Local Clay Notes Remaining 2003 Meetings : April 16, June 19, September 17 and November 13 I call these notes rather than minutes because my scribbling couldn’t possible capture the dynamic personality of our meetings … so here’s my interpretation of the meeting. Lots and lots of members showed up (possible because both tables were filled with great foods) and those that signed-in were : Denise Davis, Kay Irish, Rhoda Fleischman, Rick Cosci, Donna Meyer, Sue Huckaby, Frank Gosar, Kathryn Finnerty, Mary Briggs, Merry Newcomer, Sookjae McCarty, Don Prey, Ryan Keller, Paula MacCullen, Linda Dyer, Hand Murrow, Kathy Lee, Robert Wolchock, and yours truly … Kay Irish (our new President) opened the meeting by introducing the new board and calling for a volunteer to be President-Elect (no one raised their hand – so the position is still open). Our Board for 2003 is : President Kay Irish Secretary Don Clarke ClayFest Robert Wolchock Empty Bowls Mary Briggs Mary Hindman Clay in Ed Sue Huckaby Treasurer Babara Ward Committee Reports Treasurer Since the Treasurer was absent, Kay read from the report that Babara had provided (attached). The bottom line was that we are carrying-forward $3676 into 2003! Clay in Education Sue brought an application form she had worked up for applying for funding from Local Clay for “educational” work (which was described as not only school settings, but also senior centers, etc). Since one of the reasons for starting Clay In Ed was to help develop individuals who may want to become new members of this ceramic community of ours, Sue pointed out some ways to utilize the fund (classroom work, slide shows, demos, community based projects, mentoring young artists, etc). Some people spoke of their experiences (Looking Glass was mentioned) and Sue closed by indicating that any member can apply for funds by filling in the new application. Empty Bowls Mary and Mary reminded the ceramic community that their donated bowls need to be at Georgies by March 4th. Bowls should be packed for handling and should be priced (it was noted that the bowls don’t have to be individually priced as FFLC will put on their own sticker – but they have to know your price for the bowl, so it was suggested that your donations be clearly market – this years price points are $15 - $20 - $25). There will be an opening celebration at the White Lotus Gallery the day of the sale (March 7th) from 4:30 – 5:45PM. Anyone that has donated bowls to the sale is welcome to join in the festivities (food – drink – entertainment). Those attending the gala opening are asked to enter the gallery from the back alley door as there will be a long line of anxious customers standing in front of the store. Mary-Mary (quite contrary) passed on a comment from FFLC and White Lotus that this annual fund raising sale would not be the success it has become without the involvement of Local Clay … thanks to all that donated their time and art! Mary-Mary explained that FFLC was looking for volunteers to put on some demos on Saturday, March 1st at the Fifth Street Market. There will be a large, heated canopy set up in the parking lot with a wheel and volunteers were asked for to put on demos. There will be a lot of publicity and press coverage, and those doing demos can bring pottery to sell (50/50 split with FFLC). The Register Guard is doing a big spread on Empty Bowls in their Home and Garden section .. look for it. Also, a number of stores in Fifth Street Market (Twist, Nick-n-Nora's, etc) are doing silent auctions of bowls. On February 27th the Hult is having an auction of some bowls during intermission (bid sheets will be in the programs for that night). And finally, opening this Friday the White Lotus is having an show on food-related art with a percentage going to FFLC … check out our member’s work in the show. Well almost finally … someone did mention that Mary Hindman has an opening at the Jacobs Gallery on Friday, March 7th (the same day at the Empty Bowls Sale) and everyone should wander down to see it after celebrating at the White Lotus. Workshops Frank reminded the group of the upcoming (February 23rd) workshop on Brush Making which he is giving at Club Mud Ceramics. Karl Knudson will be presenting a two-day workshop on Thrown and Altered Pottery. Karl will be demonstrating his style and philosophy of making pottery and the techniques that he uses to alter pots both on and off the wheel. There will be a slide show, and opportunity for hands-on experience. For more info can be found on our webpage under Local Clay/Workshops. Frank asked for suggestions (and volunteers) for demos at our membership meetings. ClayFest 2003 Robert Wolchock (the new Chairperson) introduced himself and he and Don (that’s me) provided an update to this year’s show. Specifically, there is a $5 increase to booth fees to fund a “Broken Pot Fund” and a differential commission rate for participants and Committee Chairs. It was explained that there had been great difficulty in finding volunteers to manage the show (Committee Chairs) and so the Steering Committee instituted additional incentives to people willing to help put on the show. There are still some openings for Chairs (Sponsorship and Signage) which did get some candidates during the meeting (for more information you can check out our webpage about getting involved). Kay Irish mentioned that she had decided that her current software did not lend itself to the Graphics Chair position and so she was stepping down as the Trainee leaving that position open. Frank closed the meeting with a note that Pete (our famous local alter-abled potter) is looking for studio space. Then the group devoured virtually everything that was on the two tables and had a great time schmoozing ….