Popham molds crocks for Trek Fest

submitted by Carol Riggan
Helen Popham, a resident of Riverside for 37 years, wanted to add her talent to the 25th Anniversary of Trek Fest by making commemorative crockery. 
Popham said she has always enjoyed pottery. Each summer she would travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she would stop at her favorite pottery spot Van Briggle Pottery.  While traveling with another couple one year, Popham mentioned she had always wanted to work with pottery. With her friend’s encouragement, she signed up for a pottery class. She purchased her first pottery wheel shortly after enjoying that experience so much.  Not long after, she also purchased a kiln.  Now, Popham enjoys her hobby by teaching classes. She has been designing her own work for the past six years and uses glazes that are all non-toxic, dishwasher safe and perfect for food use. 
Much of her pottery has been given to family and friends. Her home is also filled with functional pottery, bowls of all different sizes and vases. She even has made a few necklaces out of pottery beads.  Most of her ideas come from magazines and from her family. 
Her husband Ron suggested that she share her love and make crocks for Trek Fest’s 25th anniversary.  Popham’s creative work is now on display at the Voyage Home Museum in Riverside, which is open Tuesday through Sunday.  This time, the crockery is for sale and can be displayed in your home, too.