Field trip, left to right: Nancie Garre, Jackie Graham, Tracy Olson, Barb Bennet, Carolyn Detjen, Pat Bender
Instructor Pat Bender; President Judie Smothers; Table, left to right: Mimi Mancuso, Betha K. Stanndard, assistant Jackie Graham, Cindy Molello, Karla Bennetson, assistant Carolyn Detjen, Nancie Garre, Barb Bennet15
Carolyn Detjen
On Tuesday, September 18, our newest pottery class began, and we enjoyed the talents of Pat Bender, clay artist/teacher extraordinaire. We were introduced to clay through the amazing medium of “pinch pots.” The results of our lessons produced a drum, a lovely fancy bowl, a small pinch pot and a sturdy textured vase for each member of the class.
Our newest members – Barb Bennet, Karla Bennetsen, Nancie Garre, Tracy Olson, Betha K. Stannard, Cindy Molello – discovered that they have creative abilities beyond their wildest dreams, but it took the nudging of Pat Bender to help them bring their dreams to the surface. It is exciting and thrilling to see the beauty of stoneware clay become practical pieces of pottery.
Pat not only teaches hand built clay but also throws pots on the wheel. She arrived from Colorado where she enjoyed belonging to the pottery guild, and now we are treated to her expertise here at Happy Potters where each of us loves to play in the mud.
Our first field trip for the new potters is to Trinity Ceramics, which is both exciting and frustrating because there are so many choices to make for this new hobby. Our excursion was a lot of fun. If you have ever wanted to look into making pottery then stop by and visit Happy Potters. Each one of us would be happy to show you around and answer any questions that you might have. Come to the Winecup Room of the CATC building Monday or Thursday and visit the pottery room.