Just a quick studio update - our Fall session classes will be concluding on November 10th. We will be kicking off our Holiday session on November 11th with 2 new to you classes and one new "interim" instructor.
First - new class is Ceramic Sculpture - the brickwork for this class will stay the same but Casey O'Connor will be taking over for Mark Corwine (Temporarily). Mark will be traveling a bit for the season and Casey has volunteered to keep the sculpture class flame lit - until Mark returns for the Winter Session. Casey will still be offering rock solid guidance and ideas for students who are doing self-study but also offering insights and demonstrations on techniques he uses in his own work. For interested students Casey will also be exploring slip casting, mold making and decal transfers within the framework of the sculpture class!
Second new class is Kimberly Grossman's wheel class! Kim loves to explore new ideas and themes with each new session and I really think she knocked it out of the park on this one. Kim will be taking students down the ceramic gift giving lane with a fresh idea of holiday themed work! Explore luminaries, birdhouses, Christmas trees and much more as Kimberly takes students down theme based classes and pushes students to expand on her introduced ideas. Get ready to create amazing ceramic gifts with:
Holiday Creations! with Kim G. Marsha VanVlack is our high energy instructor that takes ceramic students to new heights. Exploring fresh ideas and concepts is in Marsha's DNA and she wants to share that passion with you! For those that can't decide between wheel throwing and handbuilding why not try both. Check out:
Marsha's Ceramic Technique class where she combines the best of both worlds - wheel throwing and handbuilding to create amazing work! If handbuilding is up your alley then Marsha offer's two different times for Handbuilding classes - each week she explores a new concept and idea and inspires students to create beautiful pieces using theirs hands - find class times and a detailed class description here:
Hand building with Marsha
We had a great week this past week with wonderful weather and kilns being turned over. We may have a glaze culprit with Sunset Red as I stated in a previous email, we have one piece compromised so just please use with caution as it may turn more orange/rust than red. I did get the all clear from Sharon D. on the Clear Celadon so please go ahead and use that as normal. I am awaiting word back on the Spearmint so we will keep our fingers crossed until we get confirmation that it hasn't been compromised.
Also just as a side note: Does anyone know where the Flame Red came from?
-------------------------------------Change at the Helm Note-----------------------------------------------
Studio Friends,
It is with
mixed emotions that I need to deliver some news. Months ago I applied for a
government job. It was a long shot and the testing process was
extensive. I had started the application process prior to accepting the
position as the WCAC Studio Manager. Two weeks ago I was offered the
position.
Over the past two weeks,
I have done an extensive dive into my options considering all possible angles.
My friends and family have offered counsel as well and I also reached out
to trusted artists. From the beginning I had honest conversations with Andy
that were tough but necessary.
Andy not only offered
advice and counsel but he met every request I made including financial compensation
and a flexible work schedule. He tried so hard to be able to
accommodate the needs of myself and my family and surpassed my every
expectation.
My family and I are in a position where the benefits and retirement pension offered
by the job ultimately, took precedence over all the amazing
opportunities that Andy and the Center provide. As soon as a new manager is
found I will be training him or her. Some of this training may need to occur on
the weekends as the new job starts November 4th.
I want to thank
you all for the support and understanding. The WCAC studio and people who
make up this community mean so much to me. I will do everything in my
power to set up the next manager for success. I want to thank Andy and Tina for
giving me this opportunity and I hope to maintain a relationship with them
and the students who are here.
I hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you back in the studio next week! I hate to end the email on a somber note - I heard a quote recently that saide this " Quitting is hard, continuing is hard - choose your hard" , I want you all to know I will not be giving up wood firing or the relationships I have made here. We create with our hearts and we do what we love - I hope to see you all around the fire!
All my gratitude and love,
-Bill
-- Studio Manager
Wellsville Creative Arts Center
