Fall Happenings

Terra Sigilatta demo

The fall season of art shows and festivals is almost upon us!  Once again Clay Network will have a group tent at the St. Augustine Fall Art and Craft Festival.  Our members will share the tent and costs and have a great time.  Members will also provide wheel demonstrations throughout the day, so STOP BY THE TENT AND INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Jerry is a chairperson for the St. Augustine Art Association ‘s 9th Annual Tactile Art Show, October 1-28, in the Main Gallery, at 22 Marine Street.  This is a fun “touchable art” show with over $1000 in prize money, including, our very own ” The Clay Network $100 “Outstanding Ceramic Art Award.”  See the sidebar “Opportunities” for more information.

We are continuing our library displays throughout the First Coast area.  Member’s works are displayed at local libraries to increase awareness of the art of pottery.  Although no selling is allowed, artist information is displayed along with the art.  Displays typically remain in place for four weeks and then are moved to the next venue.  If you would like your art displayed at one of the libraries, contact our secretary at ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com.  The current schedule is as follows:

o       Mandarin  - We will exhibit there in August – this is a change.
o       Deerwood  - We will exhibit e in Sep.  The case is only 18” tall so only short things can be displayed.
o       St. Augustine  - We will exhibit in Oct.  Two bookcases 6 feet tall and 36” wide are available
o       We are also looking at the Beaches, Regency, Fernandina, and Ponte Vedra .

At our last meeting, Marcia announced the return of scholarships to help members attend workshop, seminars, or national meetings.  Payback would be in the form of hosting a program for the members of Clay Network sharing some of the techniques learned.  Our September 19th program will be such a program.  Jerry and Christie received some financial support to attend the Potter’s Council Handbuilding Conference in Atlanta at the end of May.  Don’t miss hearing all the insider points and new ideas they brought back with them.  The program will follow the general meeting at 2:00 pm, Sunday September 19 at Christie’s in St. Augustine.

Our final meeting of the year will be November 21 at Karen’s in Mandarin.  The program will be a horsehair firing.  Members can bring small terra sigillata polished pots and take home a beautiful horsehair finished pot.  In preparation for this program, Marcia demonstrated how to prepare and apply terra sigillata.  The detailed recipes and procedures will be provided to members who were unable to attend our July meeting.  This is great fun; so if you’ve never participated in a horsehair firing or just want to learn more about it, join us for our November meeting.

Detailed instructions available

Measure specific gravity

Apply the terra sig

Polish when dry

The Clay Network of Northeast Florida is an organization where clay artists have the opportunity to improve their knowledge, to foster interest in sincere, creative craftsmanship and to educated the public in the appreciation of ceramics in our community.  If you have an interest in ceramics and pottery, please join us at our next meeting, September 19.

One of the many benefits of membership is being able to share in the different selling events sponsored by Clay Network throughout the year.  We have a tent and shelves.   We split the entry fees, take care of the applications, and we help each other.  This is an easy way to get involved in art festivals and other shows.  As a member you may borrow the tent for your own event for a small fee.  If you would like more information please contact our secretary, Mary Ellen at ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com.

Join us for fun and informative meetings.  Be sure to bring your favorite food item to share during our traditional potluck dinner that follows each program.