American Whitewater Ohiopyle Over-The-Falls Festival: Trophies (Cups)
Made by Chuck Stump

A teacher, potter and paddler from Frostburg, Md., Chuck Stump has been making highfire ceramics for 30 years. His studio in Frostburg has 3 large kilns (60-90 cu.ft.) for salt-glazed, wood fired and gas-fired stoneware. He produces wheel-thrown and hand-built functional and sculptural ware at his Savage Mountain Pottery.

A few summers ago, some of the race organizers got together for dinner and brought their kids along. Chuck brought out a block of clay and asked the kids and others to help make some kayak "stuff" from the clay. They made little kayakers, paddles, helmets, waterfalls and rocks, which were later used to embellish the trophies. Chuck said "It was fun working with the kids and everyone. I thought it would be a good way to get them involved in what we do for fun. And the trophies came out looking great." These are truly works of art.

Mykl Messer, a woodworker, paddle-maker and paddler from Albright, WV, has made wooden boxes to protect the trophies when they are being moved. Like the trophies, these fine wooden boxes are a true work of art. See Mykl's Web site for his work: www.myklmesserdesigns.com/

We are truly lucky to have these two artists' work on this project and event. We would like to thank them.

The trophies (Cups) are passed from winner to winner each year.

Race Trophy
Left: Race Trophy (The Hallas Cup); Right: Freestyle Trophy (The Snyder Cup)
Photo: Crede Calhoun, Vision Quest Studios