New members, front: Helen Justen, Janet Seery, Nancy Rogus and Kathy Todd; back, Mike Shippy
Caroline Detjen teaches Trinka Taylor how to make a teapot.
Jan Marx
New members learn about working with clay. July 11 marked the beginning of the third new-member orientation classes for 2016. The fourth and last for the year begins September 15 and is almost full. Club growth is attributed not only to Robson Ranch expansion, but also to word of mouth, our display windows, and/or a desire by certain residents to learn something new. Classes are designed to introduce students to the basics of pottery making and for students to produce several finished, usable pieces in the first three weeks.
New clay and glaze add pizzazz. As summer winds down and October nears, we are in production mode for the annual residents’ Craft Bazaar. Each year our pottery bazaar committee reviews items sold and not sold the previous year. They review popularity of colors and shapes, deciding on what members should focus on when making something for the sale. This year a new kind of clay, which produces dark speckles when fired in the kiln, provides us with another dimension in what we make. Glazes with crystals are also new this year, which will provide more fun and color.
New ideas in teapots. Caroline Detjen taught four separate classes in making tea pots. Each student learned the art of creating these pots, which can be used for serving or solely for decoration.
New officers will lead club. Judie Smothers, president, and Colleen Jordan, vice-president, are our new officers. Thanks to them for their service to the club and its members!