The Art Stop is often the place to see some of the most interesting and beautiful handmade contemporary crafts in the city.  Owners Steph Farber and Phyllis Harrison, more often than not, focus on ceramics. And, more often than not, their Art Stop shows lean on the creative side. Such is the case with their Batter's Up! show opening today. According to the hype, the show is "a celebration of form, function, comfort and creativity." It will showcase Puget Sound ceramists. (Told you.) And the form is batter bowls - that can hold pancake mix, cookie dough, sauces and such.

Yep, an Art Stop show.

"All the participants are Northwest artists," explains Harrison. "Maria Root, Ken Turner, and Mark Hudak are from Tacoma. Jeanette Harris is in Poulsbo. Gail Lurie, Gary Georger (formerly of Seattle, now of Turkey), and Lonnie and Julie Tosch from Edmonds. The others are from the Seattle area."

Charlie McManus and Jacqueline Platner, co-owners of Primo Grill and the Crown Bar, will jury the Chef's Choice Award for Batter's Up!

"I am especially impressed by artists and artisans who can bring such creative genius to the objects we use every day," says Harrison. "And the two chefs will be looking both at functionality and creativity, the constant balance of craftsmanship," adds Harrison.

The opening reception for Batter's Up! is tonight from 5-8 p.m. Mix it up with a creative crowd.

[The Art Stop/LeRoy Jewelers, through Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 940 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.272.3377]