Thursday, October 28, 2010

JOIN US FOR A HORSE HAIR FIRING!!

Our program at the September 19th meeting was an example of two of our members conducting a program to share information they learned at a workshop for which they received partial funding from Clay Network.  Jerry and Christie attended a hand building workshop given by Sandy Pierantozzi.  They demonstrated several hand building techniques to the group.  We all learned how to make three legged pots, a four sided vessel from slabs and altering a simple cylinder by paddling  the bottom to form a mug or small pitcher.


The fall season of art shows and festivals is 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.


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.  Stop by to see any of our displays.  The current schedule is as follows:


- St. Augustine  -  Mary Ellen coordinated our display which will be on display throughout October
- Beaches – Lisa plans to display in January 2011
- Regency – Marcia will coordinate this display in March 2011
- November and December are not planned due to the Holidays


Our final meeting of the year will be November 21 at Karen’s in Mandarin.  The program will be a horse hair 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 during our program last month. The detailed recipes and procedures are available by contacting our Secretary at  ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com. This will be 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.


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, November 21 at 2:00pm at Karen’s.


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.


Another incredible benefit of membership is use of our extensive library of books, CDs, and DVDs on all aspects of ceramics and pottery.  The library is available at each meeting, so join us and browse the library.


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.