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Ceramicist Alain Favre leaving Red Deer, bound for Turkey

Sometimes a fresh start is needed after a great personal loss.Red Deer’s renowned ceramicist Alain Favre and his wife Colleen, who tragically lost their son Michaud nearly three years ago, are moving to Turkey to start an exotic new chapter in their lives.

Sometimes a fresh start is needed after a great personal loss.

Red Deer’s renowned ceramicist Alain Favre and his wife Colleen, who tragically lost their son Michaud nearly three years ago, are moving to Turkey to start an exotic new chapter in their lives.

“We’ve heard nice things about the people and the culture in Turkey,” said Alain, who was artist in residence at Red Deer College and also attended the ceramics program there.

On Jan. 7, 2010, the Favre’s 20-year-old son was found outside in a wooded area near Taylor Drive. His death due to hypothermia was deemed accidental.

Besides seeking a change of scenery after two decades in Red Deer, Alain and his wife also wanted to be closer to their daughter, who is moving to Berlin, Germany.

Alain plans to teach English as a second language in Turkey and Colleen is also looking into a teaching job there.

In preparation for their overseas move, the Swiss-born ceramicist is holding a final Christmas sale of his pottery. Pieces have retailed at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum Shop and across the country. Some are known for a distinctive bison design.

An open house sale will be held in the garage of the Favre’s home at 3515 45th Ave. on Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m.

Alain said he’s been busy making tons of mugs and other functional pieces “The shelves are full, the kilns are full and (I’m) firing at maximum speed.”

The ceramicist will be selling what’s left over from the sale throughout December.

Alain helped found the annual Fire and Earth equinox celebration that runs March 21 at the Kerry Wood Nature Centre. He was former president of the Red Deer Pottery Club and president of the Alberta Potters’ Association from 1998 to 2000.

Alain remains undecided about whether to continue making his pottery in Turkey, but plans to check out a few areas of the country that are known for ceramics production.

For more information about the sale, call 403-352-7503.

lmichelin@www.reddeeradvocate.com