Winter 2014 class update

Update on Pottery Class Registration for Winter Session


Registration for pottery classes will be held at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park on Tuesday, January 6, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Openings are available for adult beginners on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm and adults at the intermediate/advanced level (those with previous experience) on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Classes for children ages 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 3:30. All classes begin the week of Jan. 12 and run for 10 weeks.


Please note that registration is first come first serve except for spaces that have been reserved for returning students and gift certificate recipients. For this reason the beginner class previously advertised on Tuesday evenings is already full. We regret any disappointment this may cause.


For more information, please call Barb at 368-3268

Winter 2014 pottery classes

Pottery Class Registration--Winter Session

Registration for pottery classes will be held at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park on Tuesday, January 6, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Classes are available for adults on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. The Tuesday an Thursday classes are at the beginner level but if there is enough interest, the Monday class will be at a more advanced level. Classes for children ages 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from 10:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 3:30. All classes begin the week of Jan. 12 and run for 10 weeks. Registration is $225 for adults (which includes a 20 lb block of clay) and $175 for children (including clay).

Registration is first come first serve on registration night, except for spaces reserved for returning students and for anyone who has purchased a gift certificate in advance. Christmas Gift Certificates are available! For more information, please call Barb at 368-3268.

Bats, bats and more (real) bats! An "Art-in-the-Open" post-event summary.

I want to thank everyone who attended our "Art in the Open" event this past August 23rd, 2014 in Victoria Park.  It was a great bat display, the white LED holiday lights and the floodlights hit our pottery bats hanging (and swinging) in the tree and it looked fabulous.

We were able to hand out all our printed copies of our information flyer on PEI bats and the White Nose Syndrome. If you'd like to view the flyer, you can get access to the PDF (link here).

At this point, there's not a lot that the average person can do to increase the chance for bat survival beyond trying to help give them good habitat (e.g. build a bat house), provide food sources (e.g. plants that attract moths that they like to eat), make sure their current habitat isn't being destroyed and keep out of caves where bats live to avoid accidentally spreading the fungus that causes the syndrome.

In the way of photos, the photos we took of the event at night weren't the best, but we did get a few great shots during the initial setup during the day.  Thanks again to everyone that helped make the bats and helped with the display. 

Pictures below arranged (roughly) chronologically.

Hanging the bats.

Lots of bats to hang.

Starting the Art-in-the-Open event.

It was a beautiful summer day.

Great day for spotting (pottery) bats!

One of our many "white nosed" (pottery) bats.

Bats "flying".

Up, up and almost got it!

Right near the start.  Lots to see everywhere!

A very distinguished bat.

As the sky darkened, the lights made it easier for us to be found.

Near sunset.

Many pictures of our bats are now in people's cameras.

The lights are starting to be needed.

Can you spot the (pottery) bat?

Lots of people throughout the evening!

 We've also put in a quick video where you can hear some of the bat sounds we played from a set of outdoor speakers.  Bats will "chirp" when they are communicating with each other, and emit a series of sounds when they use echolocation (using sounds to find object).   Bats use sounds in a wide range, some of which humans can hear, some that are too high in frequency for us to hear but can be measured with different equipment.

And as a special treat at the end of the night, we had REAL BATS!

They must have been attracted by the hours of sounds of "bat noises" and came to check it out.  Some sharp people in the audience noticed bat sounds continuing when our audio paused in it's loop and I was told that some bats were spotted near midnight.

Here's to hoping we'll have bats continuing on PEI for a very long time.

Class Registration Update

Class Registration Update


Registration for classes was held tonight (Sept 9) at the studio. All of the adult classes beginning the week of Sept 22 are now full. There are still spaces left in the classes for children ages 9 to 14, either from 10:30 to 12:30 or 1:30 to 3:30, beginning on Sept 27. Cost is $175 including clay. To register please call Barb at 902-368-3268.

See the City of Charlottetown Program Brochure for description. 

Reminder: Annual Fundraising Sale Aug 16, 2014

Official Notice: "The annual fundraising sale for the PEI Potters Studio will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 9 am to noon(ish) at the Confederation Court Mall (first floor near Shopper's Drug Mart) in Charlottetown. Work by studio members and students, as well as professional Island potters, will be available at great prices! The PEI Potters Studio is a non-profit cooperative dedicated to the promotion of the art of pottery making in PEI. Funds raised from the sale will help the studio provide opportunities for children and adults to learn about and enjoy working with clay. For more information call Judy at 892-9064"

Extra information: We've had some very nice donations to our sale from professional potters on PEI and quite a few donations from current Potters Studio members, so come near the start time for the best selection.

August 2nd Workshop Pictures

Wanted to post a few pictures of bats made during the August 2nd workshop.  Thanks for everyone that came and participated!

August 9th, 2014: 10am-noon will be the free public workshop to help decorate the bats for glaze firing.  Victoria Park Potters Studio.

Fall 2014 Pottery Class Registrations: Tue Sep 9 5:30-7pm

Pottery Class Registration

Registration for pottery classes will be held on Tuesday, September 9  from 5:30 -7:00 pm at the P.E.I. Potters Studio in Victoria Park, Charlottetown.

Perfect for beginners as well as those with previous experience, classes are taught by professional Island potters and are designed to be fun as well as educational. Classes are small in size (a maximum of 8) and relaxed and informal in style. The beginners class (choose either Tuesday or Thursday evening) covers the basics of clay preparation, wheel-throwing techniques, and glazing and decoration. Hand-building techniques can also be explored depending on interest. The intermediate/advanced class (offered on Monday evenings depending on interest) will focus more on throwing complex forms and on glazing and decorating. A great way to relieve stress and enhance creativity while learning a new skill, participants will have the opportunity to create their own pieces from start to finish.

Adult beginners classes are offered on Tuesdays or Thursdays, and for more advanced adults on Mondays, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, beginning the week of September 22. Classes for children ages 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from either 10:30 to 12:30 or 1:30-3:30 pm  beginning on September 27. Each session runs for a 10 week period.

For more information, please call Barb at 368-3268.

City of Charlottetown Program Brochure 

Free Handbuilding Workshops: August 2 and 9th

Free Handbuilding Workshops: "Bats for Bats!"

Free handbuilding workshops for people interested in creating and decorating bats for the "Art in the Open: Bats for Bats!" August 23rd art display will be held at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park on August 2nd (2 sessions) from 10 to noon and 1-3pm, and then August 9th from 10 to 12 am. For more information please call Barb at 902-368-3268

Range of the Little Brown Bat

Please note: 

• This is a free "drop-in" event for people of all ages, but our studio is not large!  We will fit as many people in as we safely and enjoyably can.  
• If there's a smaller number, we'll encourage people to stay longer, but if there's a lot of people, we'll encourage you to have fun creating or decorating a bat and then letting someone else try.  
• Parents are expected to remain and help their children. 

August 2nd will have two separate sessions will a break in between to allow us to refresh supplies and have lunch.  The sessions will run from 10am-noon and 1-3pm, but they are drop-in, so you can come for as short of (space permitting) as long as the session runs.  These sessions will focus on handbuilding (creating) the bats out of clay.  We will quickly dry and then bisque fire them over the next week.

August 9th will focus on decorating the bats and that session will run from 10am-noon. 

"Bats for Bats!" Art in the Open Display August 23rd from 4pm to midnight.  Location: outside the pottery studio in Victoria Park (up the hill from the ice cream shop). 

If there is someone that goes to both sessions and both creates and decorates their bat and wishes to keep it after the show, they can be picked up August 24th from 11:30am-12:30pm.

(Some details modified after organizational meeting on July 27th). 

ART IN THE OPEN: "Bats for Bats!" Official event August 23rd, 2014 (Teaser blog entry)

More details to be confirmed very shortly, but our studio will be hosting a few free handbuilding workshops for people interested in creating and decorating bats for our "Art in the Open" display.

Studio members, friends, family and as many people as we can fit into our workshops (dates and information posted soon!) will be creating bats to represent the bat species found on Prince Edward Island, in particular the endangers Little Brown Bat.

These bats will be decorated, fired and displayed near our studio in Victoria Park as part of the "Art in the Open" even on August 23rd, 2014. Studio members will be available during the event and an informational poster about the Little Brown Bat will be available.

• Google Image Search on "Little Brown Bat"
• Bing Image Search on "Little Brown Bat"
• Google Image Search on "Canadian Bats"

Three free workshops will be held in August (details soon!) and we'll provide the clay, event area and instructors. 

Fundraising Pottery Sale

The annual fundraising sale for the PEI Potters Studio will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 9 am to noon(ish) at the Confederation Court Mall (first floor near Shopper's Drug Mart) in Charlottetown. Work by studio members and students, as well as professional Island potters, will be available at great prices! The PEI Potters Studio is a non-profit cooperative dedicated to the promotion of the art of pottery making in PEI. Funds raised from the sale will help the studio provide opportunities for children and adults to learn about and enjoy working with clay. For more information call Judy at 892-9064

Cleaning Kiln Shelves: YouTube Review

Kiln Shelves, Kiln Shelves -- So important for getting a good base on your piece

I'd be really interested in getting a few more people in the studio (our lovely volunteer co-operative) who clean kiln shelves. I think there are some now, so I thought I'd give a little review post on some youtube videos out there.

There are so many experts out there giving (sometimes conflicting) tips out there for cleaning electric kiln shelves.  Most of them are dealing with nice flat undamaged shelves. Our studio uses the cordierite or high alumina kiln shelves (good for fast heating and cooling, cordierite warps above cone 8) and not the silicon carbide type (due to expense, increased safety hazards in our electric kiln as they're a conductor).  As we fire cone 6 we use the thicker 3/4" shelves as the thinner ones with warp at our temperatures and most of our newer shelves should be the high-alumina type.

A full round 3/4" high-alumina shelf costs about $75+tax, and a half shelf about $40+tax. We want them to last as long as possible in good condition so people's pieces will turn out nicely.

If you're interested in trying to clean the shelves, we have some printed instructions.  There should be some dust masks and protective eyewear in the glaze prep area.  Ask for help and a demonstration.  Will post on the board to see if we can organize a session.

TENTATIVE DATE: I'll be doing a bigger shelf cleaning session soon if you want some practice. I'll be trying out the side-grinder.  Bit weather dependent as I want to do it outside: a) Wednesday June 18th (evening), Friday June 20th (afternoon or evening) or Sunday June 22 (morning or early afternoon).

General protective gear tips: 

1. Always use eye protection when cleaning or grinding shelves (tiny bits of glass + eyes = not good )
2. Use a dust mask or respirator whether you're working inside or out (tiny particulates + lungs = not good long term)
3. Consider the circumstance and choose level of protective gear you need otherwise (gloves, covered footwear, etc.)

Sample videos below: 

1) Potter Tom Zwierlein goes over some tips and demos using a chisel, side-grinder, scraper, washing and applying kiln wash. Longer overview with some side comments.



Applicability: Nice overview, but I think he's able to keep a lot more control over his studio conditions.  We have a lot more variables and people in out.  Lovely nice flat undamaged shelves...

Protective gear: goes over different types of gloves and uses, he uses a fan to blow dust away and works outdoors instead of a dust mask, uses sunglasses to cover eyes.

2) Jeni Hansen Gard goes over why kiln wash is eyes, mixing kiln wash, applying it and storing the shelves kiln wash side to kiln wash side.   Nice beginners intro although I think she'll improve her brush stroke pattern more over time.



Applicability: uses different recipe for the kiln wash than in our studio, but basics the same. I like to use a small whisk in the mixing process. We have kiln wash right up to the edges but she suggests avoiding that to avoiding flaking into pieces below.  I think keeping sides of the shelves clear of kiln wash, not applying it too thick (want to avoid cracking), and scraping it down properly better for our studio.

Protective gear: uses dust mask, goggles. She doesn't wear gloves, but also doesn't show the actual cleaning of the shelves where cuts from broken glass shards are most likely (tip: never "look" for remaining glass shards by running fingers over the shelves...).

3) Expertvillage goes over a very quick demonstration on using a side-grinder to get rid of glaze bits stuck firmly to the shelves.  Giving this one because it's fast and one other reason (see below).


Applicability: None yet, but I want to organize a session or try using a shelf grinder to clean up our shelves and flatten them out more.

Protective gear: Does it outside, and uses dust mask and protective eye-wear... and then proceeds to bend over and work at it at an awkward angle wearing flip-flops. FLIP-FLOPS.  I've seen too many safety videos over the years.  All I could picture was the end bit where it went "and when she wobbled a bit, she ended up losing two toes".  At the very least wear covered-toes shoes to provide minimal protection. Something thicker, like leather, would be better. Gloves nice too.

Raku Post #3

Great Time at Cathy's!

Tim Isaac

Raku firing at Kalaidescope festival in Stratford

Tim Isaac, a raku potter from Alma NB, demonstrated raku firing at the U-pick tulip field on Saturday May 17 as part of the Kalaidescope Festival in Stratford. Many people came to watch and were fascinated by the process. Thank you Tim!

Raku workshop May 18th: pictures!We'

We'll be posting a few pictures of our Raku workshop.  Enjoy. :)

Raku workshop, all hot and ready for the bucket.

We'll be posting a few short posts today.

Raku workshops May 17th and 18th, 2014

Open, Public Raku Workshop

On May 17th, there will be a free public Raku workshop where you can see the process in action.  Sponsored event by the City of Stratford with Tim Isaac (website: http://timisaacpottery.com/) running the Raku kiln.  According to the festival information, it's running about 10am-4pm, so you can drop in any time. 

Location: U-pick tulip field in Stratford (located just past the Balderston farm stand at 10897 Trans Canada Highway) as part of the Kaleidoscope Festival. 


Tim will be firing some of his own pieces, a few Potters Studio members will be there, and there will be some small pieces for the public to try glazing and firing for a nominal fee. 

Studio Members Raku Workshop and Potluck

On May 18th, we'll be having a second Raku workshop, with Tim Isaac helping with the kiln and glazes, at Cathy's place, starting about 9am and going till about 5pm.  Bring any food and beverages you wish to share.  Bring your pottery pieces to glaze and fire.  Normally, people can generally expect to fire between 3-5 pieces (size dependent). 

Cost for the May 18th Raku workshop will be $25 for members and $40 for non-members (to cover Tim's costs and supplies).   

Registration for Spring Pottery Session: Tue April 15, 5:30-7pm

Registration for pottery classes will be held on Tuesday, April 15 from 5:30 -7:00 pm at the P.E.I. Potters Studio in Victoria Park, Charlottetown. Adult classes are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm beginning the week of April 21. A class for children ages 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from 1:30-3:30 pm beginning on April 26. Each class runs for a 10 week period. For more information, please call Barb at 368-3268.

Upcoming workshops: Sun Mar 9th, Sun Mar 23rd -- 2-4pm

Past Workshop

Ron Arvidson held a very informative and information-packed workshop at the studio this past Sunday, Feb 23rd.  Upon feedback from participants, the topic was switched to decorating techniques, including clay colouring, throwing mixed colour clay bodies on the wheel, making slip and decorating with slips.

You missed out on seeing Ron throw these vases if you weren't there!

Slip was made and left at the studio. Top shelf above bisquewares. 

Upcoming workshops

On Sunday March 9th, Ron will go over clay surfaces (decoration techniques, methods), and on Sunday March 23rd, he will go over glazes, making glazes, and decoration techniques.  Time from 2-4pm both days.

Ron's sessions are always informative and jam-packed with information.  These sessions are being offered by donation (suggested is $10 to cover his time, his preparation work, materials, etc.).  They're at more of an advanced level than regular classes and are aimed at members, but if you're interested and not a current member, call Judy at the studio some Wednesday evening.

Note -- blog info may be updated in the next week or so if I get more information.

Members mini-workshop: Sunday Feb 23rd -- Bowls with Ron Arvidson

Reminder to our members that Ron Arvidson is having a short workshop on bowls this coming Sunday from 2-4pm at the studio.  Payment by donation.

Registration information: Spring session 2014 (Info updated Feb 25/2014)

Youth / Teen
POTTERY IN THE PARK
PEI Potters Studio

Victoria Park (small white house next to tennis courts)
Children’s Class (Ages 9-14)

A class for children aged 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30.*

While creative exploration with clay is stressed, instruction provides beginners with the basics of clay preparation, a variety of hand-building techniques, glazing and decoration and an introduction to wheel throwing. Students with previous experience may focus more on wheel throwing. Taught by a professional Island potter and designed to be fun as well educational, the class is small in size (maximum of 8) and relaxed and informal in style. Participants will get a thorough introduction to the art of pottery making and have fun while creating their own pieces from start to finish.

Spring session:  Registration Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the studio.    
Saturdays 1:30 to 3:30 PM     April 12 to June 21   Ages 9-14 $175 (includes clay) 

* Note: if there are enough participants, an additional class will be offered from 10:30 to 12:30

For information call Barb at 368-3268.  

ADULT SECTION
POTTERY IN THE PARK
PEI Potters Studio
Victoria Park (small white house next to tennis courts)

Classes are taught by professional Island potters and are designed to be fun as well as educational. Perfect for beginners as well as those with some experience, classes are small in size (max of 8) and relaxed and informal in style. Instruction covers the basics of clay preparation, wheel-throwing techniques, and glazing and decoration. Hand-building techniques can also be explored depending on interest.  This is a great way to relieve stress and enhance creativity while learning a new skill. Participants will get a thorough introduction to the art of pottery making and have fun while creating their own pieces from start to finish.

Spring session: Registration Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 5:30 to 7:30PM at the studio.

Mondays              6:30 to 9:30 PM   April 14 to June 16      $200 plus clay ($25)

Tuesdays              6:30 to 9:30 PM   April 15 to June 17      $200 plus clay ($25)
Thursdays            6:30 to 9:30 PM   April 17 to June 19      $200 plus clay ($25)

For information call Barb at 368-3268.  

Registration update (Jan 8 2014)

Openings for pottery classes at the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park are still available for adult beginners on Mondays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm beginning Jan. 13, and for children ages 9 to 14 on Saturdays from either 10:30 to 12:30 or 1:30 to 3:30 beginning Jan. 18. All classes run for 10 weeks and the cost for an adult class is $200 plus $25 for clay and for a childrens class is $175 including clay.To register call Barb at 368-3268.

REMINDER: Registration for Winter Classes Tue Jan 7, 5:30-7:30pm!

Winter Session of Pottery Classes Set to Begin

Registration for pottery classes will be held on Tuesday, January 7 from 5:30 -7:30 pm at the P.E.I. Potters Studio in Victoria Park, Charlottetown.  

Perfect for beginners as well as those with previous experience, classes are taught by professional Island potters and are designed to be fun as well as educational. Classes are small in size (a maximum of 8) and relaxed and informal in style. Instruction covers the basics of clay preparation, wheel-throwing techniques, and glazing and decoration. Hand-building techniques can also be explored depending on interest. A great way to relieve stress and enhance creativity while learning a new skill, participants will have the opportunity to create their own pieces from start to finish.

Adult classes are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 pm, beginning the week of January 13. While all classes are suitable for beginners, if there are enough registrants with previous experience, the Monday night class will be taught at an intermediate level, focusing on creating more complex forms and more advanced techniques for glazing and decorating.  Adult classes run for 10 weeks and the cost is $200 (plus $25 per clay block). 

Classes for children ages 9 to 14 will be held on Saturdays from either 10:30 to 12:30 or 1:30-3:30 pm beginning on January 18.  Children's classes also run for 10 weeks and their cost is $175 (reclaim available for use and included in the price, new clay available for purchase upon request). 

Please note that, except for a few spots that have been reserved for returning students or those with gift certificates, registration is first come first serve and that only cash or cheques are accepted as payment.

The PEI Potters Studio is a not-for-profit cooperative that has been offering classes and studio memberships for Islanders since 1997. If you have always wanted to try your hand at making things with clay, the pottery classes offered by the PEI Potters Studio in Victoria Park may be just right for you!

For more information, please call Barb at 368-3268.

Members: Handle "Workshop"

PEI Potters Studio members --

Marilyn has volunteered to give a mini "workshop" on making and applying handles.  Time to be confirmed, but this will be on Wednesday evening January 8th.

If you want to come, it would be a good idea to have some mugs or some other surface ready to apply the handles to.

"Clean the New Year" Sunday Jan 5th 10am-4pm

PEI Potters Studio members and affiliates!

We'd like to invite everyone to help with a "Clean the New Year" studio cleaning session to be held at the PEI Potters Studio this upcoming Sunday January 5th from 10am to 4pm.  Come for 2 or 3 hours -- as long or as little as you can.

The studio needs some help to whip it into shape for the upcoming classes.  Come out, pick something big or small that you can help organize, sort or clean and work at it.  We need all the help we can get.  If you can't make it this Sunday, we'd appreciate it if, over the next couple weeks, you find something you can do to help the studio out the next time you're there.  Please feel free to add suggestions for what needs to be done to the small blackboard by the throwing wheels.

This is a working session and not a chat/social event, but if you've got leftover treats or snacks from the holidays and you want to bring them in to share, feel free. Bringing items is optional and totally not required.  There will be (hopefully) dust in the air as things get cleaned so wear appropriate clothing.