Grand Clay Arts current membership: 268 residents
The big news around The Grand is the continued Arizona heat wave of over 30 consecutive days of 110 degree (plus) temps. Looking forward to monsoon rainstorms to arrive and begin to cool things down a few degrees. Note several Grand cacti have begun to “melt” from the heat:
Clay:
The club is gradually increasing clay inventories in advance of the Fall season. The goal is to keep the three basic clay offerings, Speckled Buff, B-Mix, B-Mix (grog), well-stocked throughout the upcoming months. Should membership wish to consider adding a greater range to the basic clay assortment, lets discuss during the September General Membership Meeting.
Glazes:
The Glaze team has done a great job in updating the year-round studio offerings. Last week RED was backed up to ensure supply meets anticipated demand. Also, top performing basic glazes continue to be reviewed for optimal supply levels in advance of the Fall season.
News Flash!
Mayco Stoneware is adding new shades to the current selection. The new shades are available in pint sizes bottles and four-ounce containers. The four-ounce size is also offered in a glaze kit, which consists of twelve four-ounce bottles priced at $25.00 per kit. The club will stock several of the glaze kits starting Sept 20th. First come, first served :-) basis!
Highlights
The July newsletter “highlighted” Pat Conlen and Geoff Iverson. Their efforts on behalf of fellow club members help keep the club moving smoothly 12 months a year!
August “Highlight” Member: Betty Jackson!!!
Betty has been in charge of GCA email blasts for several years running. Developing and distributing the time-sensitive messages is no easy task. Betty often invests substantial time producing content that hits the right note, while ensuring all members receive the eblasts in a timely manner. Beside eblasts, Betty is a “rock-solid” member of the kiln crew, dedicating long hours of kiln work during the summer months. Thank You Betty from the entire club!
Monitor Training
Monitor training will resume on the following dates:
8.18.23 Friday (9-10:30 am)
9.15.23 Friday (9-10:30 am)
9.22.23 Friday (9-10:30 am)
9.29.23 Friday (9-10:30 am)
The planned sessions will be conducted in the studio. Max 10 participants per date.
An email blast will be forwarded, covering member registration information.
The Natural…..Jim Perez Wood!
Come on, these results from only 6 months on the potter’s wheel! Plus, Jim is a great member, willing to help with any task in the studio. A round of applause for Jim!
Batter Up…Beckie Alexander!
Yup, don’t mess with Beckie. The whisk Beckie is holding is her donation to the Glaze Room. Lots of stirring going on! Thank you Beckie!
Welcome several of GCA's newest members.
Meet Paul and Nancy White, new members to Grand Clay Arts!
Meet Tom and Pat Johnson, new members to Grand Clay Arts!
Fall Fest Art Walk 11.11.23
The upcoming Fall Fest Art Walk offers GCA members an opportunity to participate on several levels.
Grand Clay Arts….Plates of Plenty (POP): All contributions (sales) go to Valley View Community Food Bank to feed the hungry….great cause!
Village Center….MAG (Saturday): The location for club’s monthly pottery sales.
Artisan Fusion…..Silent Auction: Will benefit Soldiers Best Friend (veteran service dog program)
GCA members are welcomed to donate pottery for 11.11.23 silent auction. The seven visual art clubs (Artisan Fusion), plus several Surprise area businesses have already offered contributions for the event.
The Artisan Fusion (AF) Planning Group (in partnership with LifeSyles-CAM) has been putting the pieces together since March. The results will hopefully help advance the visual arts in our community.
All the best for a Great August!
