August 2025

Monthly Newsletter

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
October 16, 2025 • 9 AM PT • Pima Room

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

Cathy Rick

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Labor Day weekend!

We’re gearing up for returning members and hoping everyone had a fun and safe summer. With a busy summer studio, our year-round members continued to have fun working in the cool indoor climate while making some real beauties. The summer crew also did an awesome job of supporting the summer Markets.

Renovation update: A contract was signed in August with GH2 Architects, Scottsdale, AZ. GH2 conducted a site visit on August 28^th with the goal of acquiring an initial understanding of our craft and equipment required. The Schematic Design phase is expected to be initiated in September. The submission for city permits will begin at the completion of the Design Phase and that is expected to take 2-3 months. Demolition and construction of our building will likely be scheduled for late 2026.

The Agreement with GH2 Architects to perform design services for the new Clay / Glass Arts Building has been finalized, and it is expected that the Schematic Design phase will be initiated by early September. Following is the overall general design schedule:

	Start Date	End Date	Status
Schematic Design: 13 Weeks	Sept. 1, 2025	Nov. 28, 2025	Tentative
*Review of Schematic Design:* 1 Week	Nov. 28, 2025	Dec. 8, 2025	Tentative
Design Development: 16 Weeks	Dec. 8, 2025	Mar. 30, 2026	Tentative
Review of Design Development: 1 Week	Mar. 30, 2026	Apr. 6, 2026	Tentative
Construction Documents: 18 Weeks	Apr. 6, 2026	Aug. 7, 2026	Tentative
Clay/Glass Construction Documents Delivered	Aug. 7, 2026	Aug. 7, 2026	Tentative

TOTAL DURATION OF DESIGN PHASE: ~49 WEEKS

Nominations for open Board positions have been flowing in. Nominations are open through the month of September and can be submitted via the link on our Member homepage. We look forward to a full slate of candidates for the Vice President, Member at Large and Secretary positions. Candidates will be announced in October, and elections will occur via electronic voting in November.

Round of applause for Jean Zeidler, Laurie Jorgensen and Sherry Grundman for their work as our Election Committee.

Our next General Membership meeting is scheduled for October 16^th. As a friendly reminder, you can get caught up on “club business” by reviewing past minutes from Board and General Membership meetings via online links.

EDUCATION

Cindy Wright

The fall calendar of classes is published. As time goes on, there might be a few additions or tweaks, but most of the classes are listed. Take a look at the fall offerings to start planning what you’d like to take. Remember, classes open the first day of the prior month.

If you were hoping for a specific class but don’t see it, please send a note to education@grandclayarts.com. And remember, classes are available to members who have 12 service hours, so check your service hours before you sign up.

GCA MEMBERS IN THE WILD

Monique Greer

Enjoy these photos GCA members wanted to share with you. If you would like to share a photo or story, please let me know. Text 206-420-9864 or email mogreer4az@gmail.com.

I spent four weeks roaming the wilds and the "big" cities of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. While in Kyrgyzstan, I learned how to hunt using a golden eagle. The entire trip was fascinating and wonderful. ~ Al Dadd

Back in June, Cyndi Swintek and I got into a bit of trouble while wandering around some art events in Clare, MI, at Cops and Doughnuts. Lisa Sauerbrey joined the fun, but was innocent. ~ Diane Niehof

My husband, Charles, and I drove "Big Luna" campervan from Seattle to Boston via I-90. We're currently visiting family in New Hampshire and will be heading to Acadia National Park next week. Then, we'll be making our way to the dunes of Lake Michigan and winding our way back to Arizona. See you soon! ~ Monique Greer

grandclayarts.com

GCA New Look! Newsletter - August 2025