Sam Hayward, chef and owner of Fore Street Restaurant, will join ceramic artist Robbie Lobell for a talk at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts on July 12 at 11 a.m. as part of Watershed’s 20thannual Salad Days event. Their talk will focus on the connections between sustainable farming, locally grown food and handmade ceramics. 

Watershed has brought this pair together to highlight the interaction between Maine’s local food movement and the creative economy. Hayward, a James Beard Foundation “Best Chef,” will speak about Fore Street’s connection to the farms surrounding Watershed’s campus and his commitment to using the very best raw ingredients from Maine farmers, fishermen and foragers. Lobell will demonstrate the use of her handcrafted ceramic cookware and its use in brick wood-burning ovens like the ones used in Fore Street Restaurant. 

In addition to the talk, Salad Days features a buffet of locally grown and prepared salads, breads and desserts. Guests receive a handmade ceramic plate to keep. The Watershed campus opens at 10 a.m. and the lunch buffet begins at noon. At 1:30 p.m., artist Trevor Dunn will share his process for building a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven and visitors will see an oven under construction. A raffle of one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces will follow at 2 p.m. 

Salad Days also includes a pottery sale, children’s activities, live music and tours of Watershed Center. 

Funds earned during Salad Days support Watershed’s community education and artist residency programs. Admission to Salad Days is $35 and includes a handcrafted plate to take home. Admission to the pottery sale only is free. 

Watershed Center is located off Route 1 on Cochran Road in Newcastle. For more information, call 207-882-6075 or visit www.watershedceramics.org.