Sunday, January 9, 2011

Welcome Clay Enthusiasts!





We finished up 2010 in grand style!  We had several community happenings that our group supported.

 Our organization contributed over $500 to Empty Bowls at their annual event the week before Thanksgiving.  We had 49 bowls and 4 auctions pieces donated.  We sold 20 of the bowls and the auctions brought in $320!!  Thanks to everyone who donated, especially Karen J-A, Rob , Pat , and Marcia who donated those beautiful items for the silent auction.  Rob and Pat get a huge pat on the back for organizing this effort.    Next year Empty Bowls will be on Nov 15, 2011.  So we have a year to plan our bowls - lets work on some
awesome bowls so we can exceed this year's donation.
Clay Networks's table at Empty Bowls


We are continuing our library displays throughout the First Coast area.  Member’s works are displayed at local libraries to increase awareness of the art of pottery.  Although no selling is allowed, artist information is displayed along with the art.  Displays typically remain in place for four weeks and then are moved to the next venue.  If you would like your art displayed at one of the libraries, contact our secretary at ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com.
- Mary Ellen coordinated the display at St Augustine's Library as the last display of the year.
- Lisa has a beautiful display at the Beaches Library.  We had 49 items donate for display by ten of our members.  The display will be at the Beaches Library until the end of January so be sure to stop by for a look, if you are in the area.
- Marcia will coordinate our display at the Regency Library in April 2011
Beaches Library Display January 2011


Our final meeting of the year was at Karen's in Mandarin.  We had a beautiful day for our raku type firing of traditional and not so traditional horse hair firing.  Thank you Karen for hosting this event!  Aren't the pictures awesome?

Ready to pull

Warming the next batch
Applying the horse hair









Our first meeting of the year was at Lisa's at the Beaches where we had a fun mug/small pot exchange.  Each member discussed their item and then we drew to see what new treasure we would take home.  It was lots of fun!! 

The Clay Network of Northeast Florida is an organization where clay artists have the opportunity to improve their knowledge, to foster interest in sincere, creative craftsmanship and to educated the public in the appreciation of ceramics in our community.  If you have an interest in ceramics and pottery, please join us at our next meeting, May 22, 2:00pm at Karen's near Craig Airport. 

One of the many benefits of membership is being able to share in the different selling events sponsored by Clay Network throughout the year.  We have a tent and shelves.   We split the entry fees, take care of the applications, and we help each other.  This is an easy way to get involved in art festivals and other shows.  As a member you may borrow the tent for your own event for a small fee.

Clay Network will be sponsoring a selling event in Jerry's garden in St Augustine on April 30.  This is a wonderful spring show featuring 10 members exhibiting a large variety of ceramic art.  You will find all kinds of pottery from functional ceramic ware to whimsical to sculpture ceramics.  Taking a stroll through the fantastic garden is worth the free admission.  Save the date April 30th, to visit “Ceramics in the Garden” 10am to 4 pm in St. Augustine, FL. For more information on this Spring Garden Show contact our secretary Mary Ellen at ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com.

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

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

 If you would like more information and directions to the meeting please contact our secretary, Mary Ellen at ClayNetwork.com@gmail.com.