PAYPAL)

    CHECK

    GIFT CARD DONATIONS

    KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS

    Loveland InterFaith Effort is a (registered) 501c3 non-profit organization and your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.

    LIFE MISSION

    LIFE is a faith and community supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship.

    • Scheduling, set up, organizing the sorting and dating of donations. Stocking of pantry needs.
    • Communicating with donor organizations.
    • Inventory control of storage units and pantry.
    • Help organize the Pass It On Loveland School Drive for LIFE Holiday Food Baskets.

    Whistle Stop Clay Works is a fully equipped ceramics teaching studio and gallery located in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio, where the corners of Hamilton, Warren and Clermont counties meet. It’s close to excellent restaurants and shops and the renowned Little Miami River Bike Trail. Come take a tour with our 3 minute video!

    119 Harrison Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140

  • Artists Shine at the Pottery Affaire on September 12

    Artists Shine at the Pottery Affaire on September 12

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    Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce the third annual Pottery Affaire happening Saturday, September 12 from 11am. until 4pm. The show highlights local artists who will be offering hand made pottery, paintings, note cards, photographs, felted items, and much more.

    This show is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists who have been impacted by the pandemic and to buy unique, hand crafted work. There will also be demonstrations on the potter’s wheel and pottery studio tours.

    “It’s an amazing show. There are about two dozen artists showing their work. The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that just right for you or someone on your holiday list,” states Bonnie McNett, show coordinator and instructor at WSCW.

    The show is happening by the beautiful O’Bannon Creek at 119 Harrison Avenue, in historic Loveland, Ohio. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the beautiful O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” continues McNett.

    The outdoor show will require vendors and shoppers to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines.

    The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 12th from 11am. till 4pm.

    More information can be found by calling WSCW studio at (513) 683-2529 or at www.whistlestopclayworks.com.

    Click on an image to see them full size…

  • Clay artist will shine at the Pottery Affaire on June 15

    Clay artist will shine at the Pottery Affaire on June 15

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    Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce the second annual Pottery Affaire happening Saturday, June 15 from 11am. till 4pm.

    The show highlights local potters who create unique, hand made, functional and sculptural work. The artists will be offering functional wares like serving and soup bowls, mugs, platters and plates, and vases.

    In addition, there will be unique clay sculptures, wall hangings, and whimsical fairy and toad houses.  There will also be demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, a children’s craft area, and studio tours.

    “It’s an amazing show.  There are about two dozen clay artists showing their work.  The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that just right for you,” states Bonnie McNett, show coordinator and instructor at WSCW.
    The show is happening by the beautiful O’Bannon Creek at 119 Harrison Avenue, in historic Loveland, Ohio. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the picturesque O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” continues McNett.
    The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, June 15th from 11am. till 4pm.  information can be found at www.whistlestopclayworks.com and at www.facebook.com/events/39695787436485.

    Look at these photos from last year’s Pottery Affaire