Kiln Krafters Board members (left to right): Ronda Swanson, Cindy Parker, Maria Rudolph, and Lorraine Wilson
Lorraine Wilson
The Kiln Krafters club, dedicated to the art of ceramics, is thriving, with over 50 members. The club’s activities range from mold pouring and firing to glazing and painting of various items. Behind the scenes, the Kiln Krafters Board members ensure everything runs smoothly.
President Cindy Parker, the backbone of the organization, manages all the paperwork, attends monthly CATC committee meetings, and collaborates with the Happy Potters group to maintain the studio. Secretary Lorraine Wilson manages communication, records meeting minutes, and writes articles for the Pioneer Press.
Vice President Maria Rudolph is a ceramics expert who takes charge of training new members. She covers all the basics in the introductory class, then provides hands-on training on pouring slip and cleaning while explaining firing and painting processes. Treasurer Ronda Swanson, known for her amazing slip-pouring skills, often helps Maria, ensuring new members master the techniques. Ronda is in charge of the finances for the club, along with pouring for fellow club members and handling loading and unloading the kilns on a biweekly basis.
The board members also offer guidance to members on techniques and ideas during club days in the studio (Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). They oversee the maintenance of the hallway window display, with club member Christy Taylor providing tremendous help in recent months. Additionally, the board manages slip orders, loads, and unloads kilns and ensures all behind-the-scenes tasks are completed so members can focus on their craft.
The Kiln Krafters window display holds a plethora of ceramic items to admire and buy. It is never too early to start purchasing handmade ceramic items to give as gifts to your friends, family, and neighbors. There really is nothing like a handmade gift, especially at such reasonable prices.
The dedication of the board members is essential to the club’s success, allowing Kiln Krafters to continue fostering a love for ceramics among its growing membership. If you are interested in joining Kiln Krafters, please send an email to [email protected] or come by the studio during club hours and talk to one of the board members.