Louisville Clay

Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2012

2012-02-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

Please visit their website at: http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KentuckyArt/2012Market.htm
Many Louisville Clay members are participating!

Brian Somerville Workshop at U of L: March 2 & 3

2012-02-28T15:23:00.000-05:00

Glaze Swap Recipes from Meeting of 2/6/12

2012-02-14T11:37:00.001-05:00

SEBASTIAN MOH – CHUN CLEAR (LEAH LEITSON) Electric or Gas ^5-10

Kona F-4 38.0

Whiting 14.0

Zinc Oxide 12.0

OM4 6.0

Silica 30.0

Copper Carb 0.25 – 0.75

This is a very versatile and reliable glaze. Best sprayed if you do not like to see dark and light areas because of dipping. Can be fired at a wide range. Pools nicely but does not run. A beautiful soft green, varies with intensity by using less or more copper carb.

LAURA ROSS – ROB’S GREEN (SUZE LINDSAY) Soda, Wood, Gas

Cornwall Stone 75.0

Whiting 18.0

Gerstley Borate 5.0

Copper Carb 10.0

Stontium Carb 7.5

Bentonite 2.0

Can be layered over a Shino. Beautiful over porcelain. Dipped, poured or sprayed.

BEN HAMMOND – FLASHING SHINO SLIP ^10-13 Wood or Soda

Neph Sy 36.0

Spodumene 12.2

Soda Ash 3.0

EPK 28.0

Kentucky OM4 12.0

Thin slip for smooth surface

Thick to promote crawling

MARIANNE BROWN – BLUE BLACK GLAZE ^5-8 Electric or Gas

Neph Sy 73.0

Whiting 4.0

Dolomite 5.0

Zinc Oxide 3.0

Bentonite 5.0

Flint 10.0

Iron Oxide 1.5

Cobalt Oxide 1.5

Let the glaze sit for 30 days.

When fired electric, has a silky dark denim color.

When fired gas, is shinier with black flecks in it.

CAROLINE ZAMA – MAYCO STROKE AND COAT – VARIOUS COLORS

Can be fired as low as ^05 or as high as ^6.

Clear gloss coat makes it shiny.

Can be once fired.

Caroline uses a weak iron oxide wash on her work first to bring out detail and mute
the colors.

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: Feb. 6, 2012

2012-02-14T11:10:00.007-05:00

From left to right:
Marianne Brown
Laura Ross
Caroline Zama
Sebastian Moh
Ben Hammond

LOCATION: J-D Schall’s house. (Thank you, J-D!)

AGENDA: Glaze Swap

MEETINGS: Louisville Clay will go back to meeting 6 times per year with a potluck.

Dates of our meetings are as follows and are subject to change:

Wed., April 11 – Featured artist: Laura Ross
Thurs., June 14 - Mary Anderson Center (pending)

Mon., Aug. 13 – TBA

Tues., Oct. 16 – Brian Harper, IUS (pending)

Thurs., Dec. 6 – Christmas Party

MEMBERSHIP: 90 Approximately 10-12 people have not renewed from last year but by the summer our membership usually hits around 100 again.

BLUEGRASS BOURBON SHOW:

At this point we are going to verify (or make that re-verify) with the new head of KMAC that we are indeed on their schedule for October. Different people have reassured us that there is not a problem but I think we just need to hear that from the new head himself. The invitations have gone out to the people on Matt Long’s list and we are receiving acceptance emails daily. We have received two jury entries so far but keep in mind that the deadline is not till May 1^st so we are expecting many more. The ads have been placed in all the pertinent publications so we are right on target for our time line. Our president, J-D Schall, has done an immense amount of work to make sure we are on schedule. Now it is just a matter of processing entries and getting everything to Matt by the deadline. Don’t forget your entry!

U of L has agreed to partner with Louisville Clay for a workshop with Matt Long the weekend of our opening. We will work out the details and keep everyone informed.

HOME THROWN/HOME GROWN:

An email has gone out to everyone with the letter to members and a participation form. I will put all of this on the blog. Janet Essenpreis is in charge this year.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND:

We have raised $740. J-D has outlined the parameters for the application. All we need now is a committee in place to implement the program.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY SHOW:

It is really going to happen!! The Weber Gallery (http://webergallery.org/) has offered to host a show for our tenth anniversary. The show will be all-inclusive and all members are encouraged to submit one or two pieces of their best work. The Weber Gallery is part of the organization The Council on Developmental Disabilities, of which Candy Wheat, one of our members, is an instructor. The show will also be an opportunity for Louisville Clay members to partner with a disabled artist and perhaps present a collaborative work. This is purely voluntary on your part. There will be a number of artists from the center in our show also. Candy tells us that they have a patronage of approximately 3000 so our work can reach a whole new audience. This is a wonderful opportunity for Louisville Clay to celebrate our 10^th year and be part of an outreach in our community. The show will take place in August or September.

GLAZE SWAP:

Our members Sebastian Moh, Laura Ross, Ben Hammond, Marianne Brown, and Caroline Zama brought samples of their work with the particular glaze they were sharing. It was really great to be exposed to different techniques and learn that one glaze can be fired many different ways. Thank you so much for your generosity! We are thinking of making this a yearly event. I have recorded all the glaze recipes for you on a separate document so you can take it to your studio and start experimenting.

Lot’s going on this year so head out to your studio and stay tuned!

MEETING: The Great Glaze Swap - Feb. 6th

2012-01-31T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone,

The Louisville Clay board has a very exciting meeting planned. It is the first in
what we hope will become an annual event "THE GREAT GLAZE SWAP". Five of our
members will share a glaze recipe, present a sample of the glaze and give
a ten minute presentation on the true "nuts and bolts" of the glaze,
without having to pull out the periodic table or do numerous, frustrating tests.
To capture everyone's interest, we will cover high, medium and low fire
glazes, including wood, gas and electric firings. In the end, each of us will go home
with at least one beautiful glaze suited to our specific firing specifications.

PRESENTERS:
Marianne Brown
Ben Hammond
Sebastian Moh
Marie-Elena Ottman
Laura Ross

WHEN: Monday, February 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: J-D Schall's house, 1365 Ouerbacker Court, Louisville KY, 40208
Phone (1-502-634-0723)

DIRECTIONS: Ouerbacker Court is a court not a street in
Old Louisville. It is easiest to park as close to 1365
Brook St or 1365 First. There you will see steps leading up
to an iron gate, enter and walk toward the flower pot in
fount of you. My house in in the middle of the court and
has a rock garden in the fount and a bamboo fence in the
back (you can't miss it).

POT LUCK: We have brought back the pot luck. Please, please remember that
to bringing a dish is optional. We would rather have you at the meeting,
then you worrying over a dish to bring. You are the most important part
of the meeting!

We will also have some exciting announcements.

We look forward to seeing everyone next week,
J-D Schall
President, Louisville Clay

John Balistreri Workshop at University of Kentucky - Feb. 8, 9, 10

2012-01-28T12:36:00.002-05:00

VISITING ARTIST JOHN BALISTRERI

The Ceramics Program at the University of Kentucky is proud to present a workshop and lecture by esteemed artist John Balistreri (http://johnbalistreriartist.com )

John Balistreri is currently a professor of art and the head of the ceramic program at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He has been in numerous solo and group exhibits throughout the United States. Balistreri’s work is typically large-scale sculpture that is built using a verity of techniques, then wood or salt fired. Balistreri has had his work published in a number of publications including: “Ceramic: Art and Perception,” “Ceramics Monthly,” and “American Craft”. He was selected as an “Emerging Talent” at the 1995 NCECA convention. He has also conducted many workshops through out the U.S. and his work is in numerous museums and public and private collections. He has recently become involved with printing ceramic objects using the 3d rapid prototype process (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmVLQHAH-V4)

All events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Wednesday Feb. 8- UK CERAMIC STUDIO
9-Noon- Workshop
Noon-2pm – Lunch Break
2-4:30- Workshop
5-7:30- Potluck and Workshop at the Ceramic Studio

Thursday Feb 9 - UK CERAMIC STUDIO
9am-11:30- Workshop
11:30-1- Lunch Break
1-4:30- Workshop
6pm Dinner Party at the house of Prof. Hunter Stamps. More info and directions will be provided at the workshop.

Friday Feb 10- UK CAMPUS, WHITEHALL CLASSROOM #118
Noon-1pm Artist Lecture- Arts Professions Class

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hunter Stamps
Assistant Professor of Ceramic Sculpture
Department of Art, College of Fine Arts, UK
501-442-6441
hstamps@hotmail.com

DIRECTIONS: The workshop events will take place in the U.K. Ceramics Studio. The Ceramics Studio is located on the 2nd floor of Reynolds Building #1, 672 S. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40506-0101.
Please find a map attached with directions for the Reynolds Building No. 1 (in yellow), where the ceramics studio is located on the 2nd floor almost to the very back, and the parking garage (in pink) located fairly near the Reynolds Building
*Note: The Reynolds Building is not directly on South Broadway, although it is visible. To drive there, you must turn off South Broadway and go through the gate to reach Scott Street.

PARKING – Workshop attendees may not park in permit lots, but may park in one of the following options:
1.    Comer’s Parking Lot $4 per day- Located on Scott Street. Directions: Heading north on Nicholasville/Limestone Street turn left onto Scott Street or if you are heading south on Upper Street take a right on Scott Street and the lot is down the road on the LEFT.
2.    UK Parking Garage- located between South Upper Street and North Limestone/Nicholasville - $10 per day or hourly rates.
3.    Metered Parking

Marie-Elena Ottman - Nostalgia: Feb. 6 to Mar. 7

2012-01-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

Mary Anderson Center Christmas Sale-Dec. 9, 10, 11

2011-11-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hello all,
I want to invite each of you to come out and join us for our annual Christmas sale at the Mary Anderson Center. This year the sale will be held in the lower chapel, also known as the Cupertino Room in the main building of the Retreat Center at Mount Saint Francis.

The opening night reception will be December 9th, 6-8 pm with free drinks and refreshments provided. The sale will continue Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11th from 10 am - 5 pm.

I am excited about the show this year and I hope that you will all come out and support local artists and craftspeople. Lots of great gifts for the holidays or for yourself.

I have attached a flyer for the sale, please feel free to send it along to all of your friends and family and lets make this a year to remember.

Thank you for your support.

Steven G Cheek
Artist in Residence/Director
Mary Anderson Center for the Arts

New Website for Locals!

2011-11-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

NEW WEBSITE FOR LOCALS www. louisvillepotters.com

LOCALS ( Living On Clay And Louisville Soil) is a group of professional potters in Louisville who have been doing shows together for 25-30 years. Sarah Frederick started the original group by having Holiday Sales in her home with invited guests potters - the group has continued to grow adding new potters along the way as folks come and go. We now have around 10 core potters with 2 sales events a year. We invite you to take a look at our new website and see what we are up to.
Thanks. Laura Ross

Clean Fossils-Art Exhibition of IUS BFA Artists

2011-11-27T20:45:00.001-05:00

Christmas Party! Dec. 6th

2011-11-27T14:30:00.001-05:00

Louisville Clay Christmas Party!
Where: Dave and Margie Fry's, 411 Springwood Lane, Louisville, KY 40207
When: Tuesday, Dec. 6th, 7:00 p.m.
Bring: A dessert to share and a small clay related gift. This can be in the form of a piece of pottery, a book, or a tool.
The party will be also be catered. There will be wine, soft drinks, and water available.

Linda Bowman Studio and Open House Sale

2011-11-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

Linda Bowman

2623 Valletta Road

Louisville, KY

502-452-9151

Studio Open House and Sale

Saturday Nov. 26th: 1pm-4pm

(to support Small Business Saturday)

Saturdays Dec 3 and 17: 10 am –2 pm

Sunday Dec. 11: 1 pm—4 pm

This is the only time during the year that I offer

discontinued items and seconds...come check it out

Goodies too!

Clifton Center Sale - Nov. 26, 2011

2011-11-19T16:51:00.000-05:00

Student Pottery Holiday Sale at U of L-Dec. 2 & 3

2011-11-16T19:30:00.000-05:00

Wayne Ferguson has been busy!

2011-11-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

Aaron Calvert at the Mary Anderson Center

2011-10-25T23:46:00.000-04:00

Fall Sale-Suzy Hatcher-October 29th

2011-10-24T11:32:00.000-04:00

Powering Creativity-artworks in clay, glass, and metal: 10/28-12/30

2011-10-19T13:58:00.001-04:00

Fall Studio Tour and Sale - Laura Ross - Nov. 5 & 6

2011-10-18T23:41:00.001-04:00

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: Sept. 20, 2011

2011-10-16T22:15:00.002-04:00

LOCATION: Payne St. Pottery (Thank you, Tonya Johnson!)

AGENDA: Discuss Bluegrass Bourbon Show, demo bottle throwing

MEETINGS: Louisville Clay will go back to meeting 6 times per year with a potluck 3 of those times. Dates, agendas, venues, times, etc. will be determined at the next meeting of the new board. At this time there is one more meeting left for 2011, which will be our Christmas Party and will take place at Dave and Margie Fry’s. This will be the 3^rd year in a row we have had our party at the Fry’s and we are so pleased! More details will be posted.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:00 pm - Christmas Party

All of our meetings are in preparation for a Bourbon Bottle Show in 2012.

NEW BOARD:

President: JD Schall

Vice President: Sebastian Moh

Treasurer: Patty Duffy with assistance from Alec Risch

Secretary: Dolita Dohrman with assistance from Marie Elena Ottman

TIME FOR DUES! $25 plus any donation you would like to contribute to the Scholarship Fund. Make check out to Louisville Clay and mail to PO Box 17717, Louisville, KY 40217. Deadline is Nov. 1 and then I purge the email list…and you know what that means!

BLUEGRASS BOURBON SHOW:

Laura Ross, Wayne Ferguson, and Matt Gaddie demonstrated. Laura showed us how to square off a bottle after it comes off the wheel, Wayne hand built a bottle and Matt demonstrated throwing large. We want to thank all three for sharing their talents!

As for progress on the show, we have received the list of 50 invited potters from Matt Long and JD has managed to get all of their contact information. Laura put together the introduction to the show and the application, which will be available on line very soon. There is a separate application for the By the Bottle and By the Ounce. You should have received a copy by email along with the minutes. Dolita has gotten free ads into Ceramics Monthly and Claytimes. JD is in the process of having a ¼ page ad designed for Ceramics Monthly for our Call for Entries.

Louisville Clay members will be juried along with everyone else; however, we will not have to pay the entry fee. At one time we discussed reserving spots for 15 members but have decided that we should have to stand up to the jury process like all other entrants. Entries will be juried from slides of the actual work to be submitted.

There is also the possibility of having Matt Long do a 2-day workshop while he is here. To cut costs it was suggested that we partner with U of L. Patrick Rademaker is looking into it.

Sebastian Moh at Firehouse Gallery - Oct. 7th to 29th

2011-10-13T10:20:00.000-04:00

Louisville Artisans Guild Show - Nov. 5 & 6

2011-10-13T10:16:00.000-04:00

Linda Bowman and Geri Roberts will be there!

MEETING: BOTTLE THROWING DEMO - SEPT. 20TH

2011-09-16T11:39:00.003-04:00

WHEN:
Tuesday, Sept. 20th, at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Payne St. Pottery and Studio (Tonya Johnson's studio). 531 N. Hite, Louisville, KY 40206
AGENDA:
-3-4 people have committed to doing a bottle throwing demo and anyone else who would like to try their skills are welcome to do so.
-We will discuss the details of our upcoming show "Bluegrass Bourbon: By the Bottle, By the Ounce" in Nov. of 2012 at KMAC.. Our call for entry forms are ready.
-Laura and JD are going to work on a new website.
-We will also take nominations for the new board.

Workshop at the Mary Anderson Center

2011-09-06T23:00:00.001-04:00

Caroline Zama interviewed by KY Arts Council

2011-09-04T16:58:00.001-04:00

Patrick Rademaker - Purchase Award

2011-08-22T17:21:00.001-04:00

Patrick Rademaker has won the Purchase Award in Ceramics for this beautiful soda fired vase. This is his second year in a row to win top honors! He is currently a student at the University of Louisville and an active member of our Louisville Clay group. Congratulations, Patrick!

Matt Gaddie wins award for Artistic Excellence

2011-08-20T14:37:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to KMAC Artist Members
Matthew Gaddie and Matthew Maynard!
Gaddie and Maynard Win Awards from the Kentucky Arts Council

KMAC is pleased to announce that artists Matthew Gaddie and Matthew Maynard recently received awards from the Kentucky Arts Council.

Matthew Maynard, a metalsmith and architectural sculptor from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, was one of seven artists to win an Al Smith Individual Artist Fellowship Award. Ceramicist Matthew Gaddie, who is located in Bardstown, Kentucky, was one of four new and emerging artists to win an award for artistic excellence.

According to the Kentucky Arts Council, "the purpose of the Fellowship program is to support Kentucky artists engaged in creating artwork of high quality and to recognize creative excellence in practicing, professional Kentucky artists. The fellowship awards are named after retired Kentucky journalist and past arts council board chair, Al Smith."

Visit the KMAC site here: Awards

Matt Gaddie at Bear's Mill

2011-08-20T13:58:00.001-04:00

Bear's Mill Website

Sebastian Moh at Gallery V

2011-08-20T13:43:00.002-04:00

Gallery V Website

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: June 29, 2011

2011-07-09T15:36:00.003-04:00

LOCATION: Chapel of St. Phillips

AGENDA: Introduction of Bourbon Bottle and Shot Glass Show

MEETINGS: We now have 4 meetings a year. The remainder are:
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011: selected members of the group will demo how to throw bottle forms in preparation for members' entries into the Bourbon Bottle and Shot Glass Show.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011: Christmas Party

BOURBON BOTTLE SHOW:
To kick off this event, Mike Veach, a nationally known expert in the history of bourbon, discussed the beginnings of bourbon and its uses through the years. It was interesting to note that the use of jugs gave way to glass once glass was able to be molded rather than blown. Prior to this, glass was very expensive. While bourbon is aged in barrels, each barrel has a distinct flavor. In order to retain the flavor of certain brands, many barrels are blended together. Now I understand what single barrel means and why it is so expensive!
Matt Gaddie introduced the upcoming show. Matt Long will be the juror. He will invite 50 artists, jury in 50 artists, and jury in 15 Louisville Clay members. The show will be held at KMAC in April and May which includes Derby 2012. There will also be a jury process for 100 shot glasses to be included in the show. A fee will be charged for entries. That fee will be decided by the sub-committee. A good number of our members have stepped forward to help with this show.
It was discussed that we once again use Bob Payne to take pictures of work for entry into the show by our members.
Details will all be worked out by the committee.

HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN:
The sale was a success. While it seemed slow, when we added up the numbers, we had our best year yet. There were 20 artists in the group. It was a bit sticky when we broke down but not quite as bad as last year! Members will be receiving the overall financial statement by email.

GLAZECAL:
Christeena presented her new product and it has been very well received. If you are interested, please visit her website www.glazecal.com.

FARMER'S MARKET FOR ARTISTS:
I guess we really should call it an Artists' Market! Matt Hanekamp has been in talks with the city about location. The market will be open to all artists and will be juried. The artists would vary week to week. He is going to keep us informed of any new details.

Louisville's Original Pottery Sale - July 2nd

2011-06-22T14:35:00.002-04:00

MEETING: BOURBON BOTTLES AND SHOT GLASSES - JUNE 29TH

2011-06-21T16:02:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone,

The next Louisville Clay Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 29th, at 7:00 pm.

Where- The Chapel of St Philip on 236 Woodbine St, Louisville KY 40208
It is on the corner of Floyd and Woodbine in Old Louisville.

We thought the Chapel would be a fun place to introduce the the return of
the Bourbon Bottle and Shot Glass Show.

To open the meeting Mike Veach will give small talk on "The History of
Bottled Bourbon." Mike Veach is a historian with The Filson Historical
Society, and is their residential bourbon historian.

Linda Bowman will give us a report on the Home Thrown, Home Grown
sale this year.

Christeena Gallahue will present the "Glaze Calculator", a new
product she has developed. It converts glaze recipe percentages into the
correct gram weight. More information, along with a video, can be seen at
www.GlazeCal.com. We have such a talented group!

Link from Mudworks said she would be glad to bring any orders anyone
has to the meeting. Let her know: 1-859-389-9681. KY Mudworks is celebrating their 10th year
and Link would like to address the group.

Matt Hanekamp will talk about the possibility of having a farmer's market type
event, except for artists. He has been in discussion with the city about this and would
like to get our input.

I hope everyone can make it,
J-D Schall (speaking for the Board)

HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN!!! MAY 20 & 21

2011-06-21T13:02:00.003-04:00

Finally got our pictures up of Home Thrown, Home Grown for this year (see slide show at right). We really caught a break with the weather. It was a bit warm when we were breaking down but not nearly as bad as last year! Janet Essenpreis and Linda Bowman did an outstanding job putting the sale together. Our advertising was just wonderful; the Courier, Leo, and the Highlander really did well by us.

On the money side, it was by far our best year ever! And, while we all want to sell our work, just being together for a couple of days is probably the best part of it. Many of us spend long days alone in our studio so to be able to get out there and be with fellow potters is a wonderful respite.

A full report will be made at our upcoming meeting on June 29th.

Upcoming Clay Sale at the Mount

2011-04-22T11:44:00.001-04:00

Tea Time & Tea Cups

2011-04-13T10:27:00.002-04:00

Location: Zen Tea House - 2246 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville Kentucky 40206.

Teri Gimmel and Suzy Hatcher have work in this show!

Wayne's Whistle Workshop

2011-04-05T10:55:00.001-04:00

I have posted pictures on Flickr, which can be viewed by clicking on 'Wayne's Whistle Workshop' in the right hand column of this blog. Just scroll down a bit. There were two handouts which I have scanned for those of you who were unable to attend.

Wayne makes it look so easy but it certainly takes practice to get the angles of the holes correct in order to make a sound. There were a few A+ students who got it right way. It certainly was a fun way to spend an afternoon.
We really owe Wayne a big thank you. Not only did he teach us all to make an ocarina, he raised a nice sum of money for the Louisville Clay Scholarship Fund.

In the slideshow, there are pictures of numerous unfired ocarinas that Wayne has made. Each animal has such great personality.

Sebastian Moh's Workshop at U of L

2011-04-03T11:40:00.002-04:00

Sebastian has been such an integral part of Louisville Clay, which made it even more exciting to be able to attend his workshop. We all have seen his jewel-like teabowls but few of us have ever seen the work that goes into making his pieces. While most pieces are quite small, his attention to detail is inspiring. The work does not come off the wheel until he is has touched it from every angle, from sitting on a stool to sitting on the floor. A tool he uses that surprised us all...measuring spoons! He made four pieces for us; two mugs, a goblet or vase, and his classic form used for the Bourbon Bottle Show in 2007. While the forms are perfect, it is his glazes that turns them into jewels. He takes conventional glaze recipes and pushes them beyond their limits. Cone 6 becomes Cone 9, then becomes Cone 7 in a refire, making the possibilities endless. Glazes are tweaked and re-fired till the end result is totally unrecognizable from the original. Sebastain examines and analyzes his work constantly. I have always said to him that he sees things I cannot begin to understand, even when examining others' work.
A slide show of the workshop can be viewed by clicking on Sebastian Moh's Workshop to the right of the blog. The pictures were taken by Elmer Lucille Allen.

Show: Suzanne Sidebottom - April 15 to March 23

2011-03-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: March 22, 2011

2011-03-25T11:29:00.004-04:00

LOCATION: University of Louisville Ceramic Studio

AGENDA: 'The Artist's Critique' - a discussion by Pam Korte and Gwen Heffner

MEETINGS: We now have only 4 meetings a year. The remainder for the year are:

Thursday, June 16, 7:00 pm - Experienced jurors will discuss what goes on behind the scenes when assessing submissions and we hope to also get a someone to discuss taking photographs of your own work.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:00 pm - 7-8 of our professional potters in the group will demonstrate their particular approach to the bottle form.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7:00 pm - Christmas Party

All of our meetings are in preparation for a Bourbon Bottle Show in 2012.

WORKSHOPS:

SEBASTIAN MOH will be giving a workshop at University of Louisville on Sunday, March 27th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (free)

WAYNE FERGUSON will give his Whistle Workshop on Saturday, April 2nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost is $25/member, $30/non-member. All proceeds will benefit the Louisville Clay Scholarship Fund.

HOME THROWN/HOME GROWN: There are a few spaces left so we are still taking participation forms. This year Linda and Janet have planned music for Friday evening and Linda is currently talking to a few farmers from the Farmers' Market to see if they would like to set up a food booth. This year our sale will coincide not just with the Saturday Farmers' Market, but with the Bardstown Bound celebration on Friday.

LOUISVILLE CLAY SCHOLARSHIP FUND: So far we have approximately $100 in our fund but there will be proceeds added very soon from the Whistle Workshop. We have an application form ready to load onto the blog as soon as we reach $500.

THE ARTIST'S CRITIQUE: It would be very difficult for relay all the information that was given to us at the meeting. Each person in that room took away something different. We are all at different levels, at different stages of our work. We all have different goals. Both women want us to, above all else, approach our work with a personal honesty and, from that point, make relevant choices.
What I have done below is to make available to you the handouts that were given to us. This was one of those meetings where 'ya just had to be there'!

PAM KORTE:
Handouts(click to read):
Jennifer Lee, The Circumnavigation of Form by David Whiting
Jack Troy, 20 Questions

Bibliography

GWEN HEFFNER:
The Artist Critique-lecture notes

Lana Wilson-Pursue a Personal Form

Wayne Ferguson's Whistle Workshop

2011-03-16T11:51:00.001-04:00

WHERE: Payne St. Pottery
   531 North Hite Ave.
                 Louisville, KY 40206
                 (Tonya Johnson's Studio)
WHEN: Saturday, April 2nd, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

COST: $25/member or $30/non-member. Please mail checks directly to J-D Schall, 1365 Ouerbacker Ct., Louisville, KY 40208.
Wayne has requested that all proceeds be donated to Louisville Clay's Scholarship Fund so please make out your check to Louisville Clay.

Wayne will provide the clay and the slip for joining parts. You will be making some simple tools needed for making the whistles work. He will provide one whistle body for each student but the participants will also make their own as well. He will have several leather hard examples that show various approaches and styles. A handout with drawings and information will be provided.

A huge thank you goes out to Tonya Johnson for allowing us to use her studio. She has been a great supporter of our group and very generous with the use of her space.

Be sure to sign up right away as Wayne needs a headcount.

MEETING: THE ARTIST'S CRITIQUE - March 22

2011-03-15T13:05:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone,

Next week Louisville Clay will be hosting the first of four meetings for the year. We are calling it "The Artist's Critique".

A "self critique" is one of the hardest and most challenging parts of being an artist. To help us with the process we have two talented ceramic artists and speakers, Gwen Heffner and Pam Korte. They will be giving a presentation that will include, among many things, what is a critique, how to identify elements that create a strong design regardless of the medium and, most importantly, some models/techniques with which we can begin examining our own work.

This is a very daunting topic and we are excited to find not one but two people willing take it on. We hope you all can make it.

WHERE: University of Louisville
                   HPES Building – Room 136
                   Corner of Floyd and Warnock
               (parking is free at UofL after 7:00pm)

WHEN: Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 p.m.

AGENDA: This is a first in a series of meetings for this year that will prepare us for the bourbon bottle show in 2012. Pam Corte and Gwen Heffner will discuss the important aspects of critiques, composition and aesthetics.

Members are welcome and encouraged to bring their own work to include in the discussion.

About the guest speakers:

Over the years Gwen Heffner, marketed her own line of wholesale pots, as well as participating in retail and gallery shows. For thirteen years she owned and operated her own gallery, Contemporary Artifacts in Berea, KY. Currently, besides her own studio work, she works at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea and directs the PR, programs and exhibitions.

Since 1984, Pam Korte, has been teaching ceramics at the College of Mt. St. Joseph, where she was named Outstanding Art Alumna in 1987, Outstanding Adjunct Professor in 1993, and recipient of the 2007 John Nartker Medal in recognition of commitment to teaching and creative excellence. In 2004 she was promoted to Assistant Professor. Her work has been published in Ceramics Monthly, Functional Ceramics and Contemporary Porcelain.

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer doing potluck dinners. If you would like to bring something to snack on, please feel free to do so.

The following has been added to give you a little more information on our guest speakers.

Gwen - in her own words:

I come from a family of musicians and grew up in an environment rich in the arts as well as the vibrant natural world that is the blessing of rural living.

I have marketed my pots via both wholesale and retail shows, and I owned and operated my own gallery, Contemporary Artifacts in Berea, KY for 13 years, marketing my work alongside that of over 300 artists. I now sell to a limited number of galleries nationwide and also from my studio. I work at the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea and direct the PR, programming and exhibitions.

My work continues to get simpler and simpler. I am aware of volume, curves and inside space more, and my printmaking background is given free rein when I draw and carve low and high relief imagery on the altered and flattened surfaces of my pots - a reflection of the beauty I find around me on the ridge where I live in Kentucky.

For me, pots offer a uniquely human connection, for they are an inevitable extension of the potter’s hands, inner force, and sense of beauty. Their intimate use continues a long standing tradition and unspoken communication between maker and user.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a keen observer of nature and form. My work has always been balanced within an asymmetrical vein and intrinsic to nature.

The things I observe become ideas that are then either intentionally or unconsciously integrated int the work of my hands.

Her Agenda:

-The Creative Being
-What is a Critique?
-Cultural Blocks
-How and Why to do a Critique – Some Guidelines
-Evaluation – Success of Failure?
-The Self-Critique - Your Challenge as an Artist

Pam - in her own words:

Pam Korte is a graduate of the College Of Mt. St. Joseph and the University of Louisville, where she received her M.A. in Ceramics. For seventeen years she was the owner and potter at Stillpoint Pottery in Cincinnati. In 1996 she opened Madison Clayworks with Sandra Gantzer. 2001 marked the opening of a studio built at her home featuring a show room and a studio space. Her work is a combination of wheel thrown and handbuilt porcelain, oxidation fired at 2350°F.

Since 1984 she has been teaching ceramics at the College of Mt. St. Joseph, where she was named Outstanding Art Alumna in 1987, Outstanding Adjunct Professor in 1993, and recipient of the 2007 John Nartker Medal in recognition of commitment to teaching and creative excellence. In 2004 she was promoted to Assistant Professor. She has served as an Artist-in-Residence for three tile projects in Cincinnati area schools.

Her work has been featured in Ceramics Monthly magazine and is included in Contemporary Porcelain (Lane, 1995), and Functional Ceramics (Hopper, 2000).

In addition to ceramics she is currently participating in classes in Metals at Middletown Fine Arts Center and Letterpress Printmaking at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Korte lives in Cincinnati with her husband, poet and essayist, Richard Hague. They garden and restore (constantly) a 120 yr. old Victorian house.

Her Agenda:

Intro - topic – why I value seeing/writing process

· why do we need words when we have our visual work

· some uses of artist’s words

Critique – A framework for understanding choices

· Sayre’s process: describe, analyze, interpret

· Example: David Whiting’s Jennifer Lee review

· Goldberg/Wilson process: what are you trying to say

Statements – The Artist’s connection to their work and concept

· Fears to get over

· Best practice

· Exercise: imagine your work talking to you

Handouts:

Artist’s personal inventory

Whiting review

Bibliography – resources for the artist writer/thinker

Letter from the Board-Our Upcoming Year

2011-03-09T21:12:00.004-05:00

March 3, 2011

Dear Louisville Clay Members,

As members of the executive board, we are honored that you have entrusted us at the “wheel” of this unique, talented and diverse organization. Over the past several months we and the previous executive board members have met to discuss what the organization has offered its members, what has been successful, and most importantly what our goals are for this upcoming year and the future.

One of the most exciting and challenging elements of the group is its diversity. We have nationally recognized full-time artists, teachers, hobbyists, and people who have little time to touch clay but nevertheless love the medium. And intermixed with this is our members’ gambit of interests. Some of us hand build, some of us throw pots, some are mold makers, some do all three, and some have invented their own ways of construction that fall out of the reach of conventional labels. We won’t even mention all the ways we finish our work.

And thus, regardless of how we create our work, we share a passion for this material: a passion to create something beautiful, a passion to improve our skills and ourselves within clay. It is this common passion to grow as artists that this new executive board would like to harness and focus on.

With this in mind, we propose four elements for this year.

FIRST, we will have four meetings in 2011:

· The first meeting will feature two guest speakers who will focus on composition and aesthetics, helping us to examine our own work alone in our studios.

· At the second meeting we will have a small panel who will focus on how jurors chose work for weekend art fairs, art shows and galleries and how to prepare your work to be shown.

· For the third meeting we will bring back the demo, having a number of our members demonstrating different techniques to create a “bottle.” Yes, we want to bring back the bourbon bottle and shot glass show (more on that later).

· Finally, our traditional end-of-the-year holiday party!!

With the meetings, we are hoping to combine fun with meaning, substance, and purpose to the conversations around Louisville Clay.

SECOND, we want continue to provide workshops; for example we are having a whistle workshop with Wayne Ferguson next month. These will be in addition to the four meetings.

THIRD, we want to have an opportunity to show work. Currently, our 3rd Home Grown, Home Thrown show is being put together; please see www.louisvilleclay.blogspot.com for more info. We are also in talks to bring back our successful “Bourbon Bottle” show from NCECA. We want to build this show in such a manner that we guarantee spots for many Louisville clay members. This will be a juried show open to all Louisville Clay members and the national clay community.

FOURTH, we all strive to move forward and to improve in our work. Thus another one of our goals is to help all members improve the quality of our work, resulting in personal growth and, for those who wish it, more gallery shows and better craft sales. This will also result a stronger reputation for Louisville Clay. Improving our own work is a long-term goal we all share; as for the short term, improving the quality of the club begins when each of us attends the meetings. We look forward to working with all of you and getting to know everyone better.

Please don’t let this club be a secret. Bring your passions and ideas to us at the next meeting!!

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you,

Louisville Clay Executive Board

Matt Gaddie (president)

Glen Asauskas (vice president)

Dolita Dohrman (secretary)

J-D Schall (treasurer)

University of Louisville Workshop - Sebastian Moh

2011-03-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

Information for Home Thrown, Home Grown

2011-02-14T20:15:00.005-05:00

Hello to All,
Linda Bowman here. I know you all are working hard in your studios…where I hope it is nice and warm.

I wanted to tell you a few things about Louisville clay’s annual sale, Home Thrown/ Home Grown. Once again, we will be at the Deer Park Baptist Church, 1733 Bardstown Road. Anyone who is a current member of Louisville Clay is eligible to participate.

One change is that we have decided to move the date to May 20th and 21st. There is an event called Bardstown Bound on the 21st, Saturday. This is put on by the Highlands Commerce Guild and encourages people to explore the Bardstown Road corridor. We thought it might be interesting to try having our sale at the same time. We might get more visitors, more publicity.

Also this year Janet Essenpreis has agreed to co chair the sale with me, and I really appreciate her willingness to take on this task.

Set up: Friday May 20th from noon on

Sale hours: Friday May 20, 4 pm to 8 pm

Saturday, May 21st: 8 am to 3 pm

For application deadline and other information please download the form at right by clicking on 'Participation Form'.

We will have a security guard Friday night and a crossing guard on Saturday to help people cross the street between the Farmers Market and our sale. The crossing guard was a big hit with customers last year.

Everyone must: have a tent....make your own sales transactions...and be prepared to have good time....

As event organizers, we are required to tell you that you are responsible for charging your sales tax and reporting it.

As the date approaches, I will be back in touch to remind you of the “job” you signed up for on you’re application.

There will be a postcard, which will go out to all on the Louisville Clay mailing list. We will do a "lick and stick" time when the postcards are ready. Also we will buy an ad in the "Highlander" news paper which will hit the street June 1st. Leo and CJ will also carry the event in their happenings sections.

There will be postcards for each of you to send out to your mailing list. Feel free to post, tweet, Facebook...whatever....we will send you an electronic version of the postcard when it is ready.

Questions: call Linda Bowman cell 472-7256 or Janet Essenpreis cell 608-6274

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: December 9, 2010

2010-12-21T11:44:00.005-05:00

LOCATION: Dave and Margie Fry's house

AGENDA: Christmas Party at Dave Fry's, discuss plans for the upcoming year.
Louisville Clay would like to thank Dave and Margie Fry for opening their home to us for our annual Christmas Party. It was a wonderful evening!

MEETINGS:
It was decided by the board to reduce our meetings to 4 times a year, do away with the potluck and begin our meetings at 7:00 p.m. This coming year will be focused on plans to have a Bourbon Bottle Show in 2012. The topic of each meeting will prepare our members to be a major part of this show. The search is on now to procure a juror for the show and panelists to participate in the March and June meetings. Laura Ross and Matt Gaddie will approach the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft to see if they will agree to put us on their calendar in 2012. Please note that this is all in the planning stages at this time.
Detailed information will be sent out prior to each meeting. Dates and/or venues may be changed.
Tues., March 22, 7:00 p.m. 2 panelists will discuss recognizing quality and how to produce it
Thurs., June 16, 7:00 p.m. Experienced jurors will discuss what goes on behind the scenes when assessing submissions.
Wed., Sept. 21, 7:00 p.m. 7-8 professional potters in our group will demo how to make the bottle form.
Tues., Dec. 6, 7:00 p.m. Christmas Party

WORKSHOPS:
Wayne Ferguson stated he would like to do his Whistle Workshop sometime in February. Details will follow.

HOSPITALITY:
Since we will no longer be doing potluck, it was agreed that Louisville Clay will provide coffee, tea, water and perhaps dessert at our meetings. Louisville Clay will purchase the necessary equipment for this.

MEMBERSHIP FEES:
The membership fee will remain the same at $25. However, a minimum donation of $5 may be added to your membership fee to be directly credited to our scholarship fund. We are presently working on the details for the application process. At this time, five volunteers have stepped forward to be part of the Review Board: Martha Puckett, Candy Wheat, Laura Ross, Wayne Ferguson, and Marianne Brown. Once the application is in place, it will be sent out to all members and be made available on-line.

VIDEOGRAPHER:
Brian Somerville has graciously stepped forward to video some of our meetings and special events.

University of Louisville Student Sale-Dec. 10 and 11

2010-12-09T16:12:00.000-05:00

Mary Anderson Center Holiday Sale: Dec. 3, 4, 5

2010-11-29T11:00:00.003-05:00

Kentucky Craft History Exhibit: Nov. 6 to Jan. 9, 2011

2010-11-16T23:21:00.004-05:00

KENTUCKY ART AND CRAFT: A CONTINUUM OF CREATIVITY
November 6 to January 9
Lexington's Central Public Library Gallery
140 East Main St.

Opening Reception: November 19th 5 - 8 PM
with gallery talk and walk by renowned curator Gwen Heffner at 6 PM

Featuring contemporary greats, Arturo Alonzo Sandoval, Stephen Rolfe Powell, Linda and Jank Fifield, Dan Barnes, Mark Whitely, and many more in the most exciting exhibit of Kentucky's treasured artists.
Learn about Berea College and the Appalachian crafts revival, Bybee Pottery, chair making in Kentucky, and regional baskets while viewing antique craft.
And enjoy the good food and drink!

John McCarthy at Pyro - December 2 - January 9

2010-11-11T17:12:00.002-05:00

Opening Reception
Dec. 3rd from 6 to 9 p.m.
www.pyrogallery.com

And in the Garden Gallery, Peace Postcards Continued
Sponsored by Interfaith Paths to Peace
www.peacepostcards.org

Clifton Center Holiday Sale - November 27th

2010-11-10T19:52:00.004-05:00

Laura Ross Studio Tour-Nov. 6-7

2010-10-27T09:49:00.002-04:00

Sebastian Moh at Crane House-October 28

2010-10-26T19:54:00.007-04:00

Sebastian is having a solo show! Please come out to support our friend and fellow potter.

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: October 6, 2010

2010-10-18T18:43:00.026-04:00

LOCATION: St. Xavier High School

AGENDA: Demo by Kevin Payne, introduction of new officers

MEETINGS:

Detailed information will be sent out prior to each meeting. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted.

Thurs., Dec. 9 - Christmas Party – Dave and Margie Fry’s House

KEVIN PAYNE'S FACEMUGS:

Kevin gave us a handout of his process and it is posted to the blog along with pictures taken by Suzanne Sidebottom. Thank you so much, Kevin, for a wonderful demonstration.

NEW OFFICERS:

President: Matthew Gaddie

Vice-President: Glenn Asauskas

Secretary: Dolita Dohrman

Treasurer: J-D Schall

Please send in your membership dues if you have not already done so. The email list will be amended on November 1^st.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

A meeting of all the Board Members will take place in November. The following items have been suggested for discussion by the out-going board and will be addressed at the board meeting:

- Raising Louisville Clay dues from $25 to $30 for the 2011/2012 year. (NOTE: not this year!)

- Eliminate the potluck portion of our meetings

- Change the date for Home Thrown/Home Grown

- Only have one major workshop, one minor workshop, and our clay sale as activities

The current board has added the following as items for consideration also:

- Start a mentoring program for members

- Put together a Bourbon Bottle Show

- Have critiques of work to help improve our techniques.

A report will be sent out to the membership if and when any changes are made.

COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS:

HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR: Suzy Hatcher with Kelly Meska as back-up

HOME THROWN/HOME GROWN: Linda Bowman with help from Janet Essenpreis and Caroline Zama

SCHOLARSHIP FUND COORDINATOR: Sharon Ramick. She would like someone to volunteer to help her so please contact her at clayhandsinky@yahoo.com

We are still looking for committee members to coordinate the following jobs:

Workshop coordinator: This would be researching potential workshop presenters, making flight and hotel reservations, picking them up at the airport, taking them to dinner (at LC expense, of course).

Videographer to archive special events: We already have a video camera and all videos can be uploaded to Vimeo to be linked to our blog or website.

MUDMOBILE:

Kentucky Mudworks will be delivering on Wed., Oct. 20^th. Deadline to place orders is 3 p.m. Monday, October 18^th.

Louisville Clay Meeting: October 6, 2010

2010-09-26T20:36:00.003-04:00

WHEN: Wednesday, October 6th, 2010, 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: St. Xavier High School, 1609 Poplar Level Rd., Louisville, KY 40217

AGENDA: Demonstration by Kevin Payne, Introduction of new officers

Bring your membership fee if you have not already paid.

Please bring a dish to share.

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: August 12, 2010

2010-08-15T12:56:00.008-04:00

LOCATION: CLAY HOUSE POTS

AGENDA: Demo by J-D Schall, nominations for new officers.

MEETINGS: Detailed information will be sent out prior to each meeting. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted. Be sure to check this site for updated information.

Wed., Oct. 6 - Kevin Payne at St. X
Thurs., Dec. 9 - Christmas Party – Dave and Margie Fry’s House

J-D SCHALL'S PRESENTATION:

J-D brought 3 of his large pieces to display and then showed us how he ‘constructs’ such large forms. He uses a 4-5 step process, depending on the size of the form he has designed. Everything is drawn out before hand. His forms are thrown in sections. He centers 10-12 pounds of clay first, then slaps another 10-12 pounds on top of that and centers it, and so on, till he has around 25-30 pounds on the wheel. He said that this is a way to save energy and joints as it can be very difficult to center such a large amount at once. Each piece is carefully measured in order for it to be inverted and fit onto the adjoining piece. Lots of scoring and slipping take place before the join. He then continues to shape and throw the piece till it is exactly what he wants. A link to pics of J-D's demo is to the right.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT:

This was the last meeting over which the current board presided. All four positions are up for nominations. We have received nominations for 3 out of the 4 positions and would like to hear from all of you. Please check with the person you would like to nominate or even just nominate yourself. A form for your nominations will be sent out in a separate email. Send nominations to Dolita (dohrman@insightbb.com) by August 30^th. An electronic ballot will be sent out to everyone and must be returned by September 15^th. The new board and the old board will meet before the Oct. 6 meeting.

The current board has made the following suggestions, which will presented to the new board at the next board meeting:

a. Increase the membership fee from $25 to $30 for the upcoming year with a student fee of $15 or $20

b. Decrease the number of bi-monthly meetings to quarterly meetings in March, May, October, and December (Christmas Party)

c. Discontinue the potluck and begin our meetings at 7pm. Discuss the idea of having only a desert, which our LC Hospitality Coordinator would bring.

d. Change the date for Home Thrown considering the hot weather this past June. Definitely stay connected to the Farmer’s Market and perhaps tie into Bardstown Bound, which is in late May.

e. Decrease the number of LOUISVILLE CLAY ACTIVITIES to quarterly meetings, one workshop by a nationally known potter, one sale (Home Thrown) and possible one other mini-activity.

We are still looking for committee members to coordinate the following jobs: (Forms for each of these positions will be sent out in a separate email)

WORKSHOP COORDINATOR: This would be researching potential workshop presenters, making flight and hotel reservations, picking them up at the airport, taking them to dinner (at LC expense, of course).

HOME THROWN COORDINATOR: Work with Linda Bowman for next year’s event so he/she can take over in 2012.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND COORDINATOR: Sharon Ramick (clayhandsinky@yahoo.com) has volunteered to work on the scholarship fund. If you are interested in helping her, please let her know.

VIDEOGRAPHER TO RECORD SPECIAL EVENTS: We already have a video camera and all videos can be uploaded to Vimeo to be linked to our blog or website.

HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR: Someone to bring ice, paper goods, cups, forks, etc. to our meetings. Also, pick up drinks. Everything is reimbursed by Louisville Clay. We have a cooler.

NORMAN SILVA:

Norman is home now. There has been a meal delivery system put in place to help out for the first couple of months while Norman and Jennifer establish a routine and Norman continues with his recovery. Please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/normansilva/journal?jid=5922689 to see the schedule. I think they are filled up to November and then they are only asking for one meal a week.

MUDMOBILE:

Kentucky Mudworks is now delivering in Louisville with a scheduled delivery service that can be found on their website. By the end of August when school begins, a weekly delivery will be possible. This MUDMOBILE is designed for #1000 lbs. of clay or less as well as smaller amounts of tools and chemicals.

CLIFTON ART SUPPLY:

Now open on Frankfort Ave. with clay supplies and classes.

BOB PAYNE:

Wants everyone to know that he will work with small groups of pots, such as 4-5 pieces that take about 30 minutes to shoot. He is very reasonable and takes excellent photos. Many of us in Louisville Clay have used him and are always pleased with his work. You can visit his website to see samples of his work and his contact information. http://www.claypixelsusa.com/home.html

Women Imaging Women - Exhibit at Pyro Gallery

2010-08-04T13:05:00.004-04:00

PYRO GALLERY

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: August 12, 2010

2010-08-04T10:35:00.011-04:00

WHEN: Thursday, August 12, 2010 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: CLAY HOUSE POTS
741 E. Chestnut
Louisville, KY 40202

AGENDA: J-D Schall will demonstrate
We will be taking nominations for new officers. Please check with the individual first before you send in a nomination. If you cannot attend the meeting, please send it by email.

Voting will take place in October.
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer

Please bring a dish to share.

See calendar for directions.

Norman is Coming Home!

2010-07-28T11:50:00.002-04:00

This was posted by Norman's mother, Mary on July 27th:

Day 196

Mary here:

Well, today is the BIG DAY! Norman is leaving Winston-Salem and I will be driving him home to Indiana. We’ll take two days to get back, stopping frequently to rest and stretch. We plan to drive half the way today and half tomorrow. So by tomorrow evening we should be home. It is surreal – feels like another dimension of reality to actually be leaving this place. So many emotions; joy, love, apprehension and fear. But most of all gratitude. Norman has spent the last couple of days saying good-bye to all these wonderful people who have cared for him over the last six and a half months. Angels. Instruments of God.

Norman has asked me to say that he will need a while to settle in at home before seeing his friends. He is looking forward to returning to his home and family, and plans to have a party sometime this fall for all his friends and the CaringBridge readers who kept up with his story, wrote to him and prayed for his recovery. We have all the email addresses from CaringBridge and will send out notices to all of you. In the meantime, please understand that this transition is a difficult one. He needs time to adjust to being out of the hospital and on his own again. Time to establish a routine and physical therapy regimen, to learn to manage pain. Thank you, each one of you, for understanding.

Signing off from the rehab center, as we pack the car and hit the road!

Mary

Spray Booth for the Small Studio

2010-07-13T14:07:00.010-04:00

I found a spray booth on line that is the perfect size for my studio. The studio is 17 X 20 and there really was not room for anything large. I read lots of info on making your own but decided my time was better served elsewhere than to take the time to gather all the necessary parts, etc., not to mention the hours it would take to build it. Everything I had previously seen for sale was large and very expensive. After much searching on the web, I found a company who made the perfect size: Sugar Creek Industries. Inside dimensions are: 27 3/4 H X 20 W X 17 D. The spray booth lists for about $350 but, since they are located about 3 hours from Louisville, they said they had a number of seconds I could choose from for $250 if I picked it up. I did not get the one with squirrel cage blower. It came with a very flimsy filter but I was able to find reusable filters at Lowes that work perfectly. I just cut them in half and have 4 to use while I am spraying. Recently I sprayed 6 dinner plates and 5 smaller plates and used two filters. The glaze dries very quickly on the filter so you really could just go outside and shake it out and reuse it. A friend of mine who also purchased the same spray booth found a more substantial filter in a frame that can be washed also. I have pics of both types.
Clean up is so easy. The interior is so slick, if you are using one glaze, you can scrape down the sides with a rubber rib and throw it in the glaze bucket. One thing I did is drill a hole in the back right corner so that any liquid will go right down into a bucket I place below it on a shelf. This is very handy as I have one of those coil sprayers that can reach the corner and I just give it a quick hose down. Takes minutes. Dump the bucket, wipe it dry if you want, you are done.
The fan on the spray booth is quite adequate. I was fortunate in that I had a window right where I was placing the spray booth. I would not recommend having a very long duct to the outside, the shorter the better...also, no extreme angles. The existing duct around the fan is 9"...not your standard. Lowes or the Depot will not have duct work to fit this. Went to our local plumbers' supply and they had exactly what I needed. If you have any other questions, just email me: Dolita Dohrman The couple who runs the business are wonderful.
Here are pics of the booth and how it is set-up:

Here is the one spot I could place the spray booth. Perfect fit!

Vent to the outside.

Here is the outside vent when not in use.

Just cut this in half - fits perfect

This is also a washable filter - life time guarantee

Clear as Mud: Early 20th Century Kentucky Art Pottery

2010-07-04T13:11:00.006-04:00

Collectors of Kentucky pottery have come together in Clear as Mud to give us the first comprehensive look at the art pottery produced in the commonwealth in the first half of the 20th century. The potteries covered include Cornelison Bybee, Waco, the Louisville Pottery Co. (Cherokee), Kenton Hills Porcelains and Hadley. Such other ceramics as art tile, drain-tile premiums and Western Kentucky's "pinch pots" are included.

This modest but ground-breaking book places what was going on in the commonwealth with what was happening in the rest of the South, especially North Carolina and Georgia, and touches on the influences brought onto the regional scene. These influences include mass-market magazines, such as Gustav Stickley’s The Craftsman, which showcased the Arts & Crafts potteries of the Northeast and Midwest; tourists, who sought pots that reminded them of classic Asian and Greco-Roman forms; and the itinerant nature of pottery work, with craftsmen moving from one locale to another as work − or the lack of it − demanded.

Each chapter is written by a collector/scholar of that pottery and contains a concise history, including, if possible, known potters, dates of operation, catalogs, etc. In some cases the histories overlap or conflict; much that is known is not as clear as one would like, which explains the book’s title. Also included are all the known marks and tips on identifying unmarked pottery.
Clear as Mud is the second book produced under the aegis of the Cane Ridge Publishing House, Paris, Ky. It was edited by Warren Payne and designed by Julie Payne, who also did the photography. The publisher's first book was Kentucky: The Master Painters from the Frontier Era to the Great Depression, which came out in 2008.

The book is available at various bookstores and museum shops, on eBay and through the Clear as Mud Web site:

http://www.caneridgepublishinghouse.com/clearasmud.html

It is 120 pages, all-color and soft-cover.

About Cane Ridge Publishing House:

Cane Ridge Publishing House was founded in February 2008 to address the need for substantial publications on the fine- and decorative-arts traditions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Contact:
Warren Payne
Cane Ridge Publishing House
caneridgebooks@aol.com

Minutes: LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: June 8, 2010

2010-06-16T14:53:00.041-04:00

LOCATION: LOUISVILLE METRO ARTS CENTER

AGENDA: Demo and Talk by Marty Edlin, Greeting for Norman

MEETINGS: Detailed information will be sent out prior to each meeting. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted. Be sure to check this site for updated information.

Thurs., Aug. 12 - JD Schall at Amy Elswick's Studio
Wed., Oct. 6 - Kevin Payne at St. X
Thurs., Dec. 9 - Christmas Party

WORKSHOPS:
June 19-20 - Dana Major Kanowitz – there are still spaces left in the workshop, the registration form is on the blog. Don’t miss this great opportunity to get your creative juices flowing! In the meantime, check out her website at http://www.danamajorkanovitz.com/

Linda Bowman made contact with Julia Galloway at NCECA and she is very excited about doing a workshop for us in 2011!

LANA WILSON WORKSHOP:

Lana was absolutely delightful! She was willing to share all her little tricks from forming soft, folded legs to her expressive teapots to her latest work with colored tile. I have pictures to post but if you also took some and are willing to share, please send them to me. dohrman@insightbb.com

(I know this pic is a bit blurry but Lana was constantly laughing and this just captures her personality!)

MARTY EDLIN’S PRESENTATION:

Marty had a nice collection of his work set-up in the gallery of the Metro Arts building. It was surprising to hear that his work is not glazed but painted. He gave a wonderful talk on his development as an artist and what he is trying to express in his work. Be sure to watch the video when we post it. I have posted pictures on the blog.

NORMAN SILVA:

Wayne Ferguson brought supplies and organized our greetings for Norman. We started the meeting with everyone drawing single letters on large cards to spell out “We miss you, Norman” and “Get well soon!” Mark and Kay Rountree did the videographing. We will send a CD to Norman and hopefully upload it to the blog so everyone can see it. Wayne also brought a large blank poster so we all could sign it. Many people drew funny/cute little pictures. I am going to mail it on to Norman. In the meantime, Norman has been moved to a rehab facility. Here is the address if you would like to send a letter or card:

The Sticht Center at WFUBMC

Patient: Norman Silva

Medical Center Blvd.

Winston-Salem, NC 27157

Once again, you can visit the site http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/normansilva to get up-to-date information on Norman’s progress. His family posts every day. There is also a place for you to send a message.

HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN:

This took place on a blistering Friday and Saturday, June 4-5. We had 30 members participate and the set-up looked wonderful. Sales were a little slower this year but there were some who exceeded last year. It did not seem to be quite as busy. Pictures will be posted to the blog.

DAVE FRY:

Dave had set up his tent and work on Friday but did not make it to the sale. In case some of you missed this, Dave’s wife Margie sent this to the group:

Dave had an unexpected turn of events that begin shortly after 3:00 AM Saturday morning, His defibrillator responded and continued to fire and fire and fire ---- in fact, the report today showed it fired twenty times. He is in Intensive Care at Baptist East where he has progressed from heavy sedation and being on a respirator to having a meal of real food this evening and sharing his humor. Mid-morning Tuesday he will have a heart cath procedure. If they find blockage, they will insert stents to open the vessels for increased blood flow. Dave is in very good spirits.

Dave is now out of the hospital and recuperating at home. Here is part an email I received from him:

I got out of the hospital on Saturday. I am at home recuperating. I feel pretty good. I walk to the mailbox to get the morning paper read it and have a nice slow start. I go up and down my stairs (slowly). I went to church Sunday and a funeral home and a meeting today, so I do get out. Margie has driven me, so far. Everything seems to be progressing nicely. I have mugs ordered so will probably try throwing again in a couple days.

SCHOLARSHIP FUND:

We were unable to get enough volunteers to man the Louisville Clay tent so the sale of mugs for a scholarship fund was cancelled. Perhaps in the future we can set-up the mugs with a receptacle for checks and cash as a sort of ‘honor’ system. If Warren MacKenzie can sell pots in this manner, surely we can sell our mugs this way! Something to think about. Suggestions are welcome.

VIDEOS OF OUR MEETINGS AND EVENTS:

Laura Ross has purchased a video camera to archive our meetings and events. This will be wonderful for those of you who cannot attend everything that is scheduled and creates a historical archive of our activities. If someone is interested in becoming our ‘videographer’, please let us know. Think of how great that would look on your resume! ( And how many times have you heard that before!)

PEACE POSTCARD: 7000 postcards by artists from around the world are to be displayed at the Mohammed Ali Center on September 21. This is sponsored by the Interfaith Paths to Peace. If you would like to be a participant, please visit the website: http://www.peacepostcards.org/

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: June 8, 2010

2010-06-02T23:36:00.015-04:00

WHEN: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Metro Arts Center
8360 Dixie Hwy
Louisville, KY 40258

AGENDA: Marty Edlin will be demonstrating

Mark Rountree has generously offered to record our meeting so we can send it to Norman Silva.

Please bring a dish to share.

See calendar for directions.

HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN!!!

2010-05-10T14:15:00.010-04:00

Dana Major Kanovitz Workshop - June 19-20

2010-05-09T21:53:00.015-04:00

Accessing Creativity: Clay and Mixed Media

Featuring Dana Major Kanovitz

Hosted by Louisville Clay

Explore new ways to access your creativity in this two-day workshop with clay and multi-media artist Dana Major Kanovitz. Creativity and inspiration can seem elusive, but there are "start" buttons. We'll look into ways to access and express interests you didn't know you have. Using creativity-enhancing exercises in preparation for art making, and intuition based approaches to materials, this workshop seeks to open your mind to your own studio practice. There's a lot of art waiting to be made... let's find it! This workshop is 1/3 creativity building exercises, and 2/3 demonstration and some hands on material exploration using clay, paper clay, and mixed media.

Please Register Now, space is limited!

Fee: $50 for Louisville Clay members and students, $75 for non-members

Saturday, June 19^th & Sunday June 20^th

9:30am – 4pm

REGISTRATION FORM: DANA MAJOR KANOVITZ WORKSHOP

Held at: Clay House Pots/Amy Elswick’s studio

741 E Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202

502-561-7878

We’ll start off with a slide presentation and insights from Dana. We will then take a glimpse into what you are working on in your studios as we delve into working intuitively with clay.

This workshop will explore all the following:

STUDIO PRACTICE:

We will work on identifying rich areas of studio exploration for the individual artist. We'll find out how to identify interests you didn't even know you had! We'll also explore alternative uses of familiar media, and experimenting with new media, for the individual artist. This will be a group discussion that takes place at the studio tables using claywork and paper collage as vehicles for creative expression. We'll also have some personal inventory exercises.

PAPERCLAY:

The life size human figures featured on Dana’s website are all made from "Creative Paperclay." So are the Paper and Hair sculptures http://www.danamajorkanovitz.com/ (look in portfolio). This is a non-toxic paper pulp product from Japan (that contains no clay at all), which is formed much in the same way as clay. It air hardens, or can be encouraged to dry in the oven or with heat guns. After it has dried, it can be sanded, tapped, sawn, and scratched. Surface treatment options are endless, including paint, ink, pencil, dye, and sgrafitto. I have the paperclay, and will make it available for purchase to participants. It's about $7.00 a pound, but that pound can go an awfully long way.

SLAB BUILDING WITH CLAY:

We'll learn the slab-building techniques that Dana studied under Alexander Zadorin in St. Petersburg Russia in the early 1990's.

Lana Wilson Workshop - May 8 & 9

2010-05-02T09:40:00.000-04:00

LANA WILSON

MAY 8 & 9 2010 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Slide Show - May 8, 5:00 pm
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
HPES BUILDING, RM 136
SW CORNER OF FLOYD AND WARNOCK
Park at lot on south side of building
Sponsored by
LOUISVILLE CLAY

WE ARE SO PLEASED TO HAVE NOTED POTTER
LANA WILSON

SHARE WITH US MANY FACETS OF HER WORK. SHE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME CONTRIBUTOR TO CLAY TIMES AND HAS DONE COUNTLESS WORKSHOPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THE FUN AND IDEAS SHE INSPIRES.

CHECK HER WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.lanawilson.com

Free and open to the public More info: miner@insightbb.com
Bring your own lunch or there are restaurants nearby

Minutes - LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: April 7, 2010

2010-04-26T11:22:00.020-04:00

LOCATION:

AGENDA: LOOKING AT POTS

MEETINGS: Detailed information will be sent out prior to each meeting. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted. In the meantime, be sure to check this site for updated information.
Tues., June 8 - Marty Edlin at Metro Arts
Thurs., Aug. 12 - JD Schall at Amy Elswick's Studio
Wed., Oct. 6 - Kevin Payne at St. X
Thurs., Dec. 9 - Christmas Party

WORKSHOPS:
MAY 8-9: Lana Wilson - at University of Louisville. Sponsored by Louisville Clay. See details on this site. Her site is http://lwilso2.otherpeoplespixels.com/home.html

June 19-20 - Dana Major Kanowitz - details will be sent out soon. In the meantime, check out her website at http://www.danamajorkanovitz.com/

Linda Bowman made contact with Julia Galloway at NCECA and she is very excited about doing a workshop for us in 2011!

JUNE 4-5: HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN: There is now a waiting list and you will be informed if any spots become available. Contact Linda Bowman if you have any questions (502-452-9151) or at lindab2623@bellsouth.net

PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
Photo Blitz Session: at Manual High School's studio space. Maggie Towne has agreed to head up our Photography Day and is asking for someone to volunteer to help her. She will coordinate with Suzanne Sidebottom and when everything is in place, all questions should be answered by Maggie. We will keep you informed.

Mentoring Program: Matt Gaddie has agreed to coordinate this. It is still in the planning stages but as soon as everything is in place, the information will go out to all of you.

Feedback Night: This is an opportunity to chat about your work to other potters. It has been suggested that people bring pots and 3X5 cards be handed out to everyone and they critique the pieces. Then the critiques are read and discussed. This could become part of our meetings, be the agenda for one meeting, or have a completely separate meeting just for this purpose.

Norman Silva: Norman continues to make progress and at times there are set backs. It has been 3 months now since his accident. Please go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/normansilva On that website you can read updates (there are two every day) written by family members and friends. Also, there is a place to post a message for him. You can send cards to the address listed on the site. We are going to video our next meeting and send it to him so members should be thinking of something to say, or hold up a funny sign, or make inappropriate gestures, etc.

LOOKING AT POTS:
BRION CLINKINGBEARD, DEPUTY CURATOR AT KMAC:
Brion looks for pieces that intrigue him, pieces that make him want to find out the stories behind the work, pieces that have personality. To become part of museum collections you must know your market and know what they want. Market yourself to your target and send them publicity. In order to improve your work, change your normal way of making something, ie-make it taller, wider, etc. Make things that relate to a collection but, at the same time, can stand on their own. Pay attention to profile, surface detail, and the subtle finishes.

SARAH FREDERICK, ARTIST, COLLECTOR:
Sarah collects pots that speak to her. She buys what she loves and can afford. Collectors tastes change over time but she loves to watch artists grow. It seems everyone collects teapots and teabowls. She has a tendency to buy from people with whom she has a personal relationship. It is important to develop sincere relationship with your collectors.

NANCY PETERSON, OWNER EDENSIDE GALLERY:
For the most part she likes figurative work but has purchased many functional pieces. She buys by emotion and loves to see the artist's hand in the work in the way of texture, etc.

Final points of the discussion:
Look for opportunities to stretch your work by participating in shows and sales. Watch for 'calls for entry' in many prominent clay magazines and internet sites. One thing stands out, you need excellent photos! Remember, maintain relationships with your buyers/collectors, show your best work, throw out the rest and take time to study, read, learn, and attend workshops.

PEACE POSTCARD: John McCarthy announced that 7000 postcards by artists from all over the world are to be displayed at the Mohammed Ali Center on September 21. This is sponsored by the Interfaith Paths to Peace. If you would like to be a participant, please visit the website for further information: http://www.peacepostcards.org/

John Utgaard-new date: April 9-10

2010-04-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

Please click on poster image to enlarge. This workshop is free and open to the public courtesy of the University of Louisville Clay Club. PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE: APRIL 9-10. DISREGARD THE DATES ON THE POSTER.

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: April 7, 2010

2010-04-04T17:50:00.005-04:00

Where: Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft

When: Wednesday, April 7th

Agenda: LOOKING AT POTS

There will be a panel discussion on what gallery owners, curators, and shows look for when viewing or assessing ceramic pieces.
The panelists will be:
Brion Clinkingbeard - curator for the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
Sarah Frederick - winner of the 2007 Rude Osolnik Award. Her work is part of many prestigious art collections. To quote Wayne Ferguson, "She is a master potter and local and state treasure." She is also a life time member of Louisville Clay.
Nancy Peterson - owner of Edenside Gallery

If you arrive between 6:30 and 7:15, Someone will be at the door. Since this is after hours for KMAC, we need to let people in and lock the door behind them.

If you are going to arrive after 7:15, please call my cell phone (502-593-0905 ) and someone will come down and let you in.

Please bring a dish to share. We will be having 3 guests for dinner so let's make it special!
See you soon!

Minutes - LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: March 9, 2010

2010-03-14T12:10:00.018-04:00

LOCATION: DuPont Manual High School

AGENDA: Slide Show and Demo by Matt Gaddie

MEETINGS: Detailed information for each meeting will be sent out closer to the even. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted. In the meantime, be sure to check the blog for updated information.

UPCOMING FOR 2010:

Wed., April 7 - KMAC "Looking at Pots”

Tues., June 8 - Marty Edlin at Metro Arts

Thurs., Aug. 12 - JD Schall at Amy Elswick’s Studio

Wed., Oct. 6 - Kevin Payne at St. X

Thurs., Dec. 9 – Christmas Party

WORKSHOPS:

April 9-10: John Utgaard – at University of Louisville. Sponsored by the U of L Ceramics Club – details on the blog

May 7-8: Lana Wilson – at University of Louisville. Sponsored by Louisville Clay – details on the blog

June 18, 19, 20: Dana Major Kanowitz – details to be sent out at a later date. In the meantime, you can check out her website at http://www.DanaMajorKanovitz.com/

JUNE 5: HOME THROWN, HOME GROWN: There are a few spots left. The application can be downloaded from the blog. Contact Linda Bowman if you have any questions: 502-452-9151 or lindab2623@bellsouth.net

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: There was a brainstorming session held at the beginning of February to discuss the future of Louisville Clay and the direction in which the group wants to go. It was generally agreed that the way we do things now seems to work very well and is manageable at this level. Here are a few suggestions for some new activities and opportunities for active involvement in the group:

Mentoring Program – it was asked if anyone would like to head up a committee to organize this and Matt Gaddie volunteered. At this point, parameters need to be discussed and volunteers should come forward whether they be mentors or the mentees (I don’t think that is a word but it works for now!). Please contact Matt Gaddie if you are interested: 502-460-0456 or meadows@bardstowncable.net

Photography Day – We all bring pots that we would like to have photographed and spend the afternoon learning how to do it, ending up with great photographs of our work. Suzanne Sidebottom volunteered Manual as the site for this as they have a wonderful soft box set-up. At this point we don’t know if we would use various cameras or ask someone to come in and take the pictures as we watch. We are certainly open to suggestions. Right now we would like someone to volunteer to head up this event. Please contact Laura Ross at 502-553-8766 or lauraross@insightbb.com

Critiques – Members volunteer to bring their pots to be critiqued and discussed at the end of the meeting. Those who are not interested in hanging around can leave whenever they like and the rest of us could stay for the discussion. No one came forward for the next meeting as we will be at KMAC and a panel will discuss what they look for in good pots, plus that meeting is less than a month away. We should have some volunteers for our June meeting though.

Bourbon Bottle Show – The Bourbon Bottle show was a great success at the 2007 NCECA held here in Louisville. Since we are in the center of bourbon country, it makes sense to continue this as a tradition and KMAC would be the perfect venue. We will be looking for national artists to participate and sponsorships from some of our bourbon distilleries. No dates or deadlines have been set at this time.

MATT GADDIE SLIDESHOW AND DEMO: Matt was totally entertaining while at the same time relaying his struggles of trying to be true to his creative side and taking on the responsibility of a family. His slides chronicled his changing style and influences. The pieces he brought were beautifully made and he is very excited about his work and his kilns. He demoed throwing a slender pitcher. He uses porcelain and does not hesitate to torch it when needed. I think everyone was surprised that the porcelain survives this treatment but he seems to have just the right touch.

Thank you, Matt, for taking the time to drive from Bardstown and providing such a delightful presentation.

THANK YOU, SUZANNE SIDEBOTTOM! It was wonderful to see the facilities at Manual. The students are so fortunate to have access to such a fantastic program. Suzanne told us that it is rated in the top three in the nation. Manual is a Visual Art Magnet and provides a full array of disciplines in the arts. The ceramic department has 22 wheels!

NORMAN SILVA: A donation to Caring Bridge in honor of Norman Silva was made on behalf of Louisville Clay. Let us be sure to keep Norman in our thoughts. It has been two months since the fire and, while he has made great progress, he still has a long way to go. His life will never be the same but he is surrounded by strong and loving family and friends. Norman and Jennifer are now officially engaged! To visit Caring Bridge and receive updates on Norman's condition, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/normansilva

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: Rescheduled for March 9th

2010-03-04T00:07:00.000-05:00

JUST A REMINDER ABOUT OUR LOUISVILLE CLAY rescheduled MEETING

TUESDAY Mar. 9th - 6:30 pm

MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL
120 WEST LEE ST.
LOUISVILLE, KY
(Please enter from the back parking lot off second street. A sign will be posted by the handicap entrance).

Matt Gaddie will be demonstrating on the wheel and discussing his current wood-fired work and building his wood kiln and new soda train kiln . Pictures of Matt’s pots may be seen on louisvilleclay.blogspot .com

Please bring a dish to share. No alcohol due to school policy. Thanks and see you Tuesday night Feb. 16th.

LAURA ROSS

Lindsay Oesterritter at U of L this weekend!

2010-02-26T10:10:00.009-05:00

It was so great to see Lindsay last night. She is truly one of the up and coming ceramic artists in the nation. The slides of China were beautiful. I especially liked the picture of the old saggars that had been stacked outside.

Lindsay showed her interpretation of this look and the results were just as stunning.

Thursday, Feb 25th at 7:30pm - Potluck and lecture.
Lindsay is a former student of University of Louisville and has experienced some amazing travels to China and Australia, in the pursuit her growth as a ceramic artist. She Completed her MFA at Utah State University and is now an Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University. There is a list to sign up for the potluck on the door going into the garage.

Friday, Feb 26th most likely 10am until done - Wad and load the kiln. No glazing necessary, just wad and in it goes.

Sat, Feb 27th early morning until done - Fire the kiln

Lindsay was a member of Louisville Clay before she left to get her MFA in Utah. It will be wonderful to see her back home again!

This workshop is free and open to the public courtesy of the University of Louisville.

February 9th Meeting Cancelled

2010-02-08T21:27:00.003-05:00

Due to the current weather conditions, our meeting has been cancelled. It will be rescheduled and we will send out notification of the new date.

Everyone be safe on those roads!

Gayle Cerlan Receives Award

2010-02-07T22:05:00.006-05:00

On Sunday January 24, 2010 the Louisville Visual Art Association hosted over 600 artists, patrons, and community members at the opening reception to the 2010 Water Tower Regional exhibition. At the reception, LVAA awarded over $5,000 in cash awards to artists in the exhibition in all mediums. Gayle Cerlan was honored with a Norman Kohlhepp Merit Award of $200 at the reception and her piece was sold to local collector Henry Heuser. (Gayle was one of nine artists out of 71 exhibited to receive a cash award for her work.)

About the Exhibition:

The Water Tower Regional, first held in 1909, is the oldest competitive juried art exhibition in the Southeast and Midwest regions. Hosted by the Louisville Visual Art Association, Kentucky's oldest arts organization, the exhibition will feature artwork from artists in Kentucky and surrounding states. The opening reception will feature exhibiting artists, the juror, Churchill Davenport, and the awards ceremony.The Water Tower Regional is sponsored by the Rounsavall Family Foundation.

Please contact me if you ever have events as we use our twitter and facebook accounts to help promote local galleries and artists.

Mary Margaret.
--
Mary Margaret Carlton
Communications Coordinator
Louisville Visual Art Association
3005 River Rd.
Louisville, KY 40207
www.louisvillevisualart.org

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports the Louisville Visual Art Association with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Louisville Visual Art Association is a Fund for the Arts Member Agency.

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: February 9, 2010

2010-01-27T10:01:00.013-05:00

When:
Tuesday, Feb. 9
6:30 pm

Location:
Manual High School
120 West Lee St.
Louisville, KY 40208

Agenda: Demo by Matt Gaddie
Matt will discuss his current work and the wonderful kiln he built on his property.

Please bring a dish to share.
See you soon!

Start planning for Home Thrown/Home Grown!

2010-01-25T16:19:00.005-05:00

The participation form for Home Thrown/Home Grown is accessible in the right hand column. You can download it to your desktop, fill it out electronically, print it out, and mail it to Linda Bowman. All the info is on the form.

Elmer Lucille Allen video

2010-01-21T13:07:00.006-05:00

During the Martin Luther King Jr commemoration Monday, U of L students portrayed several great Kentucky African Americans. Among them was Elmer Lucille Allen, the first African American female chemist hired at Brown-Forman in the 1960s. Elmer Lucille has been an integral part of Louisville Clay since its inception. Her services to the entire Louisville community are legend as she makes sure she is present where she is needed the most. Within the video is an interview with Elmer Lucille. We are honored to have her as one of our members.

Elmer Lucille Allen portrayed as great Kentucky African American

Norman Silva

2010-01-15T11:51:00.006-05:00

By now most of you have heard about the injuries Norman sustained from the fire. There is a website with updates on his progress, etc. that all of us can log onto to leave messages. His sister, Ada, is doing a wonderful job of posting to it so we know what is going on. This cannot be easy for her. I have sent this information to everyone in the clay community, not just members of Louisville Clay. Be sure to log on and let Norman know you are thinking of him. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/normansilva

Wayne Ferguson

2009-12-31T19:30:00.005-05:00

JAN. 11 UPDATE: Laura and I saw Wayne in the hospital last week and he came through the triple by-pass and the valve replacement just fine. He said he sure does not want to go through that again and kept repeating the phrase "Wake-up call". Wants all of us to be careful with eating, drinking, and exercising. He is home now and needs to get settled in before he starts receiving visitors. Cards and emails would be great. You all should have his address on your roster.

All of you should have gotten the emails Wayne sent me with the updates on his health issues. Just want to remind everyone to be thinking of Wayne next week when he goes in the hospital on Jan. 4 or Jan. 6. He just sent me an email wishing us all a Happy New Year with a pic of himself and a real cute puppy dog. I think he was really showing off his dog!
Keep Wayne in your thoughts and send good feelings his way. He is one of the greatest supporters of our group and definitely one of our treasures. Wayne always said that we needed to document what our group was doing and archive it somehow. He was one of the people who inspired me to get this blog going.
I asked Wayne if he would let us know when he felt like receiving visitors so I will pass the info on when I get it.

Message from Laura Ross

2009-12-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays,

Just a short note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season with your family and friends. Mostly, I hope that 2010 will bring you good health, joyful moments, and meaningful work.

The Board of Louisville Clay has planned a full and active 2010 beginning with educational meetings with demonstrations by our members at ceramic facilities like Dupont Manual, St. X, and Metro Arts as well as major workshops by national recognized clay artists like Lana Wilson and Dana Major. Our successful Homethrown, Homegrown will happen again in June and hopefully will become a Louisville Clay Tradition.

Your Louisville Clay Board is continuously looking at ways to offer its members avenues for selling and exhibiting as well as educational opportunities to further standards in clay making and keeping CLAY alive and well in our region. In January we will have a “brainstorming session” to take a hard look at where we need to be in five years – the visibility of LC in our community, our growth, creative ways to educate and offer exciting opportunities for its members.

It has been an honor to serve as President of Louisville Clay this past year and it will be exciting to work for a better 2010 . All the best in the NEW YEAR. Make good pots.

Laura Ross
President of Louisville Clay

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: December 8, 2009

2009-12-15T09:38:00.009-05:00

Location: Dave Fry’s House

Agenda: Christmas Party!

Membership: Currently we have 106 members.

The Christmas Party was wonderful! Even though the weather was awful we had quite a turn out. Dave and Marjorie’s house is beautiful and was just perfect for the event. More pictures are in our slide show section.

Meetings:
Detailed information for each meeting will be sent out closer to the event. Dates and/or venues may be changed. All meetings will begin at 6:30 unless otherwise noted.

Upcoming for 2010:
Tues., Feb. 9 - Matt Gaddie at Manual
Wed., April 7 - KMAC "Looking at Pots" – not confirmed
Tues., June 8 - Marty Edlin at Metro Arts
Thurs., Aug. 12 - J-D Schall at Amy Elswick’s Studio
Wed., Oct. 6 - Kevin Payne at St. X
Thurs., Dec. 9 - Christmas Party

Workshops:
March 20 or 27: Wayne’s Whistle Workshop (this could change due to Wayne’s recent health issues)
May 8-9: Lana Wilson – at University of Louisville. Details to be sent out at a later date
June 18, 19, 20: Dana Major Kanowitz – details to be sent out at a later date. In the meantime, click on her name to check out her website.

Home Thrown, Home Grown: June 5th (set-up June 4th) – same venue across from the Farmer’s Market on Bardstown Road.

Gallery on Pearl:
The opening reception was a great success and the food served along with the culinary talents of Glen Asauskas and Barry Scott was superb this year. The space for the show was perfect and allowed a lot of room to show off our work. I think the board of Gallery on Pearl was pleased, as were all of us!
Cathy Dusel has asked me to pass on this information regarding picking up our work at the end of the show:
“The show runs until Dec 23. We are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will re-open on Tuesday the 29th. The week of the 29th we are open 11-5 (Dec. 29), 11-5 (Dec. 30) and 11-3 on New Years Eve Dec 31. All work will need to be picked up as soon as possible because the owners of our building have rented the space.”
Please be sure to pick up your work promptly. Cathy said she would send me a list of those who have work left at the end of the show. I will send it out as soon as I get it. The other alternative is to call her 812-542-0780.

Project Billboard

2009-12-02T10:42:00.006-05:00

This may not seem clay related but it really is. One of our long time members and former treasurer for 6 years, Elmer Lucille Allen, had her portrait painted by Debra Lot as part of a "Women of Kentucky" series. The portrait is titled "Her Legacy." Elmer Lucille has been celebrated over the years for her many accomplishments, talents, and spirit of volunteering. She was the first recipient of the Community Arts Lifetime Local Achievement Award in 2004, and that same year was also recognized as a Woman of Distinction. In 2007 she was one of the “Women of Spunk” honorees.

The original painting is hanging in the Center for Women and Families. A project called "Equally Yours" has brought the art of ten female artists to billboards throughout Louisville. The painting of Elmer Lucille is on one of them. Just thought I would share this with all of you.

Wood Firing Results

2009-11-11T11:28:00.016-05:00

Hi Dolita and friends,
I just wanted to share with you all a recap and some photos of the wood firing out at Mike Hayes' property from this past Saturday.
The weather was great and we had four potters wheels out under the kiln shed for people to demonstrate techniques or try throwing for the first time. One of the wheels is a Grossley that's a hundred years old, it's fun to see people try their hand on that. It was a nice workshop during the day with a face jug demonstration by Keven Payne among other throwing and hand-building demos as the kiln slowly built temperature. When we reached cone 12, Ben Chamberlain pulled a piece out to do a Hikidashi raku.The food was plentiful and very good, much like at the meetings. There was a big variety of people and their dogs, I don't know why but it seemed like everyone brought a dog, it was funny. It was good to see people who have never made a thing out of clay get involved and inspired to make something.
Overall the day went very well, the firing was a good first firing with minor problems that will be corrected next time. We fired for 18 hours and reached cone 14 in the front, 11 in the middle, and 9 in the back, but after assessing our kiln log and talking with others that fire the same kiln I feel like we can get a better handle on it next time. This is by far the funnest wood kiln I ever fired, it can be done in one day with two ricks of wood. The ability to make small changes in the kiln during firing to correct or cause change in flame and heat distribution is credited to it's amazing design.
I can see this place as a potential meeting point for the clay club sometime in the future. If anyone is interested to participate in the wood firings at Mike's place in Henryville, IN, you can contact him at MikeHayes@wcrtc.net

Happy potting,
Ben Hammond

One of a Kind Reception

2009-11-09T00:40:00.012-05:00

The reception at Gallery on Pearl was a great success. The space John Guenther acquired for the show was perfect and allowed so much room for display. Glenn Asauskas and Barry Scott prepared much of the food that was served and it was amazing. We must also thank Carl DeGraaf for loaning and transporting his display shelves to the space for the show. The opening was very well attended. I was able to take pictures of most of the work. If you do not see your piece in the slide show, it may be because it had already sold before I got to it. The slide show may be viewed by clicking on the title to the right under Slide Shows of Interest.

Ruth Duckworth

2009-10-22T10:52:00.004-04:00

This is a wonderful video by CBS News. Ruth Duckworth died last Sunday, Oct. 18th. She was creating monumental work right up to the end.

Never Too Old to Sculpt

Watch CBS News Videos Online

One of a Kind at Gallery on Pearl

2009-10-17T17:06:00.005-04:00

Please click on image to view larger format if desired.

Holidazzle Clay: Oct. 17 - Dec. 31

2009-10-14T23:19:00.010-04:00

Click on KMAC's logo to take you to the site.

The reception was wonderful and it was good to see Louisville Clay people there. Brion did a fantastic job of displaying our work. Please check out the slide show to the right. If you do not see your pieces, you may pick them up at KMAC anytime next week.
It is such a privilege to be showing our work in conjunction with those beautiful quilts. Each quilt is an incredible work of art and well worth a visit to KMAC.

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: October 7, 2009

2009-10-09T10:32:00.007-04:00

LOCATION: Wayne Ferguson’s Anagama in Oldham County

AGENDA: Demo by Wayne Ferguson

MEMBERSHIP: Currently we have 121 members.

DUES: It is that time again to collect dues for 2010. Our fiscal year ends in September so please send your $25 (or $15 if you are a full-time student) to Louisville Clay, PO Box 17717, Louisville, KY 40217. I will be sending out another list of those who have paid so far. Remember, you must be current to be in the two upcoming shows. On October 30th, I will create a new roster and adjust the email list accordingly.

OFFICERS FOR 09/10: Our board consists of one new member, Linda Bowman.
President: Laura Ross
Vice-President: Linda Bowman
Secretary: Dolita Dohrman
Treasurer: Amy Elswick

COMMITTEE HEADS:
Workshop Organizer: Judy Miner
Food Coordinator: Glenn Asauskas

MEETINGS:
Detailed information for each meeting will be sent out closer to the event. Dates and/or venues may be changed. Martha Puckett has volunteered to organize name tags for us at our meetings.
Upcoming:
Tuesday, December 8th – Christmas Party – Dave Fry’s Home

REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Laura gave a synopsis of our past year. Our activities included:
December – One of a Kind
Feb/Mar – Best of Louisville Clay at KMAC
March – Clay Extravaganza at KMAC
April – Beth Cavener Stichter Workshop in conjunction with U of L and 21C
May – Seth Payne Workshop
June – Home Thrown/Home Grown (it was a great success and will be repeated next year)
June – Fairies at Hidden Hill
Sept. – Minigama Workshop
In addition to these events we have had outstanding meetings with presenters from our own community: Jeff Campana, Marie Elena Ottman, Martha Puckett, Brian Somerville, and Wayne Ferguson. We could not ask for a more talented group! It has certainly been an exciting year. The board will meet in the very near future to plan our agenda for next year. If any of you would like to make suggestions, please contact any one of the board members. You should already have our email address from the roster or you can contact us directly from the blog. We want to make a schedule that is representative of the groups’ needs and desires.

WAYNE FERGUSON:
We all had a front row seat to Wayne’s anagama building odyssey through the many photographs he sent us. This was our opportunity to see his work firsthand. It is a beautiful kiln but Wayne is the first to admit that it has taught him some valuable lessons. It was a very ambitious project but one in which he needed much more help. He is now considering reducing the size of the kiln and rebuilding the firebox and the chimney. As the kiln stands right now it is very difficult, if not impossible, to fire with just two people. He has given himself a deadline of May 2010 for his next firing. Some of us may want to consider helping Wayne get there. He is one of our community treasures and gives a lot of himself.
While Wayne was recovering from his accident about 3 years ago, he wrote a children’s story. It is about the first fired pot by a little girl, Echo, who was ridiculed by her peers because of her stutter. She spent a lot of time alone making little animal figures and discovered one day that by placing the figures close to the fire, they became indestructible. He creates a beautiful journey of a little girl who finds place of honor among her people and creates something of value for all humanity. Wayne plans to put drawings with the story and get it published.
Afterwards, Wayne demonstrated the making of his famous whistles. He created one in the shape of a whale and showed us the many intricacies that contribute to the final sound of the whistle. The whale itself was so beautiful and we did a collective gasp (Save the whale!) when he cut the whale in half to show us the inside. The clay burrs on the interior can interfere with the sound of the whistle and he often tries to shake them loose.
There was a bit of a discussion on the possibility of Wayne doing a Whistle Workshop. We will certainly keep you posted.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

KMAC: All work should be at KMAC now. Selection of works for the exhibit will be made by Brion Clinkingbeard next week and artists will be notified if any work should be picked up.
Opening Reception is on Friday, October 16th, 5 – 7:30

GALLERY ON PEARL: There has been a bit of confusion as to the 2 pieces for submission and the labels. Here is how it should be done. Pack each piece separately and securely. Cut out the labels and place them on each box according to which piece you want exhibited first. Only one piece will be exhibited at a time. When that piece sells, the other will be put out. I need the labels on the boxes so I can make the actual labels that will be put out with the piece in the gallery. I will slip one into the second box in the event it will be displayed. All work must be delivered to my house at 1811 Edenside Ave., 40204, as I am logging everything in and creating the labels before the pieces are delivered to Gallery on Pearl. I will be sending out a reminder email next week.

Calendar:
October 9--- last day for LC members to commit to the exhibit if they want their name listed on a poster and any press releases from the gallery.

October 23 - 30--- delivery of all work to 1811 Edenside Ave, 40204. (Leave on my back porch if no one is home.) NO late submissions will be accepted.

October 31 - November 5--- installation of exhibit.

November 6--- opening of 2009 LC ceramic exhibit and reception; reception will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm

December 23--- exhibition closes.

December 29 - 30--- All unsold artworks are to be picked up and claimed by LC members.

WORKSHOPS:
Any suggestions you may have of artists you would like to bring to Louisville would be greatly appreciated as we plan for the upcoming year. Please contact Judy Miner.

May, 2010: Lana Wilson – University of Louisville: More details will follow closer to the date.

'ONE OF A KIND' SHOW INFORMATION

2009-09-04T09:39:00.023-04:00

The following is a list of parameters for our upcoming show at Gallery on Pearl. If you have any questions please direct them to John Guenther or Dolita Dohrman.

1. Only current members of Louisville Clay will be eligible to participate in the exhibit.

2. Each LC member may submit 2 pieces (each different). One to be put on exhibit and one to be in reserve in the event the exhibited piece sells. Please box each piece separately and attach the info for that piece on the outside of the box. You may download the form here: Tags for Boxes. (Double click and download the form to your desktop, then print) If you choose to submit a ‘set’, it must be sold as a set and not be individually priced. There will be no jury of pieces selected for exhibit. Both pieces may be put on display depending on how many people sign up and how much space we have at the gallery. Right now though, we are just counting on displaying one piece at a time from each person.

3. All exhibited pieces must be for sale. LC members are encouraged to price their artworks at a reasonable price to encourage sales. The Gallery on Pearl will retain 40% of the sale price of each item sold.

4. LC members will deliver all work to 1811 Edenside Ave., Louisville, KY 40204 by OCTOBER 30th. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. If I am not home, please leave the work on my back porch.

5. $100.00 will be allocated by The Gallery on Pearl toward the expense of printing an announcement. LC will design the postcard with the approval of Gallery on Pearl.

6. Title of the exhibit will again be “One of a Kind – A Holiday Exhibition”.

7. The LC group will assume mailing costs for announcements mailed out by that organization. The Gallery on Pearl will assume mailing costs only for its personal mailing list. All announcements should be mailed 3 weeks prior to the opening of the exhibit.

8. Reception: (Nov. 6) Wine, bottled water, coffee, and possibly other drinks will be provided by The Gallery on Pearl. A limited hors-d'oeuvre offering will be provided by The Gallery on Pearl.

9. LC will organize a committee for food.

10. LC will be responsible for labels for each piece.

CALENDAR:

OCTOBER 9: last day for LC members to commit to the exhibit. Please contact Dolita Dohrman if you are going to participate.

OCTOBER 23 - 30: delivery of all clay artworks to Dolita Dohrman, 1811 Edenside Ave., Louisville, KY 40204. ALL work must be brought to this location. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

NOVEMBER 6: opening of 2009 LC ceramic exhibit and reception; 6:00 - 8:00 pm

DECEMBER 23: exhibition closes.

DECEMBER 29 - 30: All unsold artworks are to be picked up and claimed by LC members at The Gallery on Pearl.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY/UNIVERSITY OF TRANSYLVANIA - FIGURATION TO FRAGMENTATION

2009-09-02T21:37:00.009-04:00

Exhibition Dates: Sept. 11- Oct. 15, 2009

To read the schedule, just click on the image and it will enlarge.

Please note that all the events are free and open to the public.

Any questions may be directed to:

Hunter Stamps
Assistant Professor of Art, College of Fine Arts, UK
207 Fine Arts building, Lexington, KY 40506-0022
www.HunterStampsSculpture.com

More contact info is on the schedule, lower left hand corner.

KMAC SHOW INFORMATION

2009-09-01T09:59:00.021-04:00

You may be familiar with our annual Holidazzle Exhibition – a wide range of art and craft in all media from Kentucky and further afield.

This year we are expanding the show to include a complimentary exhibition called Holidazzle Clay which will feature members of Louisville Clay.

OCTOBER 17 - JANUARY 2: The show will run throughout the Holiday Season

Members of Louisville Clay will be invited to submit up to 3 pieces for consideration. This is a selling show, so all work should be for sale. We work on the standard 50 / 50 commission split.

We will chose the show from actual work – not photos.

OCTOBER 5,6,7: (Mon, Tues, Wed) Deliver work to KMAC with the W-9 and exhibit forms included during their normal operating hours of 10-5 pm.

Please use the attached contract and bring in a filled out form with your work. (You may download the form here: Louisville Clay Contract
(Double click and download the form to your desktop, then print)

OCTOBER 9: Final selection of work.

OCTOBER 16: Reception 5 - 7:30

We need to have an up to date W-9 form on file for each artist in the show or gallery. The IRS have much stricter rules now and we are not able to exhibit work without a W-9 on file. I have attached a PDF with the W-9 form. If you are not sure if we have a W-9 on file, please deliver a signed copy with your submission. You may download the form here: www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

We have recently been levied with a $2,000 fine for an artist whose work we have sold, who did not file taxes for 5 years and for whom we do not have a current W-9 on file.

Contact me with any questions!

I look forward to working with you all once again.

Brion Clinkingbeard
Deputy Director/Curator
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
715 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 589 - 0102 x 213
admin@kentuckyarts.org

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: August 11, 2009

2009-08-17T18:37:00.013-04:00

Location: Mount St. Francis-Mary Anderson Center
Agenda: Demo by Brian Somerville
Membership: Currently we have 117 members. Our latest members take classes at the Mary Anderson Center. Welcome to all of you!

DUES: It is that time again to collect dues for 2010. Our fiscal year ends in September so please send your $25 (or $15 if you are a full-time student) to Louisville Clay, PO Box 17717, Louisville, KY 40217. Those of you who have paid or are lifetime members are indicated in the last roster I sent out.
On October 30th, I will create a new roster and adjust the email list accordingly.

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS: Please send your nominations to me (dohrman@insightbb.com) by September 15th. Laura Ross, Dolita Dohrman and Amy Elswick are willing to serve another term. However, if you have someone you would like to nominate for any of the positions (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer), please feel free to do so. I will send out a request for votes after Sept. 15th and the officers will be announced at the October meeting.

FUTURE MEETINGS:
Detailed information for each meeting will be sent out closer to the event. Dates and/or venues may be changed. In the meantime, be sure to check this blog for updated information.
The group has agreed that we bring our own plate, cup, and fork to each meeting to cut down on the use of paper and plastic.
Upcoming:
Wednesday, October 7th – Wayne Ferguson
Tuesday, December 8th – Christmas Party – Dave Fry’s Home

Brian Somerville: (www.briansomerville.com)

Brian sculpts fabulous animals using the same mechanical means as Beth Stichter. Some of you may recall the use of armatures to stabilize the piece while it is being built, then the dismantling and hollowing out of the sections. However, that is where the similarity ends. His animals are true to size and are intricately carved with fantastical images such as stars and skulls. The expression of the animal is often one of aggression or fright; poised for attack, defense, or flight. The pieces literally look as if they are about to move. The presentation was wonderful.

Brian has very generously given us a handout, which outlines his entire process. It has been sent to all of you in a separate email.

KENTUCKY MUDWORKS: (www.kentuckymudworks.com ) Louisville Clay members receive a 10% discount on certain purchases. This discount cannot be combined with other special offers.
*10% off all tools
*$5 off all 1-day workshops (1-day workshops usually cost $35-$85 per day)
*10% off kiln parts (this includes elements)
*10% kiln shelves 16” or larger
*Free 50 lbs of clay with the purchase of a wheel under $600
*Free 100 lbs of clay with the purchase of a wheel over $600

UPCOMING SHOWS:
KMAC: The roster has been sent to KMAC and you should be receiving specifics about our show soon. Just remember your work (up to 4 pieces) is due at KMAC the last week of September. While there is no formal jury process, KMAC will determine which pieces will be shown.

Gallery on Pearl: More details will be forthcoming but I have listed pertinent dates so you can be sure to have your work ready:
Calendar:
October 9--- last day for LC members to commit to the exhibit if they want their name listed on a poster and any press releases from the gallery.

October 23 - 30--- delivery of all clay artworks to The Gallery on Pearl. NO late submissions will be accepted.

October 31 - November 5--- installation of exhibit.

November 6--- opening of 2009 LC ceramic exhibit and reception; reception will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm

December 23--- exhibition closes.

December 29 - 30--- All unsold artworks are to be picked up and claimed by LC members.

WORKSHOPS:
Sept. 26 & 27: Building your own Minigama – Laura and Judy’s Studio: There are 2 spaces that have opened up and also spaces to just observe. Please contact Laura Ross (laurarosss@insightbb.com) for this information. Those who are already signed up must pay in full by August 30th. Please make your checks out to Louisville Clay ($50 to participate/$25 to observe) and send them to 2510 Belknap Beach Rd, Prospect, KY 40059

May, 2010: Lana Wilson – University of Louisville: More details will follow closer to the date.

Fairies at Hidden Hill: The Fairy Wheel will be unveiled on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Hidden Hill during the Bluegrass Festival. For more details and directions, please check the website: www.hiddenhillnursery.com

What's in the works....

2009-08-02T15:36:00.032-04:00

Louisville Clay Meeting:
Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Mary Anderson Center

101 St. Francis Blvd.
Mt. St. Francis, IN 47146
Brian Somerville will be the featured artist. He will demo putting together a large sculpture and his carving technique.
Bring a dish to share and your own plate, cup and utensil.

"Only When Provoked"
Brian Somerville

It is that time again to send in nominees for officers on the board. Laura Ross, Dolita Dohrman, and Amy Elswick are willing to serve another term. However, each member is free to nominate a new person for any of the positions. We are taking nominations for President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Please email Louisville Clay with your nominations by Sept. 15th. An electronic ballot will be sent to everyone and new officers will be announced at the October meeting.

Link Henderson, owner of Kentucky Mudworks, has offered a special discount for members of Louisville Clay. These discounts are listed below.

*10% off all tools
*$5 off all 1-day workshops (1-day workshops usually cost $35-$85 per day)
*10% off kiln parts (this includes elements)
*10% kiln shelves 16” or larger
*Free 50 lbs of clay with the purchase of a wheel under $600
*Free 100 lbs of clay with the purchase of a wheel over $600

If you call or stop in for an order, please be sure to mention you are a member of Louisville Clay.
These discounts cannot be combined with any other special sale or discount price and are good on regularly priced items only. Discounts cannot be redeemed online or through any Kentucky Mudworks outlet venue.

KMAC has invited Louisville Clay for another major exhibition of pottery during the annual Holidazzle event this fall. The Exhibition will be on the 2nd floor (which is the main exhibition space) of the Museum (along with a possible Quilt Exhibit on the walls). Holidazzle will be in the 1st floor gallery as it is every year. The Louisville Clay Exhibition will be promoted with Holidazzle as well as have an individual brochure sent to KMAC's mailing list and our own Louisville Clay mailer.

KMAC will be sending each member of LC an exhibition contract with dates and specific information. Our members may submit a maximum of 4 pieces with the Museum having the option of choosing all the pots for the Exhibition. Pots will be due at the Museum the last week in September as the show will be up October-December, 2009.
We are thrilled that KMAC has invited us back for a this major exhibition. We see this as a wonderful opportunity for our members to exhibit their work and for Louisville Clay to have an important presence in the art community.

Build Your Own Tabletop Minigama:
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27. This workshop will be led by Jon Stein and friends from FUNKE FIRED ARTS in Cincinnati, OH. Jon will demonstrate how to build a midget mini-gama on Saturday and participants will build their own on Sunday. Included in the $50 fee will be a CD of the process as well as dinner after the workshop Saturday night. The workshop will be held at the studio of Laura Ross and Judy Miner.
We originally said there were 15 slots available but at this point we feel we can accommodate 5 more tables for those who would rather be 'hands on'. If there are others who would rather just watch and attend the dinner, the fee will be $25. Please contact Laura Ross if you are interested. Everyone needs to pay in full for the workshop by August 30th to keep your spot. Please make your checks out to Louisville Clay and send them to 2510 Belknap Beach Rd, Prospect, KY 40059

Stay tuned for info on the Louisville Clay exhibit at Gallery on Pearl at Christmas. Till then, be thinking about work you would like to submit for both Gallery on Pearl and KMAC.

Making Fairies at Hidden Hill

2009-06-27T17:49:00.019-04:00

Louisville Clay Participants:
Madison Cannava
Martin Edlin
Steve Goodwin
John McCarthy
Martha Puckett
Judy Reindeau
Maggie Towne
Caroline Zama

You may view more pics from this event at:
Fairies at Hidden Hill

LOUISVILLE CLAY MEETING: June 10, 2009

2009-05-26T15:04:00.022-04:00

Location: Martha Puckett’s Home

Agenda: Pit Firing in a Popcorn Can

Membership: Currently we have 106 members.

TREASURER'S REPORT:

Cost of Seth Payne Workshop: $1266.51

Cost of Home Thrown, Home Grown: $1072 (This was covered by participant entry fees)

An EZ-Up tent has been purchased for the use of the club and its members.

A new sign was made for the Home Thrown, Home Grown sale that may be used every year.

FUTURE MEETINGS:

Detailed information for each meeting will be sent out closer to the event. Dates and/or venues may be changed.

The group has agreed that we bring our own plate, cup, and fork to each meeting to cut down on the use of paper and plastic.

Upcoming:
Tuesday, August 11th – Brian Somerville – Mary Anderson Center (trying to confirm)
Wednesday, October 7th – Wayne Ferguson

Tuesday, December 8th – Christmas Party – Dave Fry’s Home

PIT FIRING IN A CAN:

This was such an enjoyable demonstration. The simplicity of the process enables it to be accessible to most potters...providing your neighbors do not object! Martha combines saw dust, small pieces of wood, newspaper, copper sulfate and table salt. All this is placed in a large popcorn can along with her burnished porcelain pots. A little lighter fluid is added to get the fire really going. She watches it carefully to be sure the entire contents are burning and lets it go for a while. She knows just the right time to close up the lid and let it start the cooling process. In the morning, it is Christmas all over again as she opens up each can to see what the fire has done. I have scanned in her handout and it will be attached to the email along with these minutes.
A real eye opener was Martha’s studio. It is a small, carpeted sunroom right off her living room! She keeps everything very organized and clean. Martha works very simply and efficiently to produce her beautiful forms. This is a prime example of what can be done in an urban environment.
Martha was featured in the Fall 1998 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated which has been included in the recently published "Raku, Pit & Barrel: Firing Techniques" book.

WORKSHOPS:
More details will follow. For now just mark your calendars for these events.
A review of the Seth Payne Workshop and a link to a slideshow of the pictures that were taken are on the blog.

Sept. 26 & 27: BUILDING YOUR OWN MINIGAMA – Laura and Judy’s Studio: Jon Stein and Ben Clark from Funke Fired Arts will demonstrate how to build your own mini-anagama in which chopsticks would make the perfect firewood. On Saturday they will show you how to build one and on Sunday you will build your own. You will also get a video to take home with you. You need to bring a piece of wood or something on which to build your anagama, keeping in mind the size of the kiln in which it will be fired. Also bring your own tools. The cost of this workshop will be $50; a $25 non-refundable deposit due August 1st, with the remainder due September 1st. There is space for 15 people so it is first come, first serve. Laura is going to find out if the kiln can be fired in pieces in order for it to fit in smaller kilns.

May 10, 2010: Lana Wilson – University of Louisville

BEST OF LOUISVILLE CLAY AT KMAC:

The votes are in! The best of the best was....BRIAN SOMERVILLE! Congratulations, Brian.

HOME THROWN/HOME GROWN:
The sale was a great success. We had a total of 18 members there. There were 14 tents set up with tables and chairs down the middle and lots of potted plants all around. It looked great. Customers were steady Friday evening and Saturday. Revenue from the sale was the highest ever. Linda Bowman had a stroke of genius in hiring the crossing guard. The guard barely sat down all day! Please view the slide show posted to the right under Slideshows of Interest.

FAIRIES AT HIDDEN HILL (update): John McCarthy has 9 Louisville Clay members to participate in the making of a ‘Fairy Wheel’. It is to be made up of 12 to 15 original ceramic fairies, each about 12 inches tall with a 3-4 inch base. These will be mounted on a 12 ft. diameter metal wheel to be installed on the grounds of Hidden Hill. If you decide to go, bring your own tools and a wareboard. Bob Hill will provide the clay, colored slips and funds for firing the sculptures. John is going to transport and fire the pieces. If you are interested, the event will take place this Saturday, June 20th from 9-2. Lunch will be provided. Please contact John McCarthy mrmcart@insightbb.com and let him know if you are going to participate. I don’t know which is more of a delight…Hidden Hill or Bob Hill himself. You should have a great time!

Louisville Clay Annual Sale

2009-04-27T16:44:00.006-04:00

This will be our first outdoor sale and we are so fortunate to be across from the best Farmer's Market in town! They have been very welcoming and we hope this will become a yearly event. Be sure to visit both sides of the street! There will be a crossing guard for your safety. Please visit their website: Bardstown Road Farmer's Market

Seth Payne Workshop

2009-04-22T13:29:00.027-04:00

Slideshow of the workshop
Article on his work: Pots on the Go
When: May 22 & 23
Where: University of Louisville

Seth was eager to show us the new direction his work is taking. He has become a master of the mold process, using many different techniques to achieve his desired results. He started off using wax as a form around which he just added plaster by hand.

This mold was an engineering feat! I believe there were 7 sections to it. It is used to create his plates which are notched on the back to enable them to hang on a custom piece of wood much like the Shakers did with their chairs. See the slideshow for a detail of the back of the plate.

Hump molds were used to make his 3 footed salad plates. I believe Seth made 300 of these for Salad Days at Watershed
a couple of years ago.

Seth brought mugs and a few plates with him. It was such pleasure to be able to pick up the finished work and hold it in your hands. Many of us went home with one of his mugs.

Out-of-Round Baking Dish and Lid

2009-04-16T12:47:00.005-04:00

If anyone is interested in knowing how to make a Lid for an Out-of-Round Baking Dish, you might want to view the video just sent out by the Potter's Council. The video was filmed during the "Focus on Function" workshop in Cincinnati in February.

Here is the link to view the video.
ceramicartdaily.net/video/lauraross.htm
Enjoy!
Laura Ross