Carolyn Detjen I wasn’t around when the pottery club was named. “Happy” is a curious descriptive for a club filled with vintage fossils. What? You think that is a mean thing to say? Well, I am close to being the oldest artist in the club, and I think that since I am composing this article,…
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 It takes more than perfect clay and an expensive kiln to make pottery “sing”. From the heart springs emotion and beauty, design and rhythm. When applied to clay, we see the practical and the art, create pottery that we lovingly use every day. Not only are our meals comfortable but we derive joy…
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 We always look forward to the fourth weekend in October! Gruene, Texas holds the opportunity for clay potters to meet and visit with artists and view and purchase their latest work. On the grounds of The Barn Pottery, the festival offers free demonstrations held in tents with seating for students and educators, professionals…
Carolyn Detjen Have you ever made mud pies as a child (or even a grown up)? Is it possible that you chanced upon a mysterious deposit in the pile of dirt you were playing with? Perhaps, you may have made a lucky find. You could possibly have come upon a body of clay. When water…
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…