The next General Membership Meeting of Grand Clay Arts will be held on January 18, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Hopi Room of Chaparral Center.  We look forward to seeing you there!

We hope your start to 2024 has been a creative one! Studio traffic is on the increase as we welcome back our seasonal club members. Membership is just under 300 at the time of this writing.

In this 2024 first edition of our newsletter, we are excited to share the latest news and updates. We have names in new places who are sharing their expertise and enthusiasm in the areas of their responsibility, right along with those who are regular newsletter contributors.

Before you read on here are important expansion updates…

Our community’s long awaited expansion of three of the seven visual arts buildings is gaining momentum.

In late 2023 to date:

1. The Grand Clay Arts Expansion Development Team reviewed existing documents, gained membership input, and succinctly integrated our needs into goal documents that were submitted to the Long Range Planning Committee to move the project forward.
2. The CAM Board of Directors: 
A. Voted to approve $3.4 million toward the renovation and expansion of Grand Clay Arts, Grand Glass Arts, and Grand Photography.
B. Hired Ken Feldman as Project Manager
C. Jim Donalson, Jenny Mieras, and I were appointed to the Large Project Team

We will keep you updated to the best of our abilities!

Reminder!
2024 Membership Fees are due no later than January 15.
Please remit as soon as you can.
Current members who choose not to renew will be dropped from the roster.
Note:  Those who have not paid by 1/15 will show in RED status when they check-in at the studio.  This alerts the monitors that you will not be allowed to work in the studio until your invoice is paid.
If you have any problems paying, contact me: 
webmaster@grandclayarts.com

To our AMAZING Clay Arts members who, when asked to help set up for our December  Holiday Party, generously stepped up and offered to help on the day of the party.  Anyone who has ever put on a party knows that there is a lot that needs to be done ahead of time.  It was especially important because Diane Palley, my amazing Co-Chair, was not able to do as much as she normally would have, so I am sending a BIG thank you to the following for their part in making our party so successful.  

THANK YOU to Nancy Boggs, Butter, Janet Bonner, Pat Conlen, Pam Davidson, Leigh Donaldson, Leslie Friedman, Gloria Kornish, Karen LeMar, Pat O’Brien, Joni Rumbuck, Sandi Schulzetenberg, and my non-Clay member helper who was there helping me for eight long hours, Jim McGinniss.

Additionally, I'd like to thank some more of our amazing Clay Artists who gave of their time and talents and then donated their beautiful pieces of clay to be given as door prizes! Isn't THIS the BEST Club in The Grand?!!! Yes, it IS!!!
Please let the following Artists know how much we appreciated their generosity at this party.

The following members are commended for providing the raffle prizes ... even more reasons to attend our Clay Holiday Parties. These artists are Anita Britton, Patti Jones, David Dick, Bob Piper, Jean Zeidler, Theresa Fritz, Nancy Quinlisk, Sandi Schultzetenberg and Jim Donaldson, who donated three pieces!!!

Really and truly, I can't think of a better door prize than these creative clay pieces that were made by our incredibly talented members!!  We owe a very big Thank You to each of the above mentioned members!
 

Each and every one of you deserves a big round of applause, along with my deepest gratitude for your willingness and joyful way of pitching in with your time and talents!!!

When submitting a piece for the online gallery, please wait until it gets accepted before bringing it to the studio.  When accepted, it can be placed on the front window lower shelf.  I will check it in and place a G and the date on the tag.

When requesting to remove an item from the gallery, please be prepared to take it out of the studio promptly…within hours, not days.

NEW CHANGES
Please request to remove from the gallery any of your pieces that have been in the studio over 2 months and take them out of the studio promptly.  I will be rearranging the studio gallery January 19-20 and will set aside all pieces that I know have been there for quite a while.  The new policy will be a 2 month limit.

ALSO… from now on, all pieces being submitted to the gallery must have a brown price tag.  They will be located on the front window shelf next to the computer.  White tags will still be available for market sale items only.  Gallery items can still be brought out for markets BUT must retain the brown tag.

Just a reminder…the tags should have only the price on one side and your name and item description on the other side.

I will answer any questions at the meeting on the 18th.

Our next Plates of Plenty sale is scheduled for March 30!  We’re looking forward to another successful day of raising money for the Valley View Community Food Bank.

Currently, we have far more inventory than we need for our March sale.  So at this time, I’m asking everyone to please stop donating pieces to Plates of Plenty.  (Wow! I never thought I’d say that!)  I will let you know when donations are again accepted.  

Thank you for your understanding.  I look forward to the day when I can say, “Bring on the pottery!  The food bank is counting on us!”

 

Sharon Rothzeid has agreed to be the new Sunshine Club Coordinator.  Grand Clay Club Members, please use the web link on our home page to submit requests or contact Sharon directly when you're aware of a member's hardship.  Special Thanks to Sharon for taking on this job!
 

The January calendar of class offerings is very full.  A number of club members have taken advantage of classes, but most classes have not been full.  If you are looking to learn a new skill, create a new project or meet fellow clay club members while making a clay creation, consider signing up to take a class.We have outstanding instructors who would love to work with you.

Going forward, the club is putting together a set of classes that create a progression of skill development. For example, in February we are offering a series of wheel classes called Wheel 1 for learning the basics, Wheel 2 for working with larger amounts of clay to make a bowl, mug, etc and Wheel 3 to enhance your skills for shaping and creating larger and taller forms.  In March we intend to offer a similar progression of skills for handbuilders.  And of course, there are many classes helping you use your creativity in working with clay. So be sure to check out all the offerings and sign up!  They are all fun and rewarding.

If there are ever any specific classes you’d like to see, please share your ideas using the education@grandclayarts link.

 

Oh Man, is the club abuzz!!!  Welcome to all new members and welcome back to those returning from their Northern homes. 
Clay is fully stocked, our tool cabinet is well stocked at the moment and if you are looking for any type of special tool or glaze, please add to our Member special order sheet located on the peg board by the glaze room. 

At this time we are still awaiting restock of the Van Guilder Knives (horseshoe cutters) that a lot of our new members are requesting.   I contacted our suppliers today and we are on the list and hoping to receive our order in the next week or two. 

We have a few bags left of Red B-mix in the storage room, so if you're looking for a softer red clay than the Redstone, this is your best option. Same price as our other clay at $20.00 for the 25# bag.  
I urge you to try the Redstone at some point because it really does go well with the glazes in our glaze room. Share a bag with a friend maybe?
Amaco has a new catalog that I will place in the cabinet behind the monitors desk for all to have a look at. 

Have a fantastic January!
 

Just a friendly reminder that we need monitors during this busy season to keep our studio open and running properly. Please fill the morning position first, if you want the afternoon position pick a day that has the morning positions already filled. 
For anyone not comfortable monitoring we can provide you with a buddy that would available during your shift. 
Monitor's primary job is to greet members and guests.
Greet and Log members in for Cam to see our activity and to confirm that members are in good standing, which is required for the running of our studio. Greet guests and record them on the computer as Cam also wants to see these numbers.  We have wonderful artists in our club and they produce beautiful pieces. It's fun to interact with the guests as they ooh and ahh over the pieces!
Monitoring is the primary position of running the studio successfully.  Hope to see you there.

Procedures for Using Drying Racks:

WE WILL BE ADHERING TO THE “NO MOVE” POLICY.

EVERYONE’S ART IS IMPORTANT. DO NOT MOVE ANYONE'S  WORK. ON THE RARE OCCASION A PIECE NEEDS MOVING OR TOUCHING, CONTACT THAT MEMBER FIRST.  THIS POLICY IS FOR EVERYONE. YOUR WORK IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN SOMEONE ELSE’S.  AT THE SAME TIME, OBSERVE THE STEPS OUTLINED BELOW WHEN PLACING ITEMS ON THE DRYING SHELVES, IN THAT WAY RESPECTING YOUR FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS.

1. As much as possible choose a ware board that is just large enough to accommodate your piece.
2. Locate a shelf space APPROPRIATE to the size of your art.
3. Attach tag in a visible place with name, date, and phone number.
4. Two-week limit on use of drying rack or back counter. 
5. Remove studio molds in a timely manner (usually 3 days or less).
6. If leaving community for a time make arrangements with a friend for your art’s care in your absence.

SHELF MONITOR WILL:

1. Tag and date in RED pottery missing proper identification.
2. After 2 weeks on shelf, piece will receive a note to remove.
3. After 3 weeks, it goes to the graveyard (shelf above glazed pieces).
4. At 4 weeks the piece will be permanently removed.

1/14/2024	Raku/Horsehair Firing - January 14, 2024	Diane Niehof
1/15/2024	Beginning Wheel- January, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
1/16/2024	Throwing/Altering/Carving - January 8,10,16,18, 2024 Canceled	Brian Marx
1/16/2024	Basic Clay - January, 2024	Connie Johnson
1/17/2024	Beginning Wheel- January, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
1/18/2024	Throwing/Altering/Carving - January 8,10,16,18, 2024 Canceled	Brian Marx
1/18/2024 - 1/25/2024	Carving Southwest Images - January 18 and 25	Diane Niehof
1/19/2024	Bucket Purse-January 8, 19, & 29, 2024	Pat O'Brien
1/19/2024	Extruder 1-2-3	Lynne Shannrock
1/20/2024 - 1/21/2024	One-step Naked Raku - 1/20/24 and 1/21/24	Diane Niehof
1/22/2024	Beginning Wheel- January, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
1/23/2024	Betwix & Between Throwing - January, 2024	Brian Marx
1/24/2024	Beginning Wheel- January, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
1/25/2024	Betwix & Between Throwing - January, 2024	Brian Marx
1/26/2024	The Doctor is In! 01/26/2024	Diane Niehof
1/27/2024	Alternative Fire - Saggar - January 27 Prep Day (3-5p.m.) January 28 Firing Day (8-11p.m.)	Diane Niehof
1/28/2024	Alternative Fire - Saggar - January 27 Prep Day (3-5p.m.) January 28 Firing Day (8-11p.m.)	Diane Niehof
1/29/2024	Bucket Purse-January 8, 19, & 29, 2024	Pat O'Brien
1/29/2024	Betwix & Between Throwing - January, 2024	Brian Marx
1/30/2024	Basic Glazing - January, 2024	Connie Johnson
1/31/2024	The Doctor is In! 01/31/2024	Diane Niehof
1/31/2024	Betwix & Between Throwing - January, 2024	Brian Marx
2/1/2024	Underglaze This! February 1, 2024	Mary King
2/2/2024	Puzzle Pot February 2, 2024	Patti Jones
2/4/2024	Raku/Horsehair Firing - February 4, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/5/2024	Wheel 1: February 05, 07, 12, &14, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
2/6/2024	Hand Building/Carving - February 6, 8, 13, & 15, 2024	Brian Marx
2/6/2024	Basic Clay - February, 2024	Connie Johnson
2/7/2024	Wheel 1: February 05, 07, 12, &14, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
2/7/2024	Go Fish! February 7, 2024	Lynne Shanrock
2/8/2024	Hand Building/Carving - February 6, 8, 13, & 15, 2024	Brian Marx
2/8/2024	The Doctor is In! 02/08/2024	Diane Niehof
2/9/2024	Pots Run Riot With a Whirl-February 9 & 10, 2024	Carol Commins
2/9/2024	Wheel 3: Feb 9, 13, 16, 20, 2024 (Jim Perez-Wood)	Jim Perez-Wood
2/10/2024	Pots Run Riot With a Whirl-February 9 & 10, 2024	Carol Commins
2/11/2024	Raku/Horsehair Firing - February 11, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/12/2024	Wheel 1: February 05, 07, 12, &14, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
2/12/2024	Outdoor Flowers-February 12, 2924	Anita Britton
2/12/2024	Outdoor Flowers-0420	Anita Britton
2/13/2024	Hand Building/Carving - February 6, 8, 13, & 15, 2024	Brian Marx
2/13/2024	Basic Clay - February, 2024	Connie Johnson
2/13/2024	Wheel 3: Feb 9, 13, 16, 20, 2024 (Jim Perez-Wood)	Jim Perez-Wood
2/14/2024	Wheel 1: February 05, 07, 12, &14, 2024 (Pat Obrien)	Pat O'Brien
2/15/2024	Hand Building/Carving - February 6, 8, 13, & 15, 2024	Brian Marx
2/15/2024	Columns and Bottles - February 15 & 22, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/16/2024	Leapin' Lizards - February 16 & 23, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/16/2024	Wheel 3: Feb 9, 13, 16, 20, 2024 (Jim Perez-Wood)	Jim Perez-Wood
2/19/2024	Desert Landscape Plate/Wall Hanging - February 19 & 28, 2024	Pat O'Brien
2/20/2024	Basic Clay - February, 2024	Connie Johnson
2/20/2024	Wheel 3: Feb 9, 13, 16, 20, 2024 (Jim Perez-Wood)	Jim Perez-Wood
2/20/2024	The Wow of Glazing - Part 1 (lecture)February 20, 2024	Brian Marx
2/21/2024	The Doctor is In! 02/21/2024	Diane Niehof
2/22/2024	Columns and Bottles - February 15 & 22, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/23/2024	Leapin' Lizards - February 16 & 23, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/24/2024	The Wow of Glazing - Part 2 Hands-On - February 24, 2024	Brian Marx
2/25/2024	Alternative Fire - Splash Obvara, Februry 25, 2024	Diane Niehof
2/27/2024	Basic Glazing - February 27, 2024	Connie Johnson
2/27/2024	Basic Clay - March, 2024	Connie Johnson
2/28/2024	Desert Landscape Plate/Wall Hanging - February 19 & 28, 2024	Pat O'Brien