Karen Ellsworth Pottery is alive and thriving at the Ranch! On July 11, the Creative Arts Center held an open house. What a huge success! Our pottery studio was overflowing with people interested in seeing what we do, how we do it, and learning about the process from design, to building, to bisque, glazing, and finishing.…
Karen Ellsworth Even though our 2020 year looked a little different from previous years, we managed to adjust, adapt, and, most of all, create! Our kilns were running full time, new members joined and learned the joy of playing in the clay. We also learned several new glazing techniques and new ways of hand building.…
Rick Harwell The Happy Potters Club has members at all skill levels. There are new members like me who are just learning the basics. There are those who are more accomplished and are learning advanced techniques. We also have a group of artisans that not only excel at their craft but share their skills through…
Carolyn Detjen There is never a dull moment in the Happy Potters Club. These are called “the dog days of summer,” and some of our potters are on vacation doing family travels or cruising, but not all of us. We just recently did a short visit to watercolor painting on clay bisque. This was written…
Carolyn Detjen Judy Smothers is an artist who has been gifted with incredible abilities, causing some of the materials used in art such as paint, metal and clay to bow to her command. She has patience with her students and a gentle smile that catches hold on you to soften your angst, allowing you to…
Carolyn Detjen Because fire in a trashcan is involved in the Raku process, we are traveling down the road a piece to Farmers Branch, Texas where Connor Muldoon, established professional potter and instructor, will guide us along the way to success. The word Raku means “happiness in the accident”. This technique was originally created for…
Carolyn Detjen Three times a year, beginner’s classes are given in the Happy Potters Club, enabling those unfamiliar with clay to enjoy as we describe it, “learning how to play in the mud”. Pinch pots are the first step in the adventure. Our little one-pound bowl becomes the stepping stone toward uncovered hidden abilities. It…
Carolyn Detjen Jan Marx, education director and a teacher in the Happy Potters Club is once again stirring up the creativity genes of our members and causing questions to be asked. She is giving demos guiding the members to understand a portion of the artwork of the Southwest Pueblo natives. To make it more interesting…
Carolyn Detjen There are few secrets about clay use in the Happy Potters Club. Whether you throw or handbuild, it is a good thing when you reach out to guide and share methods with your fellow potters. On Monday, September 10 eighteen of us gathered around with one of our pots to show it off…
Carolyn Detjen June 14 brought The Happy Potters Club together for the changing of the guard. We gave a round of applause to our President Judie Smothers, Vice President Colleen Jordan, Secretary Nancy Lussier and Treasurer Sandy Holt. Tender thanks and heartfelt recognition went forth to each of the potter/officers that carefully led us through…