New members of the Happy Potters Club: Rick Jedlowski, Kathy Jedlowski, Karen Solomon, Lorie Shaddix, and Susan Engstrom.
Rick Harwell
I recently moved to Robson Ranch and have been faced with the wonderful dilemma of what to do with my time in retirement. One of the activities I selected was to join the Happy Potters. I wasn’t disappointed in my decision.
I am not particularly artistic, nor have I had any previous experience in pottery. Despite my shortcomings, I received a warm welcome from everyone I met. I took the beginners class from Judie Smothers and was amazed at her level of talent and experience. She was patient with our new group and guided us through the process of hand-building clay objects. I found that anyone can learn basic pottery techniques. I also realized that pottery is a great way to fuel your creativity. The pieces we make don’t have to be factory perfect. I made a very rustic water bowl for my granddaughter’s dog that she absolutely prizes. My kids and grandkids have all placed orders for different pieces. My initial efforts were not very good, but my family values them because they are getting something personal from me.
The pottery process does take time. You must form your piece either by hand or on a potter’s wheel. Once complete, the clay has to dry and then be fired in a kiln to become bisque. The bisque piece needs to be glazed, dried, and fired again. This process may take several weeks depending upon your activity level and kiln schedule.
I am happy I chose to join the Happy Potters. The club members are friendly, helpful, and extremely talented. They always have the time to answer a question or give some much-needed advice. The club has a lot of common supplies and equipment for use by all members. Classes and demonstrations are scheduled fairly often, and I have found the level of instruction to be top rate.
The pottery studio is open on Mondays and Thursdays and shares time with ceramics on Wednesdays. The studio is in the Creative Arts and Technical Center (CATC) in The Winecup Room. Please come and visit with us and we will introduce you to the clay habit that keeps us so busy.