The New Hampshire Potters Guild Minutes

Jeff reported that Chris Archer continues to explore workshop options for the Guild. Because many well-known presenters are booked two years in advance, Chris is investigating the possibility of engaging local potters of note. Sybille Turnow mentioned Ron Burke and Sarah Burns, both of whom currently have work displayed at Exeter's Lamont Gallery through February 2, 2005. Several members present at the Guild meeting had seen the exhibit at the Lamont and agreed that the work was very impressive. Jeff will report the interest in these potters' work to Chris. Jeff also suggested that the Guild plan workshops and shows two years in advance. Deb Grant noted that proper advance notification would benefit everybody.

Corrine said that Clay Talk at the NHIA offers good opportunities to interested potters, and questioned whether there should be an over abundance of workshops. She suggested that the Guild coordinate activities with the Institute to maximize the benefits of each. Sue Babine said that Clay Talk attempts to draw a broader segment of people into the Institute with the anticipated benefit of increasing class enrollment. Jeff observed that people definitely want to take workshops and that NHPG could coordinate shows and workshops with the Institute whenever possible.

Those present discussed the viability of sales and craft tours that visit individual studios. Ron Turnow said that, perhaps because their studio is geographically distant from other studios, this has not been advantageous in their case. Speculation indicated that location is highly significant in studio sales. Timing of the sale is also important.

The Guild is planning a Potters Market at the auditorium of the Institute one Saturday in October (either the 22nd or the 29th). After discussion, members concluded that a one-day sale was preferable. Those new to selling their pots could share a table if they so chose. Devitt Liptak noted that one of the primary purposes of the Potters Market is to encourage new potters to show. This opportunity is open only to Guild members. Jeff Brown, Yildiz Grotoski, and Roger Galuska are on this committee and will start scheduling the event.

Pottery at the Fair, the activity sponsored by the Guild at the August show of the League, grossed $6135.50 and netted $3264. For $30, the public could take a 30-minute class during which each person made a wheel thrown or hand formed pot. For an additional $5, the pot was fired, glazed boxed and shipped to the participant.
At least one League member was present for this activity at all times. Jeff noted that many Guild members contributed to the success of the undertaking. This was the first time the Guild sponsored this activity. Ultimately, Jeff oversaw the glazing, packing and shipping of approximately 200 pots.

Prolonged discussion occurred about improving the mechanics of this activity for next year. The consensus was to maintain the same fees for at least one more season. Jeff strongly recommended that each pot be boxed and shipped separately regardless of how many are going to the same address. There was also a suggestion to post a list of potters who are also available to give lessons to the public at their studios. Members present expressed their gratitude to Jeff for his tremendous efforts that contributed to the success of this project. A brown-bag-lunch committee meeting to start making plans for the Pottery at the Fair this coming August will be held from 1:00-2:30 immediately preceding the March meeting at Jane Kaufmann's. See further details at the end of these minutes.

Devitt Liptak recommended that the Treasure mail postcards about renewal of dues to the membership each January. She noted that a great many (including more than half of those participating in the Biennial Show) had not yet renewed their membership for 2005. Those present approved the mailing. It was noted that the League would take the standard 40% of the sales at the Biennial Exhibition. WEVO is making parking in their lot (located adjacent to the League building in Concord) available for people attending the opening of the Show on February 28.

On January 24, 2005, President Jeff Brown convened the annual public meeting of the Potters' Guild at 3:15 in a meeting room of the Manchester Public Library, Pine Street branch. The eleven members present introduced themselves and engaged in discussions concerning the following topics.

Jeff noted that the Kiln building workshop is scheduled for May 6,7 and 8 at his studio in Northwood. John Baymore will lead the workshop, which is open to NHPG members at a cost of $50 each.

Under new business, Ron Turnow suggested producing a calendar for sale. Ensuing discussion cited significant difficulties in such undertakings. Corrine Null suggested developing an information-based vehicle that would define specific ceramic firing techniques, and offer a graphic example of each (i.e.: raku, salt glazed, woodfired, oxidation, etc.).

General elections will occur at the next meeting to be held at the home of Jane Kaufman, 19 Oyster River Road, Durham, NH on March 20, 2005. Remember to bring something for the pot swap as well as a dish for the potluck supper. The meeting will convene at 3:00.

The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 4:50pm.

Respectfully submitted on 24 January, 2005.

Kathy Feltz

Minutes-October 2004

Minutes-August 2004

Minutes-March 2004

Minutes-January 2004

Minutes-October 2003

October 2004 Minutes

President Jeff Brown convened the October 24, 2004 meeting of the Potters' Guild at 3:30. Sue Babine hosted the thirteen members present for a lively discussion, potluck supper and visit to her home studio. As is customary when new members are present, the participants introduced themselves with a brief description of their involvement with clay. Alma Shmid and Ray Banks offered to host the June meeting at their home and studio in Weare. Ensuing discussions covered several topics.

Sue Babine responded to questions about her experiences as a clay artist. Sue and her husband were both English teachers who happened to take an introductory clay course at NHIA with Debbie Grant. Subsequently Sue took courses with Al Jaeger, Sybil Turnow and Bob Roy. Sue's husband, Bill, enthusiastically supported his wife's interest and built her a studio on their property. Before long Bill and Sue built a gas-fired kiln from a kit they ordered. Undaunted by the fact that she had never seen a gas kiln fired, Sue stacked greenware and proceeded with a bisque firing. It was nothing less than a disaster with the pots exploding in the fire.

Sue's active interest in pottery got a big boost when she had the opportunity to take a year leave from her teaching job. At the end of that year, she had the option to extend the leave for another year. By the time June arrived, Sue knew that her future was in her pottery studio rather than the classroom and she resigned her public school position.

Debbie Grant (past Head of Ceramics at NHIA) reminisced about early days in ceramics at the Institute. She recalled Sue as a student and said that Sue's development as a ceramic artist has been remarkable. Debbie described how "everyone" was learning by trial and error. Deb herself pressed the Institute to acquire a gas kiln before she had ever fired one. The stack built for the Alpine kiln at NHIA in 1968 cost $12,000. Debbie did the first firing. That kiln was still in use in the late nineties.

Moving the focus from past to future, Jeff announced that NHPG is presenting a kiln building workshop under the direction of John Baymore on May 6, 7, & 8, 2005. It will involve a slide talk on Friday night and two long workdays Saturday and Sunday with plenty of hands-on opportunities for all participants. The workshop, which is limited to a group of fifteen, is open to NHPG members at a cost of $50. Several members present noted the difficulty of finding actual kiln building workshops. Its value is obvious for potters considering building kilns of their own. However, for those who don't ever anticipate kiln building, this will be an invaluable experience that they might otherwise miss.

Discussions about the proposed kiln and preparations for its construction have been underway for several years. After Rudy Houk's death, the family donated bricks from his kiln. Other people have also donated materials. The design of the proposed gas/wood kiln has been determined and indicates what other materials are needed. The estimated cost of the remaining refractories needed for the kiln is around $3500. The pot making activity sponsored by NHPG at the League Show in Sunnapee generated (approximately $3000) enough to cover much of the remaining expenses for construction. NHPG has the burners but still needs $500, more or less, for steel, wood and assorted materials to complete the kiln. The hope is to secure donations for these materials. Debbie Grant suggested printing a donation form in the next two issues of PotLuck. Those choosing to make a tax-deductible donation to the kiln fund will receive a receipt for their gift.

The discussion about the kiln building workshop concluded with a suggestion that the workshop participants be able to fire their own work in the first firing. Chris Archer is the designated contact person for this workshop. Sue Babine noted that Jeff did a huge amount of work on the pottery fund-raiser at the Fair. Jeff acknowledged the efforts of other members whose contributions were also greatly valued.

Jeff suggested that next year the "Pottery at the Fair" event proceeds could be designated for another "project". Kurt Heinzmann suggested that discussion/decision about that should occur well in advance.

Kurt will submit a progress report on the kiln building project at the January Potters' Guild meeting. He will list all materials needed for the project and designate what we already have and what we will need to purchase. The January newsletter will contain complete financial information related to this project. A Wish List for money, and/or materials will also be presented. Registration information for the workshop will be provided.

Chris Archer updated members on anticipated PG workshops. He said that the high volume of response and comment elicited by the recent PG survey indicate strong membership interest in active workshop sponsorship. Currently Chris is creating a database of venues in order to expand sites beyond NHIA. According to Chris, members are seeking less expensive workshops. He suggests that many of the more experienced potters in the Guild could offer options at very reasonable rates. Chris suggested that the Guild sponsor workshops by local potters every eight to ten weeks and bring in two big name potters annually. Look in this issue of PotLuck for a column highlighting upcoming workshop events. Questions and comments about workshops should be addressed to Chris Archer at archersgrill@hotmail.com

Discussion concerning the following noteworthy topics occurred:
*Deb Grant said that The League is looking for new quarters with space to offer workshops and classes that might be available to The Potters' Guild. Julie Lombard questioned the possibility of free exchange with other guilds. Chris will investigate.
*Jeff recommended that we send out postcards to notify the membership of time sensitive information such as a workshop, or special event that is happening before the newsletter comes out, but otherwise use the newsletter for workshop registration forms. Linda Fletcher seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
*The second Friday of each month from 6:30-8:30, the NHIA Ceramics Faculty hosts "Claytalk", an informative evening of presentation, and discussion about clay and related topics. There is no charge and light refreshments are available (donations accepted). The November presentation featured John Baymore, Chris Archer, and Al Jeager with a slide talk on Teapots. The following day, Maureen Mills, and Jeff Brown joined in presenting a hands-on workshop on teapot assembly.
* Jeff reported that the Director of Development at NHIA has offered, to the Guild, use of the auditorium at the Institute as a venue for the Potters' Market. This will be taken to the Potters' Market committee.
*Jeff raised the issue of improving effectiveness in welcoming and encouraging new members. Sometimes new members are apprehensive. Those present voted to actively support new members.
*The Guild's Biennial Exhibition, this year entitled Virgin Vessels, will be at Gallery 205, in Concord, at the League of NH Craftsmen Head Quarters. It is not a juried show, but the League is handling the organizational aspects of the show with the Guild exhibition committee's involvement. The League is undertaking the promotional expenses related to the show.
*Kurt Heinzmann has purchased a pyrometric data logger that can be hooked up to an individual potter's kiln. He is interested in gathering information on different kiln firing techniques to present and discuss at a future Guild meeting. He will travel to the studios of potters within a thirty-minute drive of Manchester. Anyone interested in participating should contact Kurt at 603-547-2643 or by email at southbranch@monad.net

The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:20pm.

Respectfully submitted on 8 November, 2004.

Kathy Feltz

President Jeff Brown opened the meeting at 5:45 on August 11, 2004 at the Mt. Sunapee Lodge, after a day at the NH League of Craftsmen's Fair. After the business of the meeting was concluded, members present shared an excellent meal prepared by Sally from Screwy Louie's Pizza and Deli. These notes organize and record the content of the meeting.

Discussion about the "Pottery at the Fair's" progress started the meeting's discussion. At the time of the meeting the event had grossed nearly $4,500.00. Patrick Frazer was introduced as the presenter of the "Pottery at the Fair" event, a fund raising event with the proceeds to be used primarily for the NHPG Community Kiln and Workshop. As a representative of the NHPG and the LNHC, Patrick managed the lessons with the help of Dan Wilson and other members scheduled throughout the week. Jeff recommended that a $900.00 honorarium be give to Patrick as compensation for his work for the nine days at the fair and that Dan Wilson be given a fall semester pottery lesson at the NH Institute of Art. Jane Kaufman made the motion to accept and Linda Fletcher seconded the motion to a unanimous vote in favor.

Then the talk turned to the discussion about the use of the funds generated from the "Pottery at the Fair". The first priority was the amount of money to be used for the kiln, which, with conservative estimates, would start at $1500.00 to $2000.00. Jeff also suggested that the fee for the proposed Kiln Building Workshop presented by John Baymore be $50.00 for members and $100.00 for non-members. A motion was made by Jane Kaufman to allocate at least $2000.00 for the kiln and give the $50.00 workshop fee to John Baymore for his presentation and design work.

Before the vote was cast, Kit Cornell suggested that the members should be able to take the workshop for free. It was pointed out that with a 15 participant limit of the hands-on kiln-building part of the workshop, it would not be fair to those who wanted to come but couldn't because of the limit Therefore, it was decided that all members could attend the slide presentation and discussion on kiln building and design at no charge.
Kurt Hienzman commented that he felt that the actual cost for the materials needed to complete the kiln project would exceed the $2000.00 estimate and made a new motion that the guild allow the kiln committee to spend whatever is needed to build the kiln, excluding workshop instructor fees, up to a "cap" equal to the net proceeds from "Pottery at the Fair" tent at Sunapee. Sue Babine seconded the new motion and a vote was called for, which was unanimously in favor. A final report of the event was promised for the upcoming newsletter.

Among the suggestions for future fundraiser consideration were: publicity for The Potters Market, the scholarship fund, and a workshop budget. Discussions on the topics are to continue at future meetings.

Jeff introduced Aaron Tester, to thunderous applause, as he thanked him for getting involved with the guild as newsletter editor.

Ron Tornow commented on the Guild's Biennial Exhibition that will be at The League Headquarters in Concord, mid-January through mid-March 2005. The theme, "Virgin Vessels" relates to works of clay that have never been exhibited before this exhibition. At the last meeting most of the members were in favor of not having a judge choose the awards for the exhibition but were in favor of keeping the "People's Choice" as the only awards given . Awards will be announced at the Annual Meeting in March after the close of the Exhibition. The "calls for entry" will go out in mid October.

Alan Steinberg announced that the Brattleborough Claywork Studio he is involved in is looking for a new resident. Alan handed out information to those interested.

Kit Cornell lead a round of applause for Maureen Mills for her recent honor of being the recipient of this year's Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation Grant Award. (see article for details). Kit then did a short inspirational reading in honor of Maureen's reach for this achievement.

Chris Archer circulated a questionnaire to get an idea of what kind of workshops the NHPG members were most interested .

Al Jaeger and Maureen Mills set a date of August 28th and September 11th for the Empty Bowls Bowl-a-thon to benefit the project happening on October 17th in Manchester.

Theresa Taylor reported that the North Country Studio Workshop had filled the wheel working workshop but still had space for the sculpture workshop.

The food arrived and all stormed the buffet.
While we all settled down to our meals, Chris Archer announced that David Pellerin had just offered to donate his services to give a fund raising workshop at his studio in New London this fall. Jeff congratulated Christine Merriman ,who had received the NHPG 'Best in Ceramics" award at the "Living with Crafts " exhibition on Friday at the fair.

Jeff closed the meeting with the unanimous approval of the membership's sounds of chewing.

Business

Events

Article-Archives

The New Hampshire Potters Guild Minutes

POTTER'S MARKET

The location and the time is still to be determined.
Possibilities include:

Business

Events

Article-Archives

The New Hampshire Potters Guild Minutes

POTTER'S MARKET

The location and the time is still to be determined. Possibilities include:

The location and the time is still to be determined.
Possibilities include: