Membership is required to participate in some events but the regular networking, informal member demos, and fellowship at our monthly meetings will remain free and open to the public.
January 14th - 2025 Open House & Supply Exchange
7pm at Austin Beer Garden and Brewery (ABGB) - 1305 W Oltorf St.
We will be holding our first meeting/social gathering of the new year on Tuesday, January 14th at 7pm at ABGB. We will be having an Open House & Supply Exchange! We would love to see some faces, old and new, so come meet and mingle with other Austin clay folks, learn about GACA and what we have planned for 2025, and let us know what you would like to see in the future in the Austin clay community. (Hint: we will be holding our studio tour again in April and also be introducing some additional social and critique meetings!)
EVERYONE is welcome! If you've never been to one of our meetings, if you haven't been in a long time, or if we see you at every meeting…come on out! Spread the word! We know there are always people new to clay in Austin and we want to get folks involved. So grab a clay friend and come on out!
We'll also be doing a supply and tool exchange! So feel free to bring clay related supplies or tools that you just don't need anymore and exchange it with someone else for something new to you!
RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/939928348322709/
February 4th - Art Fair Bootcamp & Studio Tour Info Session
7pm at Dougherty Arts Center - Clay Studio
Are you thinking of participating in our upcoming studio tour or breaking into the art fair scene to sell your work, but you're not sure if you're ready? Markets, art festivals, and studio tours are a great way to show and sell your work to a large group of people, but do you know what it takes? We'll dig into the details of these shows including applications, fees, permits, booth designs, and tips and tricks for sales success. We'll also answer all of your questions about our upcoming Greater Austin Clay Studio Tour taking place April 5th & 6th.
RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1065183002046030/
March 4th - Nick Fletcher
7pm at Dougherty Arts Center - Clay Studio
Our next meeting will feature demonstrating artist, Nick Fletcher who will be showing us some of his slab and thrown hybrid techniques!
A little about Nick…
Instagram: @n.fletcher_ceramics
Website: https://www.nickfletcherceramics.com/
Demo:
I will demo several of slab + thrown hybrid techniques that I've been having fun with lately!
Bio:
Nick is a ceramic artist born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He received his B.F.A. from the Tennessee Tech Appalachian Center for Craft in 2019 studying under Vince Pitelka. Nick moved to San Marcos, TX at the beginning of 2020 to pursue a career in clay. He was a resident artist at Eye of the Dog Art Center organizing and leading wood firings, teaching classes, and built a soda kiln. In 2024 he began working full time at Tumbleweed Clay as the studio manager. Building gas kilns, teaching classes, and more. He also teaches at MUD studio Austin.
Statement:
Nick’s work plays on scale, proportions, symmetry, and attachments all responsible for personifying the vessels landing them somewhere between animaloid, humanoid, and machine-like. Exploring how subtle (or not) variations made to form, proportions, surface treatment, and/or profile design can influence the feelings or narrative. Chasing varied, weathered surfaces through the unpredictable nature of vapor glazing in wood or soda kilns to give off an archaic origin. In pursuit of the ancient-futuristic aesthetic, perhaps even otherworldly or anachronistic narrative that Nick’s work is ultimately rooted in – that convergence of contrasting aesthetics in a balanced, but vague and foreign way that sparks the curiosity and the imagination of the viewer.
RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/514169625043262
April 1st - Frank Zhu
7pm at Dougherty Arts Center - Clay Studio
Join us for our April 1st meeting with demonstrating artist, Frank Zhu, who will show us his process of transforming wheel-thrown ceramic forms into complex, textured, and sculptural vessels that blur the line between functionality and sculpture!
We will once again be meeting in the clay studio at Dougherty Arts Center at 1110 Barton Springs Road. The front parking lot will be blocked off as Dougherty (DAC) special event parking and that will be open to us. You will just need to get a free parking pass from the front desk when you arrive. The rest of the parking lot around the building and in Butler Park is open and free after 5pm, no parking pass required. More info on DAC parking can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-dougherty-arts-center
Everyone is also welcome to join us for dinner with Frank before the demo. We will be meeting at ABGB at 1305 W Oltorf Street at 5:30pm. ABGB has open seating and everyone can order and pay for themselves at the counter as they arrive. We generally sit at the north end of the dining area.
https://www.frankzhuceramicist.com
https://www.instagram.com/frankzhuceramicist/
Frank’s Bio
Frank Zhu has been working with clay in Austin, Texas, for over 14 years, cultivating a deep connection to the material and its possibilities. As both a dedicated ceramic artist and an educator, he balances his personal studio practice with a passion for sharing the art of ceramics with others. Frank’s work explores the intersection of functionality and sculptural expression, using wheel-thrown forms as a foundation for innovative alterations, textures, and additions. His pieces challenge traditional notions of vessel-making, inviting viewers to engage with ceramics as both art and object.
In addition to his artistic practice, Frank is committed to fostering creativity and skill in others through teaching. He believes in the transformative power of clay as a medium for self-expression and discovery, and he strives to inspire his students to push boundaries while honoring the rich history of ceramics. Frank’s work reflects his dedication to craftsmanship, experimentation, and the endless potential of clay as a medium for storytelling and connection.
Frank’s Artist Statement
My work in ceramics is a dialogue between form and function, where the boundaries of traditional vessel-making are stretched to embrace sculptural expression. For over 14 years, I have been exploring the transformative potential of clay, using the wheel-thrown vessel as a starting point for creative experimentation. By altering, texturing, and adding to these forms, I create pieces that exist in the liminal space between utility and art.
The functional vessel provides a structure—a set of rules and constraints—that grounds my process. Yet, within these boundaries, I find endless possibilities for innovation. Cutting, reshaping, and attaching additional elements allow me to play with balance, movement, and three-dimensional composition. Textures and surface treatments further enhance the tactile and visual experience, inviting the viewer to engage with the piece on multiple levels.
My work is deeply rooted in the physicality of clay, a material that demands both precision and spontaneity. Each piece is a record of my hands’ interaction with the material, a testament to the tension between control and surrender. Through this process, I aim to create objects that are not only functional but also evocative, challenging the viewer to reconsider the role of ceramics in contemporary art and everyday life.
In my practice, I am guided by a belief that the vessel—a form as ancient as human civilization—can still surprise and inspire. By pushing its limits, I seek to honor its history while reimagining its future.
RSVP Here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1208601924179717
January 9th - GACA Open House & Supply Exchange
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
We will be holding our first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm in the clay studio at St. Edward's University. We will be having an Open House & Supply Exchange! We would love to see some faces, old and new, so come meet and mingle with other Austin clay folks, learn about GACA and what we have planned for 2024, and let us know what you would like to see in the future in the Austin clay community. (Hint: we will be holding our studio tour again in April and also be introducing some additional social and critique meetings!)
EVERYONE is welcome! If you've never been to one of our meetings, if you haven't been in a long time, or if we see you at every meeting…come on out! Spread the word! We know there are always people new to clay in Austin and we want to get folks involved. So grab a clay friend and come on out!
We'll also be doing a supply and tool exchange! So feel free to bring clay related supplies or tools that you just don't need anymore and exchange it with someone else for something new to you!
The clay studio at St. Edward's is in the Fine Arts Building located at 3001 S Congress. You can park in any of the lots to the South of the building, or in the few spots directly behind the building to the north. See a map here: www.austinclay.org/meetings.
As always, we also invite folks to join us for dinner before the meeting at Curra's (on Oltorf) at 5:30pm, and/or drinks at ABGB following the meeting. Please email greateraustinclayartists@gmail.com if you would like to join us at Curra's so that we can have a head count.
RSVP on our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1109638963545011/
February 6th - Ryan Lucier
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Website: Rhynoclayworks.com
Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/rhynoclayworks
Instagram: @rhynoclayworks
Demo:
Ryan will demonstrate the methods he uses for throwing objects of repeatable size and shape on the wheel, a variety of ways to make handles and other attachments/parts. He will also cover some of his personal studio practices, favorite clay tools, and preferred methods for developing glazes. Ryan will also share some of the experiences he’s had while building his ceramic design business (Rhyno Clayworks) during the past twelve years. Any and all questions will be
welcome.
Bio:
Ryan is a full time studio potter and founder of Rhyno Clayworks in Austin TX. Ryan is also a part time lecturer at Texas Lutheran University currently teaching ceramics and drawing. Although Ryan’s interests in art and ceramics vary widely, his most recent work has been a focus on achieving interesting surface results through cone 6 electric firing.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/814048524083763
March 5th - Margaret Henkels
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Website: www.margarethenkels.com
Instagram: @marghenkels
Demo:
Margaret will demonstrate the methods she uses for building pieces with slabs, from small covered boxes to larger sculptural forms. She will discuss different approaches to glazing earthenware and the use of non-clay materials post-firing. Questions about the thinking that informs her practice and the rhythm that propels her work will also be explored.
Artist's Statement/Bio:
Margaret Henkels has worked in clay for many years. She began with functional, wheel-thrown pots and now produces hand built pieces that reflect her preoccupation with both architecture and landscape, as well as a fascination with the beauty of everyday objects.
After growing up in the Boston area, Margaret lived in New York City, where she taught ceramics at Baldwin Pottery and Riverside Church Arts and Crafts. She became the first Marketing Director at Women’s Studio Workshop in the Hudson Valley in the late 80s and started the clay program there. A career in fundraising followed a move to Austin in the early 90s. Margaret retired from the staff of Environmental Defense Fund in 2018 and now focuses all her energies on clay. Currently she is working on several series, all with slabs, and all fired to cone 04 in oxidation.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/317481340858099/
April 16th - Sarah Anderson
We are thrilled to be joined by visiting artist, Sarah Anderson, as she makes her way through Texas on her Sgraffito Tour!
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Please use this link to get your Event Guest Parking Pass and use code GACA:
https://vpermit.com/stedwards/ClaimableEvents/Claim
If you would like to join us for dinner at Curra's on Oltorf before the meeting at 5:30pm, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/SgAU4RXoYx7AiYTj7. You will need to bring cash for dinner.
Website: www.sarahandersonceramics.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahandersonceramics/
Demo:
Hey, I’m Sarah Anderson! I’ll be demoing the technique sgraffito on a porcelain clay body painted with underglaze. I’ll explain how I come up with my illustrations of cartoon-like creatures, the use of the positive and negative space, how to compose a composition, color palettes with underglazes, carving tools, and more. I also touch on the business side of my work, and how I’ve successfully lived as a full time self employed artist living out of a camper trailer for the last 4 years!
Artist Statement:
I create characters that come to life through the use of sgraffito on a porcelain clay body. I pair functional forms to the gesture of each character, mostly on tall and slender forms. I explore sculptural depth with the combination of my two-dimensional carving and three-dimensional layers of physical clay tiles epoxied on top of one another. The narratives literally pop off the page, and creates multi-layers of interest.
The technical surface is categorized into two layers: The first is the sgraffito porcelain background, carving away the underglaze to create the story through rhythmic lines and patterns. The creatures are elegantly placed in this composition with exaggerated gestures and elongated features. The second layer is concluded with an indulgence of vibrant colors added to the characters that transform them into the foreground.
My narrative goal is to create smiles through the use of colorfully whimsical characters in dystopian worlds. Humor is my driving factor, due to my personal experience of having chronic Lyme disease. This quickly developed my motivation to bring joy to each viewer, rather than focusing on work that reminds me of daily suffering. I use my creative platform to bring people hope in the midst of pain.
Bio:
Sarah Anderson is a full time ceramic artist that creates illustrative characters on the surface of clay through the use of sgraffito. Bright colors and exaggerated creatures are obvious statements in her work, creating a uniquely identifiable brand for herself. She graduated from Ball State University as a sculpture major, using multiple mediums to create large scale work. She was the ceramic department chair at the Indianapolis Art Center for three years before leaving to pursue her own work full time. Her work has been featured across the nation at multiple galleries and studios, winning awards like the Best Teapot for the Strictly Functional Pottery National at the Lancaster, PA Museum in 2021. Sarah has been featured in many articles and publishers like Ceramics Monthly and Indianapolis Monthly, as well as featured as a demo artist at the Amaco booth during NCECA 2023.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1117501133004791
May 7th - Dougherty Visual Artists in Residence
Join us for our May meeting and get a special treat of seeing FOUR artist demonstrations in one meeting! We'll be joined by the Dougherty Arts Center's Visual Artists in Residence including Veronica Christianson, Chelsea Biggerstaff, Diane Sung, and Chance Ramirez. See below for more about the residency program, each artist, and what they will be demonstrating.
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Please use this link to get your Event Guest Parking Pass and use code CLAY:
https://vpermit.com/stedwards/ClaimableEvents/Claim
If you would like to join us for dinner at Curra's on Oltorf before the meeting at 5:30pm, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/wjojrz6LqJoEDWzv7. You will need to bring cash for dinner.
A little about the program and the residents:
The DAC's Visual Artist Residency Program provides visual artists with the space, facilities, time and professional interaction that will foster and further develop their ideas, skills, abilities, and focus as practicing artists. This is a work exchange program where resident artists are invited to create outreach opportunities within our community such as teaching workshops, giving public presentations, critiques and monitoring our independent study program and open studio hours.
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/visual-artist-residency
Veronica Christianson
Veronica Christianson is a ceramic artist living in Austin, Texas. Christianson has always loved dirt. Growing up she dreamt of becoming both a paleontologist and archeologist. She spent many hours “excavating fossils and ancient artifacts” in the backyard, school playground, local park, and anywhere she could get digging. The first time she got her hands on clay she made a delightfully blobby self-portrait of herself holding a dinosaur—this was in 1st grade. Since then, she's grown in her hand building techniques. When Christianson went off to college she was still set on becoming an archeologist. That is, until she took her first ceramics class. Christianson's dreams of unearthing ancient artifacts quickly evolved into dreams of creating contemporary artifacts. She fell in love with ceramics and the role it has played and continues to play in the lives of people throughout history.
Veronica will demonstrate her handbuilding techniques, focusing on strategies to create dynamic forms by utilizing angular transitions and contrasting soft and sharp curves.
Chelsea Biggerstaff
Chelsea discovered her love of working with clay at age 8 when she walked into her first ceramic teacher's backyard studio. Inspired by her teacher she created a backyard studio and started creating small colorful functional pieces of pottery and creative experiences that spark queer joy and bring people back to that imaginative childhood space. When she is not in her studio or at the Dougherty Arts Center, she manages the Faculty Development Office at Austin Community College where she uses her creativity, educational development background, and positive spirit to inspire and learn from the hardworking faculty at ACC.
Experience the artistry of clay slab mask making in a demo that showcases the process of sculpting and molding clay into unique and expressive masks.
Diane Sung
Diane Sung is a ceramic artist currently based in Austin, TX. She earned her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO. Her work is driven by the complexities of the human experience with language and she seeks to explore these narratives in her sculptures. Though her practice is primarily based in ceramic sculpture, she also works through drawing, printmaking, and claymation. Having grown up in a bilingual environment, learning about other languages is her greatest passion outside of the visual arts.
Diane will be demonstrating how to hollow complex solid built forms when sculpting/ handbuilding, and how to take apart and reassemble hollowed forms. This is particularly useful when sculpting mostly subtractively.
Chance Ramirez
Chance Ramirez (they/them/she/her) has a background in studio art, craft, and art therapy. Inspired by a career in mental health, they make hand built works about pleasure, pain, and joyful resistance for people who like getting lost in the details. Using an abundance of textures and colors, Chance invites the audience to reach outward and inward with curiosity. Their work attempts to answer the question, “What does it mean to be human?”
Chance will be demonstrating screenprinting with underglazes and sgraffito techniques.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1115376023057763
June 4th - Morford Pottery
Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, June 4th at 7pm, featuring demonstrating duo Ashley and Caleb of Morford Pottery!
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Please use this link to get your Event Guest Parking Pass and use code ARTIST:
https://vpermit.com/stedwards/ClaimableEvents/Claim. After registering, you can park in any of the lots surrounding the building. You do not need to print anything. They use a camera to read license plates.
If you would like to join us for dinner at Curra's on Oltorf before the meeting at 5:30pm, please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/b3qGiH1zFc6eLU55A. You will need to bring cash for dinner.
A little about Morford Pottery…
Website: www.morfordart.com
Ashley's Instagram: @claymateoftheyear
Caleb's Instagram: @calebmorfordtattoos
Ashley and Caleb Morford are a husband and wife team that make pottery collaboratively at their home studio in Buda, Texas. Having been fascinated with clay from a young age, Ashley studied art and art education at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas with a studio focus on Ceramics under Stan Irvin. She was a studio tech her last two years at St. Edward’s. After graduating, Ashley went on to work at ClayWays pottery studio as a studio assistant and taught Special Education at Forest Trail Elementary. Caleb apprenticed under Paul Smith, a well known Austin tattoo artist at Bijou Studio; they now co-own Red Stag Tattoo in south Austin.
Morford Studios was established in 2020, where Ashley and Caleb create work and teach classes and private lessons. Ashley hand-builds with clay slabs, often using paper templates, she darts and alters her forms building volume from flat slabs. After the initial firing Caleb adorns the forms with responsive designs.
The final firing method renders the work functional while emphasizing the clay qualities. Form, function, and fire are all elements that inform Ashley’s work. Caleb takes inspiration from stylized nature and esoteric imagery. The fire, ash, and soda kiss the pots and obscuring some of the detail resulting in work feel as though it's from another time.
Demo:
Ashley will be demonstrating how she slab builds pottery using handmade paper templates and darts to make interesting cups. Caleb will demo how he underglazes the pots before they wood or soda fire them.
Facebook Event/RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/3755883908021017
July 2nd - Michelle Cuevas
Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, July 2nd at 7pm, featuring demonstrating artist Michelle Cuevas, who will be demonstrating her shrine building and painting/glazing techniques!
***NOTE***
There are a couple of big changes for our July meeting that I want to make sure everyone notes! We will be changing venues for both dinner and the meeting…
The meeting will be held in the ceramics studio at the Dougherty Arts Center at 1110 Barton Springs Road. The front parking lot will be designated as Dougherty (DAC) special event parking and that will be open to us. You will just need to get a free parking pass from the front desk when you arrive. The rest of the parking lot around the building and in Butler Park is open and free after 5pm. More info on DAC parking can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-dougherty-arts-center
For dinner with Michelle before the demo, we will be meeting at ABGB at 1305 W Oltorf Street at 5:30pm. Our group has become a bit too unpredictable for Curra's in regards to table space, timing, and paying so we're going to try ABGB instead, as it has open seating and everyone can order and pay for themselves at the counter as they arrive.
If you have questions about either venue change, please feel free to reach out to me.
And now for a bit about Michelle!
Website: https://michellecuevasceramics.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcuevasceramics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleCuevasArtWorks
Michelle Cuevas was born in Silver City, New Mexico in 1972, but has been a west Texan since age two. In high school she was encouraged to participate in an art program called “Envision” for advance art students and it was then that she realized she wanted to pursue a career in art. Shortly after high school she took lessons in portraiture with San Angelo artist, Elaine May, with whom she learned about various mediums and techniques and was encouraged to develop her own unique style to portrait painting. After Michelle finished her studies with Elaine, she went on to work with Roger Allen at The Old Chicken Farm Art Center where she assisted Roger with his pottery for over a decade.
Even though she works in two different mediums, she has learned that there is a common understanding when creating art: craftsmanship, practice and patience, which she implements every day in her studio and applies to her work.
Shortly after she left the Chicken Farm, she collaborated with two fellow ceramicists, and it was through that collaboration that she began her own journey with clay, creating hand built functional wares. Each of her pieces are hand painted with designs inspired by textiles from Mexico and pop culture. A few years later, after encouragement from Pamela Enriquez- Courts, she approached Johnny Salas of Santisima Gallery in Albuquerque, NM and was invited to show her work in Old Town. Wanting to explore new work beyond functional pottery, it was then that Michelle began creating her shrines or nichos.
Though she started out as a portrait artist, Michelle has primarily focused on her clay work. A surprising venture to be honest.
Her work can be found at Santisima Gallery in Old Town, Albuquerque, NM. Laurel Ridge Antiques in Gonzalez, Tx, and at Studio C in Corpus Christi, Tx through May 2024.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/366828819384800
August 6th - Given McClure
Our next meeting is coming up soon on Tuesday, August 6th at 7pm, and will feature demonstrating artist, Given McClure who will be showing us thrown and altered forms!
We will once again be meeting in the clay studio at Dougherty Arts Center at 1110 Barton Springs Road. The front parking lot will be blocked off as Dougherty (DAC) special event parking and that will be open to us. You will just need to get a free parking pass from the front desk when you arrive. The rest of the parking lot around the building and in Butler Park is open and free after 5pm. More info on DAC parking can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-dougherty-arts-center
For dinner with Given before the demo, we will be meeting at ABGB at 1305 W Oltorf Street at 5:30pm. Our group has become a bit too unpredictable for Curra's in regards to table space, timing, and paying so we're trying out ABGB instead, as it has open seating and everyone can order and pay for themselves at the counter as they arrive.
If you have questions about either venue change, please feel free to reach out to me.
A little about Given…
Instagram: @given.luz
Email: given-mccluredesanchez@myshopify.com
Website: https://given-mccluredesanchez.myshopify.com/
Statement:
Given’s work explores the threshold between the built environment and the natural environment. Through the exploration of these spaces Given creates vessels that are both familiar and new and which harken back to elements of everyday infrastructure.
Bio:
Given McClure began his studies in Ceramics at St. Edward’s University In Austin, TX. where he worked as a studio assistant before transferring to the University of North Texas, where he received a BFA in Studio-Art Ceramics in 2016. During this time, Given exhibited works in local, regional, and national exhibitions, receiving numerous awards as well as a Windgate Scholarship from Penland School of Crafts to attend a wood-fire workshop led by Chris Gustin. While in Denton, Given managed a local gallery that focused on the exhibition of contemporary art for a few more years before returning to Austin. He is currently a staff member and instructor at East Side Pot Shop where he continues to make and fire his work.
Demo:
This demo will focus on wheel-thrown and altered vessels. I will demonstrate on-the-wheel alterations as well as coil additions and reductive carving processes. I will cover a range of forms from cups, bowls, one medium size vase and one decorative vessel designed for the presentation of floral cuttings.
I’ll bring with me completed examples of each of these forms as well as some already prepared forms to speed the demo along.
I’ll be working with cone 10 Laguna b-mix with mica added.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1028652742094915
September 10th, 7PM - Empty Bowl-a-Thon & Ice Cream Social
The Austin Empty Bowl Project is preparing for its 28th annual event and we will be spending our September meeting making bowls for the cause with our annual Bowl-a-Thon!!! We'll be meeting and making in the clay studio at the Dougherty Arts Center at 7pm on Tuesday, September 10th.
Clay will be provided by AEBP and we will have wheels, hand-building molds, and tools available. This event is open to the public and instruction will be provided to those who need it for hand-building bowls only. Wheel thowers must have experience in order to use the pottery wheels; no instruction provided.
In lieu of our regular group dinner before the meeting, we will be having an ice cream social during the event!
This year's Empty Bowls event is Nov. 24 at Central Texas Food Bank. As always, proceeds will go to the children's programs at CTFB and Meals on Wheels Central Texas.
AEBP also has an online silent auction. If you would like to donate something to the auction (does not have to be a bowl), contact AEBP at austinemptybowl@gmail.com, bring your donation to the meeting in a box, or drop it off at Austin Pottery. AEBP will also be collecting finished bowls during our event if you have ones on hand that you would like to donate.
If you would like to see more about Austin Empty Bowl Project and discover ways you can help, visit https://www.austinemptybowl.org/.
October 1st at 7PM - Matthew Isaacson
Our next meeting is right around the corner on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm, and will feature demonstrating artist, Matthew Isaacson who will be showing us some fun faceting and large thrown forms!
We will once again be meeting in the clay studio at Dougherty Arts Center at 1110 Barton Springs Road. The front parking lot will be blocked off as Dougherty (DAC) special event parking and that will be open to us. You will just need to get a free parking pass from the front desk when you arrive. The rest of the parking lot around the building and in Butler Park is open and free after 5pm, no parking pass required. More info on DAC parking can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-dougherty-arts-center
For dinner with Matthew before the demo, we will be meeting at ABGB at 1305 W Oltorf Street at 5:30pm. Our group has become a bit too unpredictable for Curra's in regards to table space, timing, and paying so we're trying out ABGB for awhile instead, as it has open seating and everyone can order and pay for themselves at the counter as they arrive.
If you have questions about either venue change, please feel free to reach out to me.
A little about Matthew…
Instagram: @artdisco1
Website: https://www.matthewisaacson.com/
Demo:
Matthew plans to warm up with some fun faceted cups and tea bowls, then demo a larger 25 lb planter or bowl, and if time permits a 50 lb planter form.
Bio:
Matthew Paul Isaacson was born in Northern Michigan and grew up working on a large-scale industrial fruit-manufacturing farm, a background that continues to inform and inspire his work. His current sculptural work focuses on complex installations of free-stacked ceramic and glass tiles, which often reference architectural cityscapes. Matthew received his BFA in Painting alongside a Minor in Music from Western Michigan University in 2004. He then received his MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2007 and was awarded the Graduate Thesis Dissertation Scholarship.
Matthew is Professor of Ceramics at Austin Community College, Highland Campus. He has exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally, including a solo exhibition at Duane Reed Gallery, the Luminary Center for the Arts, a group show at SPACE Gallery in Pittsburgh, and recently participated in the Xin Jiang International Sculpture Exhibition in China. Past residencies include The Luminary Center of Arts, Ox-Bow, and Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts. He has also attended Pilchuck Glass School and Arrowmont School of Arts an Crafts.
Statement:
Like a child playing with Legos or Lincoln Logs, I am fascinated by the endless possibilities of stacking and building. Considering the material of manufactured porcelain or glass tile, I repurpose its industrial function to a simple building block. The concept of multiplicity inspires me to explore boundaries of gravity as the vertical forms spiral, creating futuristic cityscapes and architecture. Tempted by their fixed shape but flexible configuration, I enjoy seeking equilibrium among my tiles on the verge of collapse.
Facebook event/RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/3660704830856558
November 12 at 7PM - Juliana Dumas
Our next meeting is right around the corner! Please note that we will be meeting on Tuesday, November 12th at 7pm, instead of the first Tuesday (Election Day). We are thrilled to host demonstrating artist, Juliana Dumas, who will be showing us the hand-building techniques she uses to create her sculptural vessels!
We will once again be meeting in the clay studio at Dougherty Arts Center at 1110 Barton Springs Road. The front parking lot will be blocked off as Dougherty (DAC) special event parking and that will be open to us. You will just need to get a free parking pass from the front desk when you arrive. The rest of the parking lot around the building and in Butler Park is open and free after 5pm, no parking pass required. More info on DAC parking can be found here: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-dougherty-arts-center
We will be gathering for dinner with Juliana before the demo at ABGB at 1305 W Oltorf Street at 5:30pm. ABGB has open seating and everyone can order and pay for themselves at the counter as they arrive.
A little about Juliana:
Website: www.julianaceramics.com
Instagram: @juliana.ceramics
Demo:
For the demo I will be combining slab and coil building to fabricate sculptural vessels. I will also show carving and piercing techniques to create rich surfaces on ceramic objects.
Bio:
Juliana Dumas creates functional and sculptural handmade pottery & jewelry in Austin, TX. She received a BFA in Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design from Indiana University in 2010 and worked in handmade paper, glass and jewelry production before finding her way to ceramics.
Her clay practice began in Austin in 2014 and is a continuous exploration of form & surface using atmospheric firing processes to achieve dynamic and unreplicable work. She utilizes improvisation and experimentation in creating thrown and hand-built ceramics, playing with form and function. Her tactile and intricate ceramic objects are meant to elevate everyday rituals.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2067115913707113
October 3rd - Abby Rose Mandel
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Instagram: @abbyrosemandel
Website: www.abbyrosemandel.com
Statement:
Abby Rose Mandel creates functional pottery with an emphasis on color and pattern, which she loves to mix and match in playful ways. The work is a mixture of slip cast porcelain using molds created by the artist or hand built forms with an emphasis on slab construction. Once constructed and bisque fired, each piece is then sanded, individually painted and layered with decals to create a unique piece of illustrated clay. The final pieces are then fired to a hot cone 5 in an electric kiln.
Abby has always viewed ceramic work and pottery as essential to enriching our lives. Ceramics can be a more accessible form of art for many and unlike many 2D mediums, the clay encourages use and touch. In having the opportunity to create her functional pieces and jewelry, she has always strived to make visually interesting art pieces that could provide use in the home while also bringing joy during use as each one is its own unique art piece.
Demo:
Abby will present a brief history of her work in the ceramic arts and the concept and development of her current designs. She will then give a demonstration of her process starting with slip casting through to the surface decoration techniques that she uses to finish the colorful forms. The talk will conclude with an open Q & A for anyone interested in learning more.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/859918702023541
September 12th - Empty Bowl-a-Thon!
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
The Austin Empty Bowl Project is preparing for its 27th annual event and we will be spending our September meeting making bowls for the cause with our annual Bowl-a-Thon!!!
AEBP will provide mid-range clay and some hand-building molds, stamps and other texture-creating goodies. Throwers should bring their own throwing tools. Please note that this is not an instructive event. You should be able to help make bowls without instruction.
In lieu of our regular dinner at Curra's before the meeting, we will be having a snack potluck during the event. Feel free to bring something to share!
This year's Empty Bowls event is Nov. 19 at Central Texas Food Bank. As always, proceeds will go to the children's programs at CTFB and Meals on Wheels Central Texas.
AEBP will continue to have the silent auction online. If you would like to donate something to the auction, contact AEBP at austinemptybowl@gmail.com.
Thank you for helping us feed hungry Central Texas kids!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1649899415476406
August 8th - Skill Share Social Hour: Websites & Online Sales Platforms
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Join us for our August 8th meeting and our next Skill Share Social Hour! These skill share based meetings focus on various artist professional development topics, and this month will be Websites and Online Sales Platforms!
Websites are a great way to share your work, tell your artistic story, and even sell your work to the world. We'll be hearing from a few members about their experiences creating websites using various website hosts, and also about how to incorporate different online sales platforms, as well as group discussion throughout the night. If you would like to share your experience with websites and online sales with a short (10-15 minute presentation), let us know and we'll add you to the presenter list.
Rather than meeting for dinner at Curra's beforehand, we will be continuing our conversation and socializing at ABGB following the meeting. Come meet your fellow Austin clay enthusiasts and learn some new skills!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/963656474884971
July 11 - How to Make Your Electric Kiln Last
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Join us for our July meeting and a guest lecture from Arnold Howard on "How to Make Your Electric Kiln Last"!
Arnold will explain how to operate, safely set up, and maintain your kiln so that it lasts. Where should you store it? How do you load it without damaging the firebricks? What causes bulging elements? Can you place it on cement blocks?
He will discuss safety issues that he’s seen in studios and schools. What should you inspect periodically? What are the most common mistakes made in repairing kilns? What causes a kiln to over-fire?
Arnold Howard worked at the Paragon kiln factory for most of his career. He tested prototype kilns, wrote Paragon instruction manuals, and taught kiln classes at the factory and trade shows. He left Paragon to become an independent kiln technician in 2019. He repairs all brands of electric kilns on site in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. He delivers and sets up kilns and does remote diagnosis by Zoom or FaceTime. See our Clay Resources page for contact info.
We will be gathering for dinner with Arnold before the meeting at Curra's (on Oltorf) at 5:30pm for those that would like to join us. It's a great chance to meet and mingle with other clay enthusiasts. I do recommend bringing cash, as they only allow four cards to be run per group. For those that are unable to make dinner, we will also be heading to ABGB after the meeting for more socializing!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/787377516127377
June 6th - Skill Share Social Hour: Photographing Your Work
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Join us for our June 6th meeting and our first Skill Share Social Hour! These skill share based meetings will focus on various artist professional development topics, and our first one will be Photographing Your Work!
We'll be hearing from several members on their techniques for photographing their work, including using a lightbox or natural light, using props, different cameras (phones work great!), and editing photos. Then we'll open it up for discussion, sharing, and even let you try it out for yourself, so be sure to bring some work to photograph!
Rather than meeting for dinner at Curra's beforehand, we will be continuing our conversation and socializing at ABGB following the meeting. Come meet your fellow Austin clay enthusiasts and learn some new skills!
Our meeting will be at our normal time of 7pm at the clay studio at St. Edward's University.
If you would like to share your skills of photographing your work with a short (5-10 minute) presentation, let us know and we'll add you to the presenter list.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/263034652799124
May 2nd - Veronica Christianson
7pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Instagram: @veddo.ceramics
Statement
Hi! My name is Veronica. I’m a ceramic artist living in Austin, Texas.
I got introduced to ceramics in college and I’ve been hooked ever since!
I love making pinchy, texture-focused forms. My hope is that by accentuating my pinch marks you’re invited to think about how each form was made—slowly and thoughtfully by hand.
Primarily making functional pieces intended to be enjoyed in homes, I see my work as a celebration of daily life.
I am endlessly inspired by the opportunity to help liven up intimate spaces. Objects like the vase we place fresh-cut flowers in, the bowl we eat our noodles out of, and the mug we sip our coffee from all have the opportunity to help us rejoice in and show reverence for our everyday moments and rituals.
Demo
Veronica will give us a brief presentation about her work and share a bit about her process, what she makes, and what she's been working on. She'll then demo her pinching and handbuilding techniques and surface work.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1575404306315186
April 4th - Terra Goolsby
March 7th - Ashley Thompson
7-9pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
www.instagram.com/ashleaves_pottery/
Statement:
Influenced by the din of the city and the rugged outdoors, I combine wheel thrown and hand built techniques to create functional and sculptural stoneware in Austin, Texas. I am fascinated by the endless puzzle-solving opportunities that clay offers which allows me to toy with classic methods without aiming for classic beauty. Working with clay feels like a collaboration between my hands and my subconscious; the result of which is full of texture, curves and sometimes a bit of surprise.
Demo:
I will be making two versions of a hand built flower vase using a template- one using texture & colored slip, and one semi-altered.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/145592271708648
February 7th - Lauri Johnston
7-9pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
https://www.instagram.com/lauriljclay
Bio:
Lauri is a neurodivergent illustrator and lettering artist with a background in graphic design. In 2021 she returned to working in ceramics after a 13 year break and found a passion for sgraffito. She splits her work time between illustration and ceramics, and spends her free time rock climbing and hiking. Lauri lives with her family in South Austin where they're currently building a backyard pottery studio.
Demo:
I'll share my ombre underglaze technique, the sgraffito process I use for most of my work and an underglaze inlay process. Since it takes several hours to complete one piece, I'll bring several leather hard pieces that are in various stages in the decoration process to show parts of each step.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1915909498769961
January 17th- Rebeca Milton
7-9pm at St. Edward's University - Ceramics Studio
Website: www.nomceramics.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebecamilton
Rebeca Milton is a ceramic artist based in Elgin and Austin, TX. She lives in Elgin with her husband Scott Proctor, where they have a home studio. In Austin, they are the owners of East Side Pot Shop, a community pottery studio. Together, they have a collaborative practice called Nom Ceramics, all cone 10 soda fired wares with intricate surface design. Rebeca is a hand builder, utilizing a “coil and pinch” technique. She is fascinated by atmospheric firings and creating both functional and sculptural pieces.
For Rebeca’s GACA demonstration, she will show how she makes her round vessels. She’ll talk about the preferred clay and tools she uses, before demonstrating the stages of making these round forms, from working with wet clay at the beginning, to finishing the piece by adding on to leatherhard clay. Rebeca will then demonstrate some surface decoration techniques on a bisqued piece, using underglazes and flashing slips, all in consideration for cone 10 soda firing.
November - Britton Thorp
October - Katy Bradshaw David
September - Empty Bowl-a-Thon
August - Jon Nelson
July - Open House/Supply Exchange
June - Sadie Pass
May - Hallie Shafer
April - Chris Long
March - Katie Lehn
February - Show and Tell
January - Sarah German
November - Myra Stiefel
October - Jay Jones
September - Empty Bowl-a-Thon
August - n/a
July - Ariel Bowman
June - Amanda Love
May - Osa Atoe
April - Debra Broz
March - Ginny Marsh
February - John Vela
January - n/a
December 2: Melanie Shaw
November 11: GACA social zoom
October 14: Morghan Grey and Hector Kriete
September 2: Empty Bowls (An evening of throwing and handbuilding bowls)
August 5: Justin Perrault
July 1: Katherine Taylor
June 3: Bonnie Brushwood
March 4: Bob Trevorrow
Febuary 5: Mallory Blair Randle
January 8: Lisa Orr
November 6: Rob Sheldon and Tawni Bates of YoYo Pottery Discount Stickers & More (Throwing and surface decoration)
October 3: Scott Proctor (Thrown and altered) of East Side Pot Shop
September 4: Empty Bowls (An evening of throwing and handbuilding bowls)
August 7: Amanda Robin Wood (Sculpture)
July 3: Diana Kersey
June 5: Daugherty Art Center Artists in Residence led by Sarah German including Traci Ward and Katy David
May 9:Art of the Pot Presenter TBA (note this is a Thursday)
April 3:Terri Gray (Ceramic Pillows)
March 6: Rick Van Dyke (Handbuilding) of Fireseed Clay Art Studios
February 6: Rebecca Laura Lee Polk (sculpture)
November 7th: Guest Artist - Josh Edgar
October 3rd: Guest Artist - Xiaozhou "Frank" Zhu
See Facebook Event for more details.
September 5th: Bowl-a-Thon for Austin Empty Bowl Project
See Facebook Event for more details.
August 2nd: Guest Artist - Bridget Hauser
See Facebook Event for more details.
July 11th: Guest Artist - Mary Fischer
June: Guest Artist - Kym Owens
See Facebook Event for more details.
May: Guest Artist - Art of the Pot - Justin Donofrio
See Facebook Event for more details.
April: Guest Artist - Graham Erisman
See Facebook Event for more details.
March: Guest Artist - Susan Kennedy and Nico Weissenberger
See Facebook Event for more details.
February: Guest Artist - Cody Clinton
See Facebook Event for more details.
January 10th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Bob Swaffar
See Facebook Event for more details.
November 7th (Tue), 7-9pm: Carol Schwartz
Please join us on Tuesday November 7th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Carol Schwartz's presentation.
Carol will demonstrate drawing onto clay as well as alternative screen printing techniques. She will talk about the narrative quality of her work, favorite tools, use of under-glazes, layering, and some of the tricks to make decorating easier.
Demonstration attendees can bring their own greenware pieces (leather hard to bone dry) and try out Carol's techniques!
Come join us for dinner and meet Carol at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
October 3rd (Tue), 7-9pm: Omid Laridjani
Please join us on Tuesday October 3rd from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Omid Laridjani's presentation.
" I will demonstrate how to make a unique water vessel shape that has been used for centuries in Spain. Even though I'm a beginner, I'm passionate about this shape. It involves throwing a closed form on the wheel, then 3 other shape-elements off the hump."
Omid spent a summer in Agost Espana at a pottery studio called Alfareria La Nava, where he learned how to make these incredible vessels.
For more info see:
https://www.facebook.com/creativeinstincts
See Facebook Event for more details.
September 5th (Tue), 7-9pm: Bowl-a-Thon for Austin Empty Bowl Project
Come join us for a Bowl-a-Thon at the St. Ed’s ceramic studio, September 5th from 7 – 9 p.m. benefiting the Austin Empty Bowl Project.
GACA has some of the best Texas Clay artist. Let's come together and make some bowls! Clay will be provided, along with handbuilding molds and tools. Please bring your own throwing tools. The soup bowls we make will be donated to this year’s Austin Empty Bowl event on Sunday November 19th. This event raises money to fight hunger in Central Texas. All proceeds from the event will go to support the children’s programs of the Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas.
See Facebook Event for more details.
August 7th (Mon), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: V. Chin
Please join us on Monday August 7th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see V.Chin's presentation.
V.Chin will be demoing carving techniques and how to use Japanese ceramic tools.
To see more of V.Chin's work visit his website at:
See Facebook Event for more details.
July 11th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Renee LoPresti (CANCELLED)
Renee will focus on developing surface composition by layering underglazes and glazes directly onto leather hard clay. Custom paper and die-cut vinyl stencils will be used to create layered patterns, shapes, and detailed imagery.
To see more of Renee's work visit her website at www.reneelopresticeramics.com
See Facebook Event for more details.
June 6th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Ed Triece
Please join us NEXT WEEK on Tuesday June 6th from 7-9pm at St. Edward's University, Fine Arts Building to see Ed Triece's presentation.
Ed will be demonstrating:
" I will illustrate the use of carving in leather hard clay to decorate pots. Key steps in the carving process will be illustrated as well as aesthetic considerations related to carving in clay. If we have time, I would also like to show a home-made extruder."
See Facebook Event for more details.
May 11th (Thu), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Doug Peltzman
Please join us on Thursday May 11th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Art Of The Pot guest artist Doug Peltzman.
Note: We are meeting on a Thursday night so we can coincide with Art Of The Pot- Mother's Day Weekend event. You can view the full schedule of Art of the Pot on their website at: www.artofthepot.com
Doug will be demonstrating:
"The relationship between form and surface will be explored through demonstration and discussion. Mug shapes and handles will be the focus. I will speak to the importance of placement, proportion, and balance when pulling and attaching handles. I will finish up sharing insights on incising and inlaying slip into leather hard clay and engineering pots specifically for runny glazes.”
To see more of Doug's work, visit his website and facebook page at: www.dougpeltzman.com
Doug Peltzman Pottery
See Facebook Event for more details.
April 4th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: James Tisdale
Please join us on Tuesday April 4th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see James Tisdale's presentation.
James will be giving a slide show presentation and will be talking about his work.
To see James' work visit his website at www.jamestisdale.com
See Facebook Event for more details.
March 7th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Shikha Joshi
Please join us on Tuesday March 7th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Shikha Joshi's presentation.
Shikha will be demonstrating "Lithotransfer on Clay". A technique that uses a mixture of pigments and adhesives to transfer a photocopied image on clay. The demo will begin with a presentation of how she selects and preps her images on Photoshop prior to printing, followed by ink preparation and finally the actual printing on clay.
To see more of Shikha's work, please visit her:
Website: www.potterybyShikha.com
Facebook: Shikha Gupta Joshi
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/potterybyshikha
See Facebook Event for more details.
February 7th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Stan Irvin
Please join us on Tuesday February 7th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Stan Irvin's presentation.
Stan will be demonstrating his process for making stencils and printing patterns on clay slabs using stencil and silk screen techniques. He will also demonstrate methods which he has developed for forming soft slabs with printed imagery.
To see more of Stan's work. Please visit his website www.stanirvin.com
See Facebook Event for more details.
January 10th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Jamie Wade
We will be meeting the Second week in January. Please join us on Tuesday January 10th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University for Jamie Wade's presentation.
Jamie will be sharing her artistic journey and demonstrating her approach for hand-building both functional pottery and abstract figurative clay sculptures.
Jamie Lea Wade is 2004 graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute Ceramics department, a current resident at the Eye of the Dog Art Center, and co-founder of Exponential Art. Her work has been featured nationally in public and private collections and has been included in several publications including Lark Ceramics 500 Figures in Clay, Volume 2 & Ceramic Sculpture: Making Faces: A Guide to Modeling the Head and Face with clay.
To learn more about Jamie Wade visit her website at www.vesselsforthesoul.com
See Facebook Event for more details.
November 1st (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Lisa Orr
Lisa Orr will bring some historic German Siegburg wood-fired drinking vessels and early sprigs and discuss their style development over several centuries. We will look at the creation of sprigs ancient and modern, as well as view her interpretation of some of these lovely and unusual forms that have unusual ribbing, rilling and best of all, frilly feet! Additionally, she will demonstrate the beauty of throwing with un-wedged clay and slurry.
To learn more about Lisa Orr visit her website at www.lisaorr.com, and FB page Lisa Orr Pottery
See Facebook Event for more details.
October 4th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Billy Ray Mangham
Please join us on Tuesday October 4th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Billy Ray Mangham's presentation. He will be demonstrating bird sculpture and talking about the intersection of folk and fine art, making aesthetic decisions, and how cool potters are.
To learn more about Billy Ray visit his website at www.eyeofthedog.com, and FB Eye of the Dog Art Center
Come join us for dinner and meet Billy Ray at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
September 20th (Tue), 7-9pm: GACA Bowl-a-Thon for Austin Empty Bowl Project
Come join us for a Bowl-a-Thon at the St. Ed’s ceramic studio, September 20th from 7 – 9 p.m. benefiting the Austin Empty Bowl Project.
Clay will be provided, along with handbuilding molds and tools. Please bring your own throwing tools. The soup bowls, both thrown and handbuilt, will be donated to this year’s event on November 20th which will for the 20th year raise money to fight hunger in Central Texas. All proceeds from the event will go to support the children’s programs of the Central Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Central Texas.
See Facebook Event for more details.
September 6th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Carl Block
Please join us on Tuesday September 6th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see Carl Block's presentation. He will be discussing the Spiritual in Art through intuition, knowledge and self awareness. Carl will sculpt wheel thrown forms, and discuss one pathway to more understanding in creative work.
http://www.texasclayfestival.com/block/
Come join us for dinner and meet Carl at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
August 2nd (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Ryan McKerley
Please join us on Tuesday August 2nd from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University to see William Ryan Mckerley's presentation. He will be demoing his seamless handles and his tape stencil on bisque ware surface decoration technique.
Come join us for dinner and meet Ryan at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
July 5th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Todd Van Duren
Please join us on Tuesday July 5th from 7-9pm at St. Edwards University for Todd A. Van Duren's presentation. He is going to talk about his transition to slip-casting, specifically what he had hoped to achieve and what has evolved since.
Take a look at Todd's Website: www.toddvanduren.com
Come join us for dinner and meet Todd at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
June 7th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Michael and Gaye Lynn Hodgson
Please join us on Tuesday June 7th from 7-9 at St. Edwards University for Michael Hodgson and Gaye Lynn Hodgson's presentation.
Artist statement :
Michael - I see functional pottery as an opportunity to create art that is interactive in a basic daily way. Handmade pottery can add a grounding quality to eating and drinking.
Gaye Lynn- The things that drive and inspire me to make pots today are the things that drew me to clay in the first place: a love of function and form, a passion for the process that clay demands, and the joy of using hand made pottery.
They will be demoing:
- Mono printing on clay - slips are applied to heavy paper, a composition is created, then the print is transferred to a slab of clay
- Shellac and Water - Shellac used as a resist, creating designs on a bone dry clay surface. Water and sponge used to wash away the areas not covered by the resist pattern. Info about shellac and resources.
To see more of their work visit their website and facebook page:
Come join us for dinner and meet Michael and Gaye Lynn at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
May 5th (Thu), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Art of the Pot - Chandra DeBuse and Tommy Frank
Please join us on Thursday May 5th from 7-9 at St. Edwards University for Chandra DeBuse and Tommy Frank's presentation. They are visiting artists for Art of the Pot. This is a special treat for GACA to have TWO artists!
To view their work, visit their websites:
You are welcome to join us for dinner beforehand and meet Chandra Debuse and Tommy Frank at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
April 5th (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Max Butler
Please join us on Tuesday April 5th from 7-9 at St. Edwards University for Max Butler's presentation. He will be demonstrating how to throw large bowls and some of his brushwork. Please visit his FB Page Butler Pottery or website www.butlerpottery.com for more information.
You are welcome to join us for dinner beforehand and meet Max Butler at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
See Facebook Event for more details.
March 2nd (Wed), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Pat Johnson
Please join us Wednesday March 2nd from 7-9 at St. Edwards University for Pat Johnson's presentation. A short overview of Pat’s work will be presented in a slide show. Pat will also demonstrate her building methods; coil and slab building and discuss adding narrative, thematic and symbolic content to figurative works. A variety of surface techniques: underglaze, wax resist, underglaze pencil and casein paint on bisque will be presented.
Also a chance to ask the artist - “what the hell are you thinking?”
You are welcome to join us for dinner beforehand and meet Pat Johnson at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
Artist Narrative:
Pat Johnson is known for her sometimes disturbing yet humorous figures and tiles that take cues from a grab bag of influences ranging from antiquity to popular culture. Her current work has been a dialog of personal disasters with the protagonists as the artist. A full time artist for more than 40 years she lives and works in Fayetteville, Texas. She received her BFA in ceramics from North Texas State University.
Her work was included in the 1998 NCECA conference exhibition in Texas and the 2004 juried CraftHouston traveling exhibit organized by the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts. She has been the First Place winner at the Winedale Crafts Exhibition and placed 2ndin the 15th Annual Ceramic National at the San Angelo Museum of Art. She has also won numerous awards from the Texas Clay Artist Association. Her tile work is included in the Lark Books publication, 500 Tiles and 500 Figures, Vol.II.
In 2014 she was selected to participate in The 35th Annual Contemporary Craft Exhibition at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in Arizona, the 56th Annual Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Art Center and the Texas Craft Biennial at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. She was on the short list for the 2014 Art Pace International Residency.
Pat has been featured in many one person and group shows in Texas and surrounding states. Among them are exhibits at the Art Car Museum, McNay Art Museum, San Angelo Museum of Art and galleries such as d. berman and Hooks-Epstein Gallery. In 2013 Johnson participated in exhibitions at Harris Gallery, Raven Grill and The Ceramic Store in Houston in coordination with the NCECA Conference.
Johnson’s work is coil built, slab built or cast. She uses a unique process of drawing on the bisque fired clay with underglaze pencils and pastels. Her recent work incorporates a wax, an etching tool and underglaze technique that reflects an influence from printmaking. Her unconventional use of materials has also led her to use casein paints on bisque.
See Facebook Event for more details.
February 2nd (Tue), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Diana Seidel
An Exploration of Handles—a Freeing Evolution
diana@dianaseidel.com
Artist Statement:
I work primarily with wheel-thrown stoneware, beginning with a controlled idea of form and finishing with asymmetric design elements that soften and enhance the pottery. Coil-built and slab vessels balance the thrown pieces. The coiled pieces begin with a looser idea of form that is given definition and precision as they are finished. The slab pieces start with rectangles that are purposely softened as the pieces are formed. Layering glazes and stains completes the work. I am especially interested in subtle nuances of shape and color and how they complement each other.
Brief Bio:
Two years after college (1972), I took my first pottery class in New York City. Four years and an apprenticeship later, I opened a studio in Garrison, NY and spent the next twenty years making pots and selling at craft shows.
In 1996, I moved to Austin, TX. For twelve years I rented studio space at ClayWays Studio, where I taught classes and workshops and managed the gallery. Overlapping for a year, in 2008 I became a partner at Cone 10 Studio where we provided workspace, glazes and firings for about twenty potters. At the beginning of 2013 when the large gas kiln at Cone 10 had to be removed, I left the changing studio and now work out of a small studio next to my house. I reduction fire to cone 10 in a Bailey gas kiln, which I have had since 1997.
Ceramics Monthly, April 2014, Studio Visit
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/.../ceramics-monthly-april-2014/
See Facebook Event for more details.
January 6th (Wed), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Dee Buck
Dee Buck will be discussing his many years as a professional potter/owner of Buck Pottery and his most recent wood kiln build/firing at the Eye of the Dog Art Center.
If you ever wanted to learn about building and firing a wood kiln this is the demo you don't want to miss.
Please join us for dinner and meet Dee Buck at Curra's Grill (614 Oltorf) at 5:30pm.
For a map of Saint Ed's University. Please visit:
https://www.stedwards.edu/.../media/main_campus_map.pdf.
We are located in the Fine Arts Building.
See Facebook Event for more details.
November 3rd (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Myra Douglas
Myra will be presenting her experience as an intern at the Sugar Maple Art Center with Susan Beacher. At the center she assisted with other artists who did workshops. She also assisted in wood kiln firings of niborigama and a 65 foot agama wood kiln. Myra will also be demoing her flasks and pitcher handles. Facebook: Myra Douglass Curvin
7pm - 9pm at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building).
We will meet at Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorf) at 5:30 -5:45 pm for dinner. Please try to bring cash to settle the bill.
All meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your interested artist friends.
October 6th (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artists: Kyle and Angie White
We will have Kyle and Angie White demonstrate. Kyle and Angie are the owners of The Barn (formerly known as Buck Pottery) in Gruene TX. Web - http://thebarningruene.com/
7pm - 9pm at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building).
We will meet at Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorf) at 5:30 -5:45 pm for dinner. Please try to bring cash to settle the bill.
All meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your interested artist friends.
September 1st (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Eric Jackson
We will have Eric Jackson demo his talented skills of throwing clay. Eric is a teacher at Laguna Gloria and is also a studio potter who specializes in shino glazes.
7pm - 9pm at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building).
May 7th (Thurs), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Jeff Campana
Our guest artist this month is Jeff Campana. In this 1-2 hour session, Jeff will explain and demonstrate his unique decoration process. Leather hard pots are carefully dissected and reassembled based on a geometric system of plotting points that are then connected by use of an exacto knife. After the parts are all smoothed with a sponge, the pot is then carefully reassembled exactly as it was before. The result is a structural decoration, visible inside and out.
Jeff will be a guest artist at the studio of Melissa Mencini for this year's Art of the Pot studio tour on May 9th and 10th.
Web site: jeffcampana.com
April 7th (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Melissa Mencini
Our guest artist this month is Melissa Mencini, who will be demonstrating some of her surface decoration techniques. Melissa uses a variety of methods, including silk screening, decals and mishima, to embellish her pottery with bright floral designs and imagery.
Melissa's work was recently on show at the Print-Fired exhibition at the E4 gallery - print-fired.com . Melissa will also be a new host for the Art of the Pot studio tour in May - artofthepot.com .
Web site: melissamencini.com
March 11th (Wed), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Sara Parent-Ramos
Our guest artist this month is our host at St. Edwards University - Sara Parent-Ramos. Sara is Visiting Professor of Art and Director of the Fine Arts Gallery at St. Eds. This presentation will give us an opportunity to find out more about Sara and her art.
Web - saraparentramos.com
January 14th (Weds), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Ross Grady High
Our guest artist this month is Ross Grady High - if you've ever seen his playful astronaut sculptures you'll recognize his work immediately. Ross is a resident artist at the Eye of the Dog Art Center.
You can find pictures of Ross' work here on Instagram: instagram.com/ombcstudio and on his Facebook page: facebook.com/rosshigh
December - no meeting
November 12th (Weds), 7-9pm: Bowl-a-thon Glazing for Austin Empty Bowl Project
Following on from October's bowl-a-thon for the Austin Empty Bowl Project, the bowls have been trimmed and bisqued. We'll finish off with a glazing session for the meeting - plenty of time to get fancy with the decoration.
November 12th (Weds), 7-9pm: Bowl-a-thon Glazing for Austin Empty Bowl Project
Following on from October's bowl-a-thon for the Austin Empty Bowl Project, the bowls have been trimmed and bisqued. We'll finish off with a glazing session for the meeting - plenty of time to get fancy with the decoration.
October 8th (Weds), 7-9pm: Bowl-a-thon for Austin Empty Bowl Project
We are doing a bowl-a-thon for the Austin Empty Bowl Project. High fire clay and other materials (such as molds and texturing materials) will be provided - thanks to Kris Asthalter. We'll be both throwing and handbuilding.
August 5th (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Sarah German
Sarah German will be our demonstrator.
Sarah makes elegant thrown and altered porcelain functional pieces, with direct and indirect screen printed decoration - www.saragermanceramics.com. She is currently teaching at the Dougherty Art Center.
July 2nd (Weds), 7-9pm: Video - "Revolutions Of The Wheel"
A showing of the video Revolutions Of The Wheel, The Emergence Of American Clay Art. The video has five parts, each 1/2 hour long, and we showed the first two parts in February. This time we'll move on to parts 3 and 4 - "Peter Voulkos & The Otis Group" and "Robert Arneson & The Davis Group". Details on the series are at www.revolutionsofthewheel.com
May 8th (Thurs), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Renee Brown
We are honored to have Renee Brown as our presenter and demonstrator.
Renee Brown of Missoula, Montana is in town as an Art of the Pot guest (AotP is the weekend of May 9-11). Renee was an emerging artist at NCECA this year and has two bodies of original work. Her current work is stunningly gorgeous and based on gemstones-in-the-rough. Her utilitarian work is similarly glorious and utilizes sunset colors marbleized onto soft terracotta pottery forms. Check out pictures of her work on her website:
reneebrownceramics.com
April 12th (Sat): Ceramixer at Laguna Gloria
For April let's take advantage of the Ceramixer event to get together and meet other clay folks. It's a great location and a fun event, so head on up to Laguna Gloria. Saturday April 12th in the afternoon: Second Saturdays
March 4th (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Don Brimberry
Don Brimberry will be our demonstrator.
Since 1977, Don Brimberry has made pottery in Austin, specializing in functional and decorative porcelain ceramics with a strong sense of color and contrast, using abstract design elements that create visual interest and texture.
brimberrypottery.com
February 18th - Video - "Revolutions Of The Wheel"
A showing of the video Revolutions Of The Wheel, The Emergence Of American Clay Art. The video is in five parts, each 1/2 hour long, so we'll start with the first two parts - "The Tradition Of No Tradition" and "The Great Move West". Details on the series are at www.revolutionsofthewheel.com
January 14th - Steering Committee
December - no meeting
November 6th (Weds), 6-8pm: Guest Artist: Ty Johnson
Ty Johnson will be our demonstrator.
Ty moved to San Marcos, Texas in November of 2007 to help design and build the Eye Of The Dog Art Center. Ty is currently working in his newly completed studio making functional and funny yard art. While his work is technically complex it has a loose and playful appearance.
"I love playing in the clay and the way clay feels and responds to the touch. Anything is possible! I have always been a builder of things and my ceramic art is another expression of that passion for the hand made object. "
We will meet at Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorff) at 5:30 -5:45 pm for a fun and yummy dinner with our guest. Please try to bring cash to settle the bill.
All meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your interested artist friends. At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
October 3rd (Thurs), 6-8pm: Guest Artist: Angelica Vasquez
Angelica Vasquez from Santa Maria Atzompa, Oaxaca, presenting a Mexican folk pottery demo and artist talk.
Opening Reception for Mexican Visions in Clay - The Sacred, Secular and Fantastical in Figurative Art.
Thursday, October 3, at St. Edwards Fine Arts Gallery, 6:00pm.
There will not be a pre-meeting dinner this time.
Exhibition dates: October 4-18, 2013.
Opening Reception: October 3, 6-8pm.
There will also be a demo by the artist on Wednesday evening at 7pm in the clay lab, with a translator.
September 3rd (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Mike Grafa
Mike Grafa will be our demonstrator.
Mike received his BFA degree from Texas Tech University with a concentration in painting. He got his MFA in ceramics from North Texas State University. After graduating, Mike taught ceramics at Tarrant County Jr. College and Texas Weslean College. He now lives with his wife Norma in Austin, Texas where he teaches at Austin Community College and works in his studio.
August 7th (Weds), 7-9pm: Guest Presenter: Beverly Howard
Howard has been the chief technical support staff for Rebecca Roberts in the many years of her ceramics career. He will narrow his scope for this presentation to "Working with, Presenting and Distributing Digital Images."
July 2nd (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Justin Perreault
Justin Perreault will be our demonstrator.
Perreault took home most of the prizes from the GACA show at the Dougherty Center last year. His sculptures are witty and well made.
June 5th (Weds), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: Kelly Hill
Kelly Hill will give our presentation.
Kelly has been working and teaching at Clayways. In addition to a demonstration of her work, she hints that an "Art Therapy Exercise" may be in the offering...
This presentation arranged by Ellen Ward.
We will meet at Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorff) at 5:30 -5:45 pm for a fun and yummy dinner with our guest. Please try to bring cash to settle the bill.
All meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your interested artist friends. At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
May 7th (Tues), 7-9pm: Guest Artist: John Mendenhall
John will discuss and show images of his visit to "The Porcelain House" museum in Tianjin, China.
"The history of the museum has threads of the stories of porcelain, Ming and Qing -era pottery and the Jingdezhen kilns. I'll allude to these, but the museum was really inspired by an incident during the Cultural Revolution."
April 3rd (Weds): Guest Artist: Eric Tragus
Eric Tragus will be our demonstrator. See his web site here
Tragus is working with high heat wood firing.
"I make a variety of functional wares and decorative art on a personal scale. The work is made through a combination of techniques, including throwing, extrusion, hand-building, and press molds."
March 5th (Tues): Guest Artist: Michael Merritt
Michael Merritt will be our demonstrator. Merritt is the master of tri-pots and graffiti.
"I have been working with clay connected with my love of thrown pottery both functional and sculptural. My current body of work is decorated with various forms of graffiti. My imagery was first just photographs of local and some San Francisco and New York taggers. More recently, though, I have been working collaboratively with mainly freight train graffiti artists."
February 6th (Weds): Guest Artist: Jason Hooper
Jason Hooper will be our demonstrator.
Hooper's work displays an elegant, mature blend of form and function. His inspiration comes from abstract and traditional forms, usually with simple lines and geometric influences. Rich glazes and overlapping glaze combinations add flow and depth to the surface and provide variation in color and texture.
He creates pieces with a white stoneware body that is fired to cone 6 in oxidation and uses studio-mixed glazes to achieve a fine finish for both artistic and functional work.
January 8th (Tues): Guest Artist: Gery Henderson
November 7th (Weds): Show review and planning
October 3rd (Weds): Dougherty Arts Center show opening
September 12th (Weds): Empty Bowls glazing
Glazing all the bowls from last months meeting.
August 9th (Thurs): Empty Bowls bowl-a-thon
It's our Empty Bowls bowl-a-thon. We will make as many empty bowls as possible in our meeting time frame. Clay will be provided, along with a few slump molds, some underglazes and texturing tools.
July 10th (Tues): Guest Artist: Max Butler
Max Butler received his BFA in ceramics from the University of North Texas in 1979. He has worked in several different potteries in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona before settling in Bastrop, TX, where he lives and works. Max has been in Bastrop since 1986. He lost his studio due to the Labor Day fires last year and is slowly rebuilding. He is hoping to be finished rebuilding by next month.
Max will show us a few images of his work, followed by a production session. We will then see how Max decorates his pots with slips, underglazes. Clay, brushes, and underglazes will be provided so that GACA members can get some hands-on experience during the presentation. They can make (and take home to fire) their own sample.
June 13th (Weds): Sharing home made tools
We will all learn from each other, sharing clay working secrets, favorite tools-homemade or store bought, techniques, or modifications that make your studio more efficient. Everyone participates! This is a show and tell, so bring your tool/clay/other supplies to demonstrate.
May 8th (Tues): Art on the Green at Laguna Gloria
Art on the Green ( http://amoa-arthouse.org/2012/art-on-the-green/ ) is a nine-hole miniature golf interactive installation on the grounds of Laguna Gloria. We can golf, get to know each other, interact with art, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Bring your kids! Bring your friends! The golf course is open late and fees are half price on "Twilight Tuesdays."
April 4th (Weds): Guest Artist: Carol Schwartz
Carol will demonstrate how to produce original screen printed decals that can be applied to glass or glazed ceramic pieces. It's a pretty inexpensive and low tech process that can easily be set up at home. We'll go over supplies needed and the in's and out's of screen printing.
Interested in making your own decal during the workshop? Bring your relatively simple and small (about two inches max) sketches/ideas and we'll go through the process together.
March 7th (Weds): Guest Artist: Tomas Schneider
Tomas Schneider lives and works in Austin, TX. He currently teaches art and design at Texas State University and continues to work as a sculptor in the film industry in Texas and New York. He obtained his undergraduate degree in ceramics from Texas State University and went on to earn a Master's degree in ceramics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Tomas has worked in the art industry in a multitude of capacities, including monumental bronze casting, jewelry, fabrication, design/prototyping, and mold making.
Tomas will deliver a brief slide presentation about his work in graduate school as well as the film industry. He will then demonstrate various hand-building techniques in clay, as well as talk about some of the materials he uses in his mixed media sculptures.
His website is www.schneiderworks.com
Feb 7th (Tues): Guest Artist: Susan Stegall
About Susan's Demo
Susan spends her studio time working with both glass and clay. She will demonstrate some of her ceramics and glass techniques, give a show and tell of various tools and molds, and tell us about considerations that artists need to make when combining glass with ceramics. We will also have a hands-on glass cutting demo.
Jan 4th (Weds): Guest Artist: Kelley Eggert
Presentation
Kelley Eggert's ceramic work involves extensive post-fire assembly and mixed media application. She will deliver a slide presentation about her current work and the building, glazing, and firing methods used to prepare for post-fire composition. The presentation will be followed by a "show and tell" of tools, materials, and various things to consider when using mixed media.
About the Artist
Kelley Eggert earned her master of fine arts with a concentration in ceramics from the University of Florida, Gainesville. In addition to receiving the University of Florida Alumni Fellowship, she was awarded two Albert K. Murray grants. In 2012 she held a twelve month residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft in Houston where she currently resides. In addition to her studio practice, Kelley teaches at Lonestar College, Houston Community College, and Glassell School of Art.
Nov 2nd (Weds): Guests: Lisa Orr, Wanda Montemayor
Our very own Austin clay wonder, Lisa Orr, will be sharing her latest endeavor into the field of film. She will present to us "Pottery of Mexico Volume 2, Trees of Life." The film premiered at the Mexican American Cultural Center last month. This is a link to a preview clip
In addition to the viewing of the film, Wanda Monteymayor and Lisa will present to us about the completion of the fantastic mural at the Deep Eddy Pool that they worked so hard on. I went to the dedication event and Wanda and Lisa have so very much to be proud of. The mural is impressive and a lot of work with the community went into the making of it. We are privileged to have them talk with us about the project.
Oct 5th (Weds): Glazing Empty Bowls
Sept 7th (Weds): Creating Empty Bowls
Aug 2nd (Tues): Guest Artist: Rebecca Roberts
Presentation
What inspires us? Travel is a source of inspiration for me on several levels. On Tuesday August 2nd I will take you on a vicarious trip to India - a land of the handmade - showing some of the things that inspire me and maybe you too. I think of myself as a print maker who works three dimensionally so seeing the textures of architecture, age and nature are always exciting. [A brief texture demo will follow.] -Rebecca Roberts
Artist Narrative
Every day I am amazed to find that after over thirty years, clay continues to challenge me and teach me about itself, but more importantly about myself. My love of the handbuilding process continues to thrive. I make functional tableware and pieces that are more sculptural. The dance back and forth between the two types of work keeps my interest in both alive. Nature and my life's process are sources of ideas and inspiration.
I will always love "the bowl" and my recent dialog with clay has led me to focus on it again, not as a strictly functional object, but as the concept of universal container and symbol of nurture. It's the process more than the resulting object that I love best. Marks of this process are always evident in my pieces so that in a way each piece tells the story of its creation. I have maintained a working studio in Austin for 21 years. My work is available in galleries, at art shows and from my studio.
www.rebeccar.com
July 6th (Weds): The Japanese Ritual of Tea Ceremonies
ChaDo (the Way of Tea): Two potters & a tea teacher will demonstrate a simple Japanese tea ritual, show examples of tea utensils, discuss their creation, & encourage members to handle & explore how they're used.
Linda Mosley, MFA, has taught ceramics over 40 yrs & at Clayways since 2008. She has exhibited, lectured, & published articles on ceramic art in major American periodicals. She was Editor for the NCECA Journal & is featured in Richard Zakin's Ceramics Mastering the Craft. Linda has been creating bowls & cool-water containers for chado among her many other pieces (lmosley.com). She was first introduced to chado by Shozo Sato at the University of Illinois about 1967 & studied tea with Minnie "Somi" Kubose Chicago 1983-84. She has studied with Sheila "Soshin" Fling since Nov. 2008 & received her first 3 licenses to study. She has served as both host & guest for several presentations.
Angela Rogers's success as a ceramic artists can be seen in the well-loved piebirds she made for 10 years (ebbiespiebird.blogspot.com). They were pictured in Four & Twenty Blackbirds & Pots in the Kitchen. She has her own studio where she is now hand building, throwing, & making glazes for both electric & gas firing. She has studied pottery with Linda Mosley at Clayways & glazes with Eric Jackson at Laguna Gloria. Angela has also been studying chado with Fling Sensei & helping with presentations. She has many talents including making tea bowls, lid/ladle rests, & vases for the tea ritual.
Sheila Fling, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice & retired Distinguished Professor from Texas State U. She has studied chado since 1992 in both Japan & the US. She has received 12 licenses, 3 teaching certificates, & the tea name Soshin. Sheila has published chado articles in professional journals & "done tea" on 6 continents. She teaches it & does presentations for museums, organizations, public & private events. She welcomes inquiries at sfling@txwinet.com or 512-847-2159.
June 7th (Tues): Movie night
Instead of meeting in the clay lab, we will be meeting in Room 113 just down the hall. We will have a much-needed discussion about all things GACA and watch a movie about the fantastic and very influential potter, Val Cushing. For those who would like to meet and eat, please join me at Curra's Grill on East Oltorf for dinner around 5:30/5-45. It'll be nice to socialize over fresh salsa and margaritas. Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there!
Val Cushing was born in Rochester, New York on January 28th, 1931. He received his BFA in 1952 from the School of Art & Design in the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. After serving two years in the Army, during the Korean War, he returned to Alfred and received his MFA in 1956. His full-time teaching career began that year at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. The following year, 1957, he returned to Alfred where he taught pottery and technical courses concerning clays, glazes and related subjects. He retired from Alfred in 1997, after forty-one years of teaching and was designated Professor Emeritus.
He found his profession to be challenging, always stimulating, and one filled with memories of friendships and wonderful students. At various times, he has taught in England, Norway and Spain. He has taught summer programs at Alfred, Penland, Anderson Ranch, Peters Valley, Haystack and on the island of Maui where he taught for six weeks as the first artist-in-residence at the Hui Noeau. He has given over 250 lectures, workshops and demonstrations that have taken him all over the United States, to Canada, Ireland, England and Japan. His pottery has received many awards and honors, has been seen in well over 200 exhibitions, and in numerous one-person shows. He is represented in the collections of many public and private museums and galleries in the USA - including the Smithsonian, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt, and the Everson. He is also represented in Canada, England, Taiwan, Japan and Hawaii.
He has received honors from Alfred University, from New York State and from NCECA for his role as a teacher. He is a Fellow of the American Craft Council and of NCECA (The National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts) where he was a founding member and a past president. He has received an artist's grant from the National Endowment of the Arts; a Fulbright grant for teaching and research in Manchester, England, an artist-in-residence grant at the Archie Bray Foundation and at the University of Wolverhampton, England.
He now works full-time in his studio in Alfred and continues to exhibit his work and to do occasional lectures and workshops. He considers himself very fortunate to have in his life such a loving and always supportive wife, four creative children and seven grandchildren. Because he is able to constantly pursue his passion for ceramics by making, teaching and writing, he can fulfill his own deeply felt creative needs, as well as experience the pleasure and satisfaction of helping others. He shares these feelings with the American painter, Arthur Dove who said, "I should like to enjoy life by choosing all its highest instances to give back in my means of expression all that it gives to me."
May 5th (Thurs): GACA's May gathering will be at the Artsteam during First Thursday on Cinco de Mayo
Do you know what MAY means? ART OF THE POT, that's what! As always, it will be the weekend of Mother's Day and as always, it will feature the works of some serious ceramic superstars. The website for details: www.artofthepot.com There are many events happening in conjunction with AotP so make sure you check out the schedule. I'm so excited that the Artstream Trailer is coming back to Austin to participate in the event. The Artstream is a nomadic gallery featuring the works of several fantastic ceramic artists from far and wide. www.art-stream.com
The Artstream will be set up at The Snack Bar (1224 S. Congress) for First Thursday on the 5th of May - Cinco de Mayo! Information about First Thursday: www.firstthursday.info
GACA's May gathering will be at the Artsteam during First Thursday on Cinco de Mayo.
The event will be from 6-10pm and GACA members are invited to participate. The Artstream will have wheels set up for demos and would like GACA members to volunteer to demonstrate and interact with the public. They plan to have some contests, games and prizes and we will help them host the evening. You are welcome to join at any point and jump in and help out. Or just look at the art, shop and have some yummy food and drink while hanging out with the clay crew. There will also be demos by the amazing artists that travel with the trailer. This will be a fun event!
April 5th (Tues): (7 - 9pm) Guest Artist: John Vela
Artist & Presentation
John Vela is currently the production manager at Sunset Canyon Pottery. He teaches beginning to advanced throwing at ClayWays and at the Dougherty Arts Center. He graduated with a BFA from UT and is the Texas Clay Arts Association (TCAA) President and co-founder.
We are very lucky to have John join us to share his presentation that was featured as part of the 2011 Clay Continuum. He will present about his unique ceramic journey with a focus on his more recent wood-firing experience.
March 2nd (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Special Meeting: GACA show planning
We are going to meet on Wednesday, March 2nd to have a discussion and brain storming session about a GACA show. It's been over a year since our last group show and so we are due for another. Please join us to talk about time, place, etc.
Let's skip the dinner at Curra's and bring some yummy treats to munch on as we talk. We will meet at 7pm in the clay lab at St. Edward's, as usual. Please join us. Bringing food is optional and don't be afraid that you will get roped into some job. Just come to participate! All members are welcome.
February 9th (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Guest Artist: Sheldon Nunez-Velardi
GACA will be meeting during the SECOND week of February for a presentation from a special guest all the way from New Mexico! Sheldon Nunez-Velarde is a Jicarilla Apache clay artist from Dulce, in northern New Mexico. Among the many honors he has received is a very prestigious Southwestern Association of Indian Affairs (SWAIA) Fellowship in 2009. SWAIA is the organization that holds the Santa Fe Indian Market, probably the most notable show and sale of Native American art in the country. Shelden has been recognized as part of the "new garde" of Native American artists. The excerpt below is taken from a SWAIA publication:
Flames are the key to Sheldon Nunez-Velardi's pottery. Flames that dance across the surfaces of his golden micaceous pots, his water jars, his serving bowls. "The direct contact with the flames," Nunez-Velarde who grew up in Dulce, on Northern New Mexico's Jicarilla Apache reservation. "That's what gives them the black spots." Having left New Mexico in 1992 to see the world (Russia, Brazil, New York), Nunez-Velardi returned home in 1998 to take care of his grandmother. That's when he discovered his artistic and cultural roots and took on the task of reviving the tribal art form. [Micaceous clay pots used for cooking and other utilitarian purposes.] "I always looked at my great-grandmother's pots and wanted to make them," says Nunez-Velardi, whose vessels utilize some of her design elements including ropes and zig-zags.
Please visit his website: http://jicarillaapachepottery.com
January 5th (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Guest Artist: Diana Seidel
The Artist: Diana Seidel
My first eighteen years were spent in western Washington, with a wonderful family in a fabulous setting. I graduated from Duke University in 1970 with a BA in anthropology. Two years later I began studying pottery with Joanne Edelson in New York City. From September, 1975 through June, 1976, I apprenticed with Sally Silberberg in Plainfield, Massachusetts. I also took part in workshops with Karen Karnes, Bruno LaVerdiere and Byron Temple.
My studio was in Garrison, New York, from 1976 until 1996. I worked full time as a potter, participating in twelve to fifteen craft shows each year, including Peters Valley, Lyndhurst, Columbus Avenue, Lincoln Center, WBAI, and the Green Meadow Ceramics Invitational. I also filled many special orders, both retail and wholesale. During those years, I worked alone in my studio surrounded by beautiful New York woods.
In April 1996, my family and I moved to Austin, Texas. I rented studio space at ClayWays for twelve years and continue a close friendship and association with them, working in the gallery and teaching. I am also a partner at Cone 10 Studio, where we provide studio space and firing facilities for about twenty potters and sculptors.
I am now working in a studio next to my house and I am lucky to be connected to the Central Texas clay community which is vibrant, active and generous.
Even as my focus has expanded, I am seeking more definition and refinement in my work. Working with coils, the scale is larger, the pieces looser; with slabs—smaller and tighter. And always there is the wheel—the core of my work, the medium for most of my inspiration.
The Presentation
Who's the boss around here?--showing the clay who's boss. Diana will demonstrate and talk about some of the tips and tricks that have helped her get better control on the wheel. Do you have a favorite trick/tip that you would like to share?
http://dianaseidel.com/
November 3rd (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Guest Artist: Todd Van Duren
Todd A. Van Duren has been pursuing an intertwined, yin yang path of art and science since childhood. Many seemingly disparate interests have taken hold over the years as the pendulum swings from analytical to creative thought. Oft times the paths cross, producing unexpected ideas that transform nature and technology into a new vision that is both familiar yet dreamlike, impractical yet plausible. It is at these intersections where Todd feels he is most successful, absorbing an endless stream of ideas around him and reinterpreting a new outcome.
Todd has pursued his vision through many different materials over the years. Early explorations with building blocks forged a sense for visualizing 3D space. An interest in architecture soon followed and has become a frequent subject for him. In his clay work, architecture has taken on a fanciful and organic feel. Houses grow as if governed by the laws of nature. Buds sprout, crystals twin and multiply, fronds bend and twist with water and wind. Todd explores the notion, What would architecture look like if it grew naturally? The forms then evolve and grow from this seed.
Recently, Todd has begun a series of Art Tiles as a vehicle for exploring 2D imagery. Subject matter has been quite open, though a juxtaposition of science and nature has become a recurring theme. Other 3D work is also in progress.
Todd plans to demonstrate his slab construction as well as show and discuss the colored slips he uses for his surface decoration.
www.toddvanduren.com
October 6th (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Cone 10 Studios
Cone 10 is a community studio where ceramic artists can rent space and use shared equipment. There are no classes held there, just artist spaces. Come see a working community studio specifically for ceramic artists! Carol Hirsh owns the studio with two other fabulous artists, Diana Seidel and Claire Fielden. They will be our hosts as we see the space and do some of our own clay work. We plan to assemble teapots from leather hard CONE 10 STONEWARE. Please bring parts to use and exchange to create a unique vessel. Bring leather hard teapot parts for one or more teapots including the foot, body, handle, lid, spout, handbuilt or thrown. You may also want to bring some basic tools for assembly. We will share and exchange parts to make our own creative collaborations. Remember, no low fire clays please.
September 7th (Tues): (7 - 9pm) Rachel Reyna
Our featured guest artist this month is a local ceramic instructor and studio assistant at Clayways, Rachel Reyna.
About the artist: Rachel Reyna
I was born in South Texas, in what we call "The Valley". I am always surprised at how many people actually know where that is. It's about as far South as you can get in Texas near McAllen and Brownsville. I started my college career at the University of North Texas, but aafter changing my major three times, from flute performance, to math, to interior design, I finally decided to take a "break" from school. I made the 12 hour drive back home and had no idea what to do with myself. I audited a Ceramics class at the local university and never turned back. I had finally found what made me happy.
I eventually returned back to U.N.T where I received my B.F.A. in Studio Art Ceramics. My work primarily consists of forms that incorporate different colored clays and slips. My work ranges from hand-built neriage vessels to slip cast pieces made with layered slips that are then carved through. I came to Austin shortly after graduating and had the fortunate pleasure of meeting Kit at Clayways. There, I am a studio assistant, kiln loader, and instructor for Short-Term-Wheel classes. I love the fact that I am surrounded by artists everyday. Everyone there is willing to share and discuss their techniques. Really having a great time getting to know everyone.
Rachel plans to demonstrate both techniques mentioned above, the neriage hand built forms and the slip cast vessels.
August 3rd (Tues): (7 - 9pm) Melanie Schopper
Artist & Presentation
I am Melanie Schopper. Back in 1998 I received a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Texas in Austin. I spent six years, before and during college, working as a baker for Texas French Bread. After school I welded for two years for a metal smith named Arthur Schoenig. In 2000 I began working at a prominent porcelain studio named Ginko Studios, an experience that changed my life. Sun Yong Chung is my greatest clay mentor. I worked as her assistant for her for seven years. During this time I developed my own line of cups and bowls called M. Schopper Ceramics.
I have been making my ceramics from molds for eight years. I trained in an entirely different system of plaster molds at Ginko Studios. This exposure to clay production with molds helped me translate my clay workings into slip casting. My intro to slip casting came from a book on theatre prop making. I taught myself through trial and error, and have sustained my artwork mainly by showing and selling art at the East Austin Studio tour, and the Austin Farmer's Market.
Currently I am the Artist-in-Residence at The Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems. Additionally I am a co-founder and coordinator of an all women's art group, called Handmade Austin Women. In the summertime, I weld for a blacksmith named Colin McIntyre. I've spent over 15 years in constant production. I consider my work in baking, welding and clay to be related disciplines. For nearly ten years I have worked and lived at my studio at "The Center". This summer I am experimenting with a new stoneware slip recipe mixed with Texas rainwater. For GACA I intend to share my personal insights in slip casting and mold making.
July 7th (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Tools, Tips, Tricks and Tales
Back by popular demand
Everyone gets to participate !
Bring your favorite Tools, Tips, Tricks and Tales -
Members will share and demonstrate their favorite store bought, homemade or found object tools. We will share some of our tried, true or new tips and tricks. Come and enjoy a relaxing evening with your fellow clay enthusiasts.
No dinner plans, instead BYO snacks to share and a beverage for yourself. I will supply paper plates, plastic ware and napkins.
I hope to see you there !
Connie McCreary
June 2nd (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Guest Artists : Lisa Orr and Wanda Montemayor
The monthly GACA meeting will be held once again at St. Ed's ceramic studio.
Our presenters will be Lisa Orr and Wanda Montemayor. These 2 women won a city grant to install a mural at Deep Eddy Pool. From all reports, their proposal & presentation has "set the bar" for soliciting funds for art in public places. They will share with us their process & presentation. This will be followed by Lisa Orr's demonstration of her technique of terra sigillata.
May 6th (Thursday): (6pm) Art of the Pot : Pottery Confidential
Our next meeting will be THURSDAY, MAY 6th at CITY HALL.
May in Austin means enjoying some of the last of the lovely springtime weather, Mother's Day and... ART OF THE POT!!! Art of the Pot is my favorite annual clay event in Austin. It's Saturday and Sunday, May 8th & 9th and it is a MUST. See some of the best ceramic artists from around the country and a top notch selection of Austin superstars that participate and host the event in their studios. This year's artist list has me really excited. Be sure to check out www.artofthepot.com for all the details.
For our May meeting, we will attend the lecture series, "Pottery Confidential." It is an Art of the Pot event. The lecture will be held on Thursday, May 6th at Austin City Hall in the Legislative Chambers right inside the main entrance. Three visiting AOTP artists will be making presentations: Mark Shapiro, Joe Bova and Jane Shellenbarger. Doors open at 6:15 for the Reunion Cup Show Preview (featuring artists that have shown at AOTP previous years) and the Lecture will begin at 7pm. Tickets will be validated for the City Hall parking garage. Find a preview of Mark Shapiro's lecture at http://www.artofthepot.com/2010/04/a-pottery-confidential-preview/
GACA will meet for dinner just down the street to the east at Jo's - 242 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 http://www.joscoffee.com/downtown/josdowntown.htm We plan to meet at 5:30/5:45 but you may want to try for a bit earlier if you plan to go to the Reunion Cup Show Preview at 6:15.
April 6th (Tues): (7 - 9pm) Clayworks Studio & Gallery
The next meeting will be on April 6, from 7-9. We will be meeting at Clayworks Studio & Gallery at 1209 East 6th Street. Our hosts will be the owners, John & Chris Gray. The 5:30 dinner will be right next door to Clayworks at the Buenos Aires Cafe (1201 E. 6th).
March 3rd (Weds): (7 - 9pm) Glaze Workshop Results, Barbara Lugge, Karen Bolton
We meet this Wednesday to look at and discuss our results from the workshop last month. We also have two local presenters that offer services for ceramic artists. Here's a bit more about them:
Barbara Lugge will present her services of publishing art books and portfolios. Recent advances in pre-press and printing technologies have made it possible to produce a single book at a reasonable price. Publishing facilitators are providing free software and templates to prepare books for print. She will share what she knows about these companies and their services. She will also go over the services she offers for artists who want help with design, layout, image handling, and printer selection. She has been helping clients with their publishing needs for over 15 years and is a founder and publisher of Art Lover's Guide, an annual art guide covering central Texas.
www.barbaralugge.com/bookmaker.htm
Karen Bolton offers professional documentation services for ceramic artists. It is so very important to properly document artwork, especially for submission to shows, for postcards or websites. A great image of your work can really let it shine, just as a bad image can take away from it. Karen photographs 3-D work with a consideration for a gradient background, shadows, hot spots and perspective. She will show examples of the standard of professional documentation and cover the details of the service she offers. She also is willing to share how to professionally document your own work if you would like to do it yourself.
We will meet at Curra's Grill (614 E. Oltorff) at 5:30 -5:45 pm for dinner. If you would like to join us, please let me know to reserve a seat for you.
All meetings are free and open to the public. Bring your interested artist friends. At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
February 10th (Second Weds!): (6:30 - 9:30) Free Mayco Glaze Workshop
This is the SECOND Wednesday in Feb. !! (There is no charge for this workshop for GACA members and St. Edward's students.)
Our February meeting will be a hands-on Mayco products workshop. Under the guidance of the Mayco rep. Pauline Wyndham we will do two projects. (Pauline gave the Mayco workshops at Armadillo Clay Supply in Dec. and she is very knowledgeable and fun !)
1. Glaze tests and special effects with Mayco Cone 5 stoneware glazes
2. Glaze a tile project to try some layering techniques with the Stroke-n-Coat line that can be fired from Cone 06 to Cone 10.
Participants will be required to bring a bisqued stoneware cylinder (9" tall maximum) to use as a test piece for the cone 5 glazes. (This is optional, you can still participate in the Stroke n Coat, layering part of the workshop with the materials GACA and Mayco provide.) GACA will provide every participant with a bisqued tile for the layering techniques project.
We will fire all the workshop pieces at St. Edward's and then have them ready at the March meeting to share the results and to take home.
January 6th (Weds): (7 - 9) Pot Luck
Bring a dish or dessert to share and GACA will supply drinks and service.
Also "Share your favorite new technique or tool (something you discovered for yourself or learned from someone else)" Everyone gets to participate ! Bring your favorite Tool , Tip or Trick - Members will share and demonstrate their favorite store bought, homemade or found object tools. We will share some of our new or tried and true tips and tricks. (you can just look on and take notes if you're so inclined)
November 4th (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Eric Jackson
Our local potter extraordinaire Eric Jackson will be our presenting artist for the evening.
Eric will talk about his process and demonstrate some tricks of the trade.
Eric Jackson has a lot of experience with clay. He has been a working potter for about twenty years. He is involved in just about everything clay locally, teaching and showing his work, most recently at the Texas Clay Festival in Gruene.
October 6th (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artists: Teruko Nimura and Christina Weisner
This month we’ve scheduled a presentation featuring two artists from the UT Austin ceramics graduate school. Teruko Nimura just graduated from the program and Christina Weisner is set to graduate this spring.
Teruko Nimura is a local artist living and working in Austin, Texas. Originally from Sacramento, California, Teruko received her B.F.A. in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute. Teruko came to Austin with a scholarship to the University of Texas, Austin to earn her M.F.A in studio art and just recently graduated in 2009. While attending she received a fellowship to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's summer program Oxbow School of Art in Michigan. She has exhibited in California, Mexico, Michigan, and Texas. Locally, her work was included in Red Hot Red Dot at Women and Their Work, 5" x 7" and New American Talent 23 at Arthouse. She works in several different media including fabric, paper, clay, and bronze, and conceptually deals largely with issues of the body, body image, gender, spirituality, mythology, and cultural representation. Starting in late October, Teruko will be teaching two figurative sculpture classes at the Dougherty Arts Center for adults.
Christina Weisner is a sculptor currently based in Austin, TX. She will be receiving her MFA from the University of Texas at Austin this spring. She has shown work, including more figurative clay sculptures, in numerous galleries in Richmond, Virginia, having attended VCU’s undergraduate Sculpture and World Studies programs in Richmond. In Austin she has shown at the CRL and FAB galleries, both university-affiliated galleries. Her current work could be described as mixed media sculpture and strives to facilitate meditations on the nature of materials and their interactions with each other and their environments. An example illustrating this can be seen in a recent piece entitled, Tied Down. “Rather than removing clay from its bag and manipulating it, Weisner leaves the clay in its packaged, cube-like form. Thus she underscores the potentiality of the material in its inert state and liberates the material by not forcing it to evolve into a new form of representation.” Her call and response process, immediate and at times even purposely unrefined interventions, further serve her investigatory approach in unpacking qualities of the objects themselves in the hope to show a less static form of their existence.
September 1st (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Marian "Bunnie" Haigh
Our talented local porcelain hand builder, Marian “Bunnie” Haigh will be our presenting artist for the evening. Marian will demonstrate making press molds and also give a slide presentation of her work.
Marian Haigh received her B.F.A. at Arkansas State University in 1973. She then studied functional pottery at Kansas State University for one year and was lured to the big city lights of Austin, Texas in 1974. She worked for many years with low fire clay and in 2000 switched to porcelain and stoneware. She fires her work in a wood kiln in Fredericksburg.
Marian's ceramics can be found in private and corporate collections nationally and internationally.
www.marianhaigh.com
August 3rd (Monday): (7 - 9) Atelier 3-D sculpture studio, 701 Tillery St
We’re switching it up this month and going to the artist’s studio! Our hosts for the evening are Steve Dubov and Heather Tolleson. Everyone is invited to attend. Meetings featuring regional guest artists are free and open to the public.
Steve and Heather will talk about unconventional uses of claybodies as a sculptural medium. We will get to see the studio where many locals work and learn the art of sculpture.
Stephen Dubov is currently the artist in residence at Atelier 3-D. He received his BFA in sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute, and his MFA at Stanford. He was tenured at Sonoma State University where he taught both drawing and sculpture. Over the last 40 years he has generated a large body of non-traditional steel, plastic, ceramic, glass and paper works which can be seen on his website. His work is in public and private collections across the country.
www.dubovsculpture.com
Heather Tolleson is a painter, sculptor, and mixed-media installation artist living and working in Austin, Texas . She has been creating and showing works for the past ten years. A partner in Atelier 3-D, she continues to focus on pure formalism while utilizing materials classic to artists for centuries, reused and reinvented for the modern world. Heather is currently pursuing a degree in Art History and Philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin.
www.atelier3-d.com
July 1st (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Chris Campbell
The talented wood firer, Chris Campbell will give a presentation of images and discuss his firing process and clay formulation. He’ll also bring some finished work to talk about.
Chris Campbell received his BFA from UT Austin in 1995 and his MFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2000. His work is utilitarian and fired primarily unglazed in a wood burning kiln near Lampasas, Texas. His work can be found in public and private collections throughout the country and at AKAR Gallery in Iowa City. From 2002 until the present Chris has been the lab tech for the ceramics department at UT Austin.
www.chriscampbellpotter.com
June 2nd (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Karen Bolton
New-to-Austin clay talent, Karen Bolton, plans to share a slide presentation about her wheel-thrown ceremonial vessels and how they led her work into a large-scale public art commission. Also, she will demonstrate some of her favorite techniques on the wheel for attaching and stacking sectional pieces.
Karen Bolton:
I recently received my M.F.A. from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. My M.F.A. thesis exhibition was on display at the Ellis Armory concurrent with NCECA 2008 in Pittsburgh, PA. Prior to graduate school, I was very fortunate to have studied ceramics at Northern Arizona University. It was there that I was greatly inspired by the landscape and huge, beautiful skies. This influenced my passion for clay and inspired me to always continue to work hard and keep my hands dirty.
I currently reside in Austin, Texas where I teach ceramics at Austin Community College, Austin Museum of Art, and St. Andrew's Episcopal Upper School.
May 2-3, 9-10: GACA Members Show at E4 Gallery
April 1st (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artists: Ishmael Soto and Julie Isaacson
Ishmael and Julie are fabulously talented artists and work together in the ceramics department at Austin Community College. They take an annual adventure with students and other participants to Costa Rica for a study abroad and will be giving a presentation on their experience. The program sounds fascinating and there are still open spots on their upcoming trip this summer!
March 3rd (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Lebeth Lammers
Lebeth will do a presentation on a particular sculpture project she's been putting her heart and soul into for some time. She will discuss her process of making templates, working with paperclay, and doing thousands of glaze tests for a large installation project.
Lebeth Lammers has been actively involved in the field of ceramics for over 30 years. She has studied and taught the art of clay and has participated in several art organizations. Her work has been featured in many gallery exhibitions and festivals.
Feb 4th (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Ryan McKerley
Ryan will demonstrate his process as well as give a presentation about the new kiln that he just finished building.
Ryan McKerley has been a full-time studio potter since 1995. He makes contemporary functional stoneware and porcelain vessels. His tactile hard-carved surfaces are achieved using an exciting carving technique. He works in his super-cool eastside studio where he fires in a large soda kiln.
www.ryanmckerley.com
Jan 7th (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: James Tisdale
This will be our first meeting for the New Year. We are lucky to have Mr. James Tisdale as our featured guest artist. Everyone is invited to attend. Meetings featuring regional guest artists are free and open to the public.
An overview of James's work will be presented in a slide show. James will also bring in some examples of his work to share and discuss process and content.
James Tisdale’s terracotta earthenware hand built sculptures are figurative and often influenced by issues surrounding his rural devout upbringing in Mississippi. Referencing a vast range of historical artwork, James has developed his own contemporary ceramic style and uses his creations as “an outward manifestation of [his] views toward the world around [him.]”
Having a colorful and notable career in ceramics, James Tisdale is the Ceramic Program Coordinator for the Austin Museum of Art. He was selected as a main demonstrator at this past year’s NCECA in Pittsburgh, PA and is featured in multiple publications and public and private collections.
www.jamestisdale.com
Nov 5th (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Pat Johnson
This will be our last meeting for the year. Everyone is invited to attend and share their Happenings. In addition Pat Johnson will be our featured guest artist.
We will meet at Curra's Grill on Oltorff at 5:30 -5:45 pm for dinner with our guest. If you would like to join us, please let me know to reserve a seat for you.
A short overview of Pat's work will be presented in a slide show. Pat will also demonstrate her building methods; coil and slab building and discuss adding narrative, thematic and symbolic content to figurative works. A variety of surface techniques: underglaze, wax resist, underglaze pencil and acrylic paint on bisque will be presented.
You will also have a chance to ask the artist - "what the hell are you thinking?"
Artist Narrative
Pat Johnson is known for her sometimes distrubing yet humorous figures that take cues from a grab bag of influences ranging from antiquity to popular culture. Her current work has been a dialog of personal disasters with the protagonists as the artist. A full-time artist for more than 30 years, she lives and works in Fayetteville, Texas. She received her BFA in ceramics from North Texas State University. Her work was included in the 1998 NCECA Conference Exhibition in Texas and the 2004 juried Craft Houston traveling exhibit organized by the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts. She has been the First Place winner of the Winedale Crafts Exhibition and placed 2nd in the 15th Annual Ceramic National at the San Angelo Museum of Art. She has also won numerous awards from the Texas Clay Artist Association. Pat's work was recently included in the Lark Books, 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work.
Oct 7th (Tues): (7 - 9) Glaze/Treat Recipe Exchange
October has presented itself to be a challenge in securing a guest speaker for our next meeting. So instead of stressing out, our next meeting will be a recipe exchange and social.
What to bring:
A glazed piece
Recipe for above glazed piece written on an index card or piece of paper
A treat
Recipe for above treat
Sept 3rd (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Diana Melancon
Diana Melancon, retired teacher with the Eanes Independent School District, will demonstrate and conduct Practice Your Brushwork workshop. The workshop is free and attendees will have the opportunity to practice their brushworks.
Workshop Description:
Using watercolor and sumi brushes, we will practice one stroke brush techniques that can add interest to your on-glaze surface decoration. This is a hands-on workshop. Bring your favorite brushes and some newsprint. Be ready to have fun!
Biography:
Diana Melancon, received her doctoral degree in Arts Education from the University of New Mexico. Diana taught art with the Eanes Independent School District until 2006. Currently, Diana lives and works in Dripping Springs, Texas.
A native of New Orleans, Diana brings to ther work a whimisical style of functionalal and decorative pottery. She is a former member of the Austin Laguna Gloria Potter's Guild.
Diana's work may be seen and is available for purchase at Sunset Canyon Pottery in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Aug 5th (Tues): (7 - 9) Planning for "Sharing A Passion For Clay 2009"
While our recent member's show, "Sharing a Passion for Clay 2008" is still semi-fresh on our minds, now would be a great opportunity to discuss the show for next year.
July 2 (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith, Chairman, Ceramic Department at Southwest School of Art & Craft in San Antonio will present a slide lecture "30 Years of Ceramic Sculpture."
Dennis Smith has been Chairman of the Ceramic Department at the Southwest School of Art & Craft since 1976 and has taught as an adjunct faculty at Trinity University, San Antonio Art Institute and San Antonio College. He received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO and his MFA from the University of Montana, Missoula, MT. His work has been published in Ceramics Monthly, "An Opportunity for Growth: Dennis Smith and the Southwest School of Art & Craft" (1998 May Issue); and Ceramics: Art and Perception, "Against Dichotomy: Dennis Smith's Conversations in Clay" (2005 Issue #59) and "Texas Clay" (1994 Issue #17). As well, Smith has also written articles for both Ceramics Monthly "Working for Others or for Yourself: It's a Choice" (2006 March Issue, Pgs. 35-39); "Bertie Smith: An Affair of the Heart" (2000 June - August Issue) and Clay Times, "Totem Poles: A Learning Tool for Collaborative Projects" (1999 Sept. Issue). His work has been shown extensively throughout the United States in invitational and juried exhibitions. Most recent exhibitions include Dennis Smith/Verne Funk, Goldsberry Gallery, Houston, TX; International Art Symposium Dialogue 2005, Riga, Latvia; State of Texas - Clay, University of Texas S.A.; Six Visions: Contemporary Ceramics, University of Texas, S.A.; and Earth & Fire: Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture, San Antonio Museum of Art. Other work by Dennis Smith may be seen and is available for purchase at Goldsberry Gallery, Houston, TX.
If you would like to learn more about Dennis Smith, his work or the Southwest School of Art and Craft, go to www.swschool.org or better yet, come to the meeting and meet him personally.
June 3 (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Roger Allen
San Angelo artist Roger Allen, owner of the Chicken Farm Art Center, will be doing a clay demo, and will talk about his experiences helping develop San Angelo's nationally known Ceramics Weekend.
www.chickenfarmartcenter.com
May 8 (Thurs): (7 - 9) "Sharing A Passion For Clay 2008" opening reception
Come and see the show, and vote for the Peoples Choice Award.
April 1 (Tues): (7 - 9) Bring your show piece & critique
March 5 (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Michael Biechlin
Local artist Michael Biechlin will be doing a porcelain clay demo. Michael will demonstrate throwing, trimming and textures.
February 5 (Tues): (7 - 9) Guest Artists: Lisa Orr and Troy Lanier
Documentary film project about Pottery of Mexico: Patamban and San Jose de Gracia pottery. Produced last summer and now presented and narrated for GACA in person by Lisa Orr and film maker Troy Lanier. www.lisaorr.com
Pottery of Mexico DVD for sale soon.
January 2 (Weds): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Cindy Haenel
This meeting will be for us to talk about what's happening in 2008. I will bring my low-fire clay and doilies to do a demo for the group. Also, I'll have some finished pieces to show and talk about.
November 13 (Tuesday): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Dee and Terry Buck
Dee and Terry are the owners of Buck Pottery and one of the founders of the Texas Clay Festival in Historic Gruene TX. It was a fabulous event this year and every year. They have a working studio as well as a beautiful showroom. They wood and soda fire. Gain some insight into how they manage to do it all, this Tuesday night.
http://buckpottery.com/
October 3 (Wednesday): (7 - 9) Guest Artist: Louis Katz
Louis is a dynamic ceramic artist and educator. He teaches in Corpus Christi TX. at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. After seeing his work in San Angelo and listening to his demo I was delighted when he said yes to comming to St. Edwards and GACA. I have included a link to his Web site and invite you to watch the video of the organ playing, did I mention he was a muscian and a Pyromaniac as well? It is must see video. Hope you will join us for a wonderful and informative evening. Enjoy the websites:
http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~lkatz/cs/files/index.html
http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~lkatz/cs/files/statement.htm
http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~lkatz/
September 4 (Tuesday): (7 - 9) Billy Ray and Beverly Mangham
Billy Ray (www.zzzdog.com/billyray) and Beverly Mangham (www.zzzdog.com/beverly) will be our guests of honor this month and have a lot of sage advise to share with us. They will be showing us a little about their current work and a lot more about their life together in the arts and specifically clay. If you know Billy and Beverly you know how giving they are, and what wells of knowledge they are in the clay arts and in the world of art.
August 1 (Wednesday): (7 - 9) Show Planning for 2008
The August meeting will be dedicated to the organizing and planning for a members show in 2008 to coincide with the Art of the Pot weekend. We need the help of the entire membership to produce a show that is truly a window to the diversity in the Greater Austin Clay Artists community.
The Art of the Pot weekend has become an event that draws potters, collectors and enthusiasts from around the country. The GACA membership has a lot to offer in talent and expertise and hopefully the energy to produce a memorable and noteworthy show.
No matter how small or big a part in the production of the show we will need your ideas, input, energy and at least a little time. Come to the meeting and lets get started!
July 3 (Tuesday): (7 - 9) Eric Jackson
Eric Jackson, Potter Extrordinare, teaches at Laguna Gloria and Sunset Canyon Pottery. He counts himself among the talented artists at the Texas Clay Festival and graduated from the clay program at the University of Texas under Don Herron. Eric is a functional Potter working in simple classic forms in a soda fired kiln. He has mastered shino glazes and being a stay at home Dad. Join us July 3rd to find out how he manages to do it all.
June 6 (Wednesday): (7 - 9) Stan Irvin & Jason Hooper: Website & Marketing
This month we are following up on the Website and Marketing program wonderfully presented last month with Digitgal Photography presented by Stan Irvin, and working with your images to prepare them for website use and online show applications by Jason Hooper. This will be a very informative presentation useful to all.
At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
May 1 (Tuesday): (7 - 9) David and Kathy Sherby of Kat and Dog Studios
http://www.katndog.com/web1.html
David and Kathy Sherby are talented Graphic Artists, Web Designers and Marketing Specialists. They have an extensive client list that includes artists and businesses that are looking for a creative and effective approach to marketing themselves. Follow the above link to find out more about them. Kat and Dave will present their information and their take on the importance of marketing and Websites. Bring your questions and concerns to the meeting and get some help with chosing a direction. All meetings are free and open to the public, this Months topic should be of interest to all artists not just the Ceramic Community, pass the word and bring your interested friends!
At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
April 4 (Wednesday): (7 - 9) Featured Artist: Jennifer Quarles
Jennifer has been a primary force behind TCAA for many years and an accomplished clay artist for even longer. Jennifer sent the following description of her presentation for the program:
Recent Work - I will show a few images of my work
Making Your Own Screens - I will talk about this process, the pros and cons of doing it your self and how to do it without buying a bunch of fancy equipment.
Demo: Silk Screening on Clay - I will discuss some different options and show a couple of techniques. I will also have handouts that list resources and my process.
Jennifer has a web site at: http://www.evilredcardinal.com/ .
At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
March 6 (Tuesday): (7 - 9) Mike and Terry Hubbeling
Mike and Terry Hubbeling have a studio in south Austin and have worked together many years making colorful plates incorporating their love for the environment and nature. They will demonstrate their forming and glazing techniques and talk about their careers in clay. They have a very interesting story to share about their personal 15 minutes of fame. They have a short Bio and Photo at http://www.texasclayfestival.com/bios/hubbeling_bio.html .
At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
February 7 (Wednesday): (7 - 9) Jon and Jan Brieger
Jon and Jan Brieger , studio potters from Blanco, TX, will inform and entertain us with wheel throwing and handbuilding demonstrations. They create beautiful soda fired stoneware pottery.
Jon and Jan Brieger have been potters for over 20 years producing functional and decorative stoneware pottery for the home and garden. Jon does all of the throwing, Jan the hand building and they work together on the glazing and firing. All of the work is fired to 2400F in a 80 cu.ft.downdraft propane fueled kiln. Soda ash is introduced into the kiln at the end of the firing. This produces random flashing on the exterior of the pots which are mainly left unglazed. Most pots are made from a native Texas clay which is nicely responsive to this technique. The Brieger's live in Blanco County Texas in a stone home and studio which they built. Jon and Jan also have a retail shop on the courthouse square in Blanco, Texas.
At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
January 9: (7 - 9) Michael and Gaylyn Hodgson
Michael and Gaylyn Hodgson , studio potters from Wimberley, TX, will inform and entertain us with wheel throwing and handbuilding demonstrations. They create beautiful porcelain and stoneware pottery. Check out their website: http://www.hodgsonstudio.com/. At St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
At the meeting we will briefly discuss the following:
1. Alternating Tuesday and Wednesday meeting nights throughout the year.
2. TCAA Members' "Six Pack Show" at Armadillo Clay in May 2007.
3. How to use our New (Austinclay) Yahoogroup communications for GACA Members.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
GACA annual membership dues are $20 for 2007. New and renewing Members can pay at the meeting. Check or cash only, please.
November 11, 2006- Sunset Canyon Pottery
Our LAST (2006) get together will be at Sunset Canyon Pottery on Saturday, November 11 starting at 7 PM.
( We will NOT have a Tuesday night meeting at St. Edward's University in November or December.)
Sunset Canyon Pottery invites you to a Potluck with Randy Brodnax and the Workshop participants around the “Glow Worm” (the wood fired fiber kiln). Bring chairs, a dish to share, beverages of your choice, musical instruments and a story to tell. You can’t have a wood fire with out telling stories. There are still openings for "Glow Worm" workshop participants.
Call Bridget at Sunset Canyon Pottery for more information. 512-894-0938, or 1-800-846-6175
October 3, 2006 - Annie Creitzberg
(7 - 9) Annie Creitzberg, former Texan now residing in Denver CO, visiting artist demonstration. Annie combines textured slabs with thrown forms to create functional sculpture. Check out her website: http://www.earthtoa nnie.com.
There will be a workshop fee of $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Pay at the meeting, please.
September 6, 2006 - Sharon Smith
(7 - 9) Special guest artist Sharon Smith. Sharon has been living, teaching and inspiring artists in Austin for many years.
She has many skills to share and stories to amuse and energize her audience. See some examples of her work here and here.
St. Edwards University Clay lab (room 116 in the Art Building).
August 1, 2006 - Tools, Tips and Tricks
(7 - 9) Tools , Tips and Tricks. Back by popular demand, Everyone gets to participate ! Bring your favorite Tools , Tips and Tricks - Members will share and demonstrate their favorite store bought, homemade or found object tools. We will share some of our tried and true tips and tricks. St. Edwards University Clay lab (room 116 in the Art Building).
July11, 2006 - Bridget Hauser
Bridget Hauser will demonstrate stacking freshly thrown wet cylinders into large pots and re-throwing them, and also the surface treatment of carving and chattering that she uses to enhance her decorative work.
June 6, 2006 - Rebecca Roberts
Rebecca Roberts will demonstrate some of her construction and surface techniques. St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
May 2, 2006 - Kit Adams
(7 - 9) Kit Adams, owner of Clayways Pottery Studio and Gallery will give a throwing demonstration of master potter's techniques.
April 4, 2006 - Lyn Woods
(6:30 - 9) Lyn Woods , Program Director of San Antonio Potter's Guild , Talks about the history of the SAPG and their current activities at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
March 7, 2006 - Diana Seidel
(7 - 9) Diana Seidel . throwing demo. and artist's talk at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building)
February - Jim Bob Salazar
(7 - 9) Jim Bob Salazar , Throwing and decoration demonstration. at St. Edwards University Clay lab. (Room 116 in the Art Building) There will be a workshop fee of $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Pay at the meeting, please.