Karen Ellsworth
Pottery! An art form that has been around almost as long as the human race. The earliest known pieces date back to 29,000 B.C. Most pottery in the early ages was utilitarian in use. It has evolved over the centuries into one of the most valued and respected of art forms.
The three main groups of pottery are earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. All of these types of pottery are made by forming the clay into a desired shape, firing it at a high temperature, decorating it, then firing it again. Some terms used in the pottery world are:
* Greenware: an unfired piece
* Leatherhard: partially dried greenware. The piece can be trimmed or handles added, etc.
* Bone Dry: the greenware is ready to be fired
* Bisque: fired greenware
* Glaze Fired: the bisque piece has been glazed and decorated and is ready to refire
At the Happy Potters studio, we are fortunate to have many skilled and knowledgeable potters who instruct our classes. These include classes for beginners as well as those who are experienced. There are classes on hand building and classes on wheel throwing. Our studio is well-equipped with plenty of room to work, many potter’s wheels on which to throw, and several kilns to fire our beautiful creations.
We are constantly learning from each other, from guest speakers, and from videos. Our studio is a place where your imagination knows no bounds and all are welcome. We would love to encourage any and all of you to come for a visit or tour, to sign up for classes, or to purchase items we have for sale in the display windows.