VCPG February 2025 Newsletter

Program Meeting on February 24th • Richard Flores, multi-talented artist and educator • info below

For Your Calendar:​

February 6th …….............Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

February 13th ……...........Gallery Committee meeting @ 3:30pm

February 19th ……...........Happy Hour at Margaritavilla @ 5pm

February 24th ……...........Members Program @ 7:00pm • Gathering @6:30

March 6th ……...................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

March 24th …….................Members Program @ 7:00pm • Gathering @6:30

April 3rd …….....................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

April 14th ……...................Gallery Committee meeting @ 7pm

April 21st ……....................Gallery Artists meeting @ 7:00pm

April 28th ……....................Members Program @ 7:00pm • Gathering @6:30

May 1st ……......................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

May 4th ……......................Beatrice Wood Submission deadline

May 24th - July 6th............Small Treasures Show at Beatrice Wood

June 5th ……......................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

June 7th&8th ……..............Ojai Show Sale

June 9th ……......................Gallery Committee meeting @ 7pm

July 3rd ……......................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

July 21st ……....................Gallery Artists meeting @ 7:00pm

August 7th …….................Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

August 11th ……...............Gallery Committee meeting @ 7pm

September 4th ……...........Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

October 2nd ……...............Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

October 13th ……...............Gallery Committee meeting @ 7pm

October 20th ……...............Gallery Artists meeting @ 7:00pm

November 6th……..............Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

December 4th ……..............Board Meeting @ 3:00pm

December 8th …..…...........Gallery Committee meeting @ 7pm

You will find the link to all Zoom meetings/events on the VCPG.ORG Home Page.

Just click on the meeting/event in the Guild Calendar for the Zoom link.

A Message from Your VCPG Board President • February 2025

Greetings VCPG Members –

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!!!! First the business and then the fun:

LAST CALL: Member renewal for Juried Members - Most of our members have renewed their membership for 2025 – thank you so much. Remember that although membership in the Guild remains open throughout the year, renewing members must renew by February 28, 2025 to prevent their membership from lapsing.

Juried members lose their juried status if their membership lapses and must re-jury to sell at a Guild venue. If you have problems or questions about renewing, email Judy Winard at membership@vcpg.org.

MEMBER PROFILE: Now that you have renewed your membership for 2025 it’s a good time to update your contact information on VCPG.org (Home).

Sign in to and click on the down arrow next to your name in the upper right corner to go to your Member Profile.

Click on Basic Member Information and review and update your contact information – phone, mailing address, email, etc. We’ve had some issues contacting members, especially if their email is incorrect or out of date. You can also make sure you’ve opted in to receive text messages from the Guild – we only send texts to let you know that an important message has gone out.

Also, if you haven’t heard from us in a while, check your Junk or Spam folders. (But I’m reading this so you have my correct email, you say. That’s true, but from time to time we’ve had random emails show up in a member’s Junk or Spam folder).

1099s: It’s tax time! And everyone who sold more than $600 through the Guild in 2024 should have received their 1099 through the US Mail. Be sure to review it to make sure your information – name, address, SS or EIN number – are correct. If you didn’t get a 1099 and you think you should have or there was an error, please contact Wyn Matthews at Treasurer@vcpg.org.

And now for the fun part:

Even though it seems like winter has just arrived for us, it’s time to make plans for spring and summer travel. Over the past several years, I have included an art workshop in my vacation plans (sometimes the workshop is the entire plan).

Attached to this newsletter and available to members and the public on the VCPG.org Learning/Classes and Resources page is a very comprehensive list of organizations outside of our area that provide classes and/or workshops in ceramics. Some options are online, but many provide in-person workshops of various lengths and mediums. As you can see, classes are available throughout the US and internationally. Some things to consider:

Cost – Some workshops can be quite pricey. But many schools offer opportunities for scholarships and work study – and not just for the young’uns. One thing to look out for are fees in addition to the tuition – material fees are quite common and can add up.

Accommodations – Unless you’ve got friends or family in the area, accommodations can also be pricey. So you will need to consider if it makes sense for you to stay on- campus (if available) or find other accommodations in the area. Pay attention to the amenities provided – some accommodations are shared and some are quite rustic. So be aware. Be sure to inquire about reasonable accommodations for a disability if needed.

Meals - Usually three meals a day are included in your accommodation costs, but you may be able to purchase just a meal plan. This can also be pricey, but if the school is not close to any place to grab a bite, you might consider it. The plan is definitely cheaper than paying for the meals one-at-a-time. But you can also plan ahead and pack your meals. Most schools/studios have a fridge somewhere. I have done it all: stayed in a nearby hotel, an Airbnb and on campus. Packed all my food, bought the meal plan (some places you can buy a partial plan – e.g. lunch only). I have to say I do prefer the stay on campus, even if I have to share a room and/or a bathroom (cheaper that way). Most schools have options for couples who are both taking a class that session. Staying on campus gives you ultimate flexibility – it’s nice to get to the studio before breakfast to uncover your pots and work late if you like. Many workshops provide 24-hour access to the studio. And it’s fun to hang out in the evening with the friends you will inevitably make.

Duration – Workshops usually range from 2 to 12 days, with some schools providing special sessions that can be weeks or months in duration. And of course this affects cost. Know this, if you take a ceramic workshop that’s less than 12 days, you will likely only get a bisque firing in, if that. And unless you drove there – getting your work home is tricky, almost impossible if it’s greenware. But I’ve gotten okay with that. The point is to meet people and develop new techniques that can have a profound impact on your practice. We’re ceramists – we know all about “letting go”! But if you’re determined to bring work home, plan ahead with respect to size and weight – both for shipping and bringing back on the plane. Buying and checking a second bag may be cheaper than shipping and is definitely cheaper than the airlines’ “overweight” charges.

Getting there – This can also be a challenge for some of the workshops in more rural areas. Renting a car can be very expensive these days, and you might hardly use it while at the workshop. But if you’re taking a longer workshop it might be worth it to explore the area, especially if you stay a couple days extra. Many schools have limited shuttle service to and from the local airport and once you’re there you can usually hitch a ride with students who brought their car. The schools can usually help you figure this part out.

At this point, I bet you’re thinking this sounds expensive and complicated. And it can be, but there are options that may work for you. And in my experience, it has been totally worth it. Some workshops were better than others, but I’ve always gained valuable information; and some workshops have changed my practice entirely! Pay attention to the instructor(s) – check out their personal websites and bios. Pay attention to the facilities – some are better than others. Do you have to schlep some of the tools/materials yourself? Don’t hesitate to contact the school and ask questions.

Finally, many of these schools offer workshops in different mediums. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try that didn't have access to the equipment? For me, it’s woodworking. I took a woodworking workshop last summer and am taking another one this summer!

I personally have attended Penland, Arrowmont, Anderson Ranch and MISSA and have heard good things about other schools. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have as best I can. Contact me at president@vcpg.org.



That’s in for now. More next month. Keep on making.

Stacy Rowe

VCPG Board President

president@vcpg.org

•Traveling to Learn About Clay

Overall source workshops at the bottom of the NL

Program Meeting • Members Program @ 7:00pm • Gathering @6:30

This month we have Richard Flores, multi-talented artist and educator, who has studied fine art most of his life.

Richard will be presenting examples, illustrations, and descriptions of products related to ceramic architecture, blending clays, firing tips, and dorodangos, or mud dumplings, including possible future workshops.



Links for program meetings can always be found on the Guild’s Home Page. Click the​ appropriate calendar date and the zoom link and other key info will load.

Nordhoff High School in Ojai is holding a ​Fundraiser on February 28

The teacher, Jessica Westergard, is a guild member and participant in our VCPG Outreach Project.

Let's support students and Jessica at this fundraiser accomplished by teachers, parents and students. It's a beautiful community event. 

Selling Opportunity for All Juried Members

We are having an event at the Gallery on March 22 11-5:30.  

Treasures From the Sea

Ocean inspired pottery. 

We will be setting up pottery outside the gallery, an Enter to Win contest plus we will have clay demo's: 

Maureen Schultz • 11:00-1:00 • Fish platter handbuilt and decorating demonstration 

Jody Cooper • 1:00-3:00 • Throwing demonstration 

Please consider signing up. 

Special event sign up for Gallery Artist:

2 people 10:30-2:30 (set-up and help with sales)

2 people 2:30-6:30 (help with sales and breakdown)

Guild Programs

January Pottery Jam

A Ceramic Adventure in Japan facilitated by Foz hosted by Terry Wilson.

Sunday, January 26, 1-3 PM

A presentation on ceramic centers in Japan, a conceptual discussion of how such a non-guided adventure might be structured, an overview on tools available for calculating costs and the opportunity to discuss interests and explore the possibility of pursuing this kind participatory adventure for fall 2025 or early spring 2026.

This may be the first planning meeting?! Cookies, tea and coffee will be available.

Registration is open now.

Calendar

Annual Pit Fire

Sunday, May 18 at Arroyo Verde Park

Registration is open now. Details can be found at the link below or by​ checking out the Guild’s Calendar for May 18.

Do not miss out on this amazing and fun Guild gathering.

Calendar

Clay Challenge – June Program Meeting

Theme: STAMP IT!

What does "Stamp It" look like to you?

stamp /stamp/ - intransitive verb

1. To bring down (the foot) forcibly.

2. To bring the foot down onto (an object or surface) forcibly.

3. To cause to be dislodged by stomping the feet.

4. To subdue, destroy, or eliminate.

5. To crush or grind with a heavy instrument.

6. To form or cut out by application of a mold, form, or die.

7. To imprint or impress with a mark, design, or seal.

8. To impress forcibly or permanently.

9. To affix an adhesive stamp to (an envelope, for example).

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Use your imagination and create. Be ready to submit pictures of your work by Sunday evening June 15th.

Watch for an email from Programs/Workshops closer to mid-June for photo submittal info.

Small Treasures • The Beatrice Wood show

May 24 -July 6

The opening reception is May 24th

Entries due online with images sent to Genie Thomsen by May 4th.

You can submit up to three pieces that measure within an 8” cube. 

Team Service Opportunity

Do you enjoy writing? 

The Marketing Department is looking for someone to join our team and help write and distribute Press Releases. 

No PR experience necessary. 

You would be helping the guild / gallery promote events. 

Contact: Ellen Wohlstadter 818-321-8706

Program Planning:

If you have an idea, or are interested in sharing a skill, leading a discussion or simply providing a location to hold a Jam please email programs@vcpg.org and one of us will follow-up with you.

The Program Team for 2025 includes Meredith Linden, Vera McGuire, Janet Neuwalder, Maureen Schultz and Foz.

The VCPG Library •

Potters,

Where do we get our inspiration from?

Pinterest? Galleries? Books?

Books!

Ventura Potters Guild has books!

See the Mexican tomb objects of the Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima potters, 200 BCE to ACE 500, in

LACMA’s Sculpture of Ancient West Mexico.

Take a journey to three mountains on the planet that bring us porcelain in Edmund De Waal’s

The White Road. Learn how porcelain links the suffering workers of Jingdezhen China 1,000

years ago, to the survival of the few lucky artisans at Dachau concentration camp.

Geek out with Ruth Duckworth Modernist Sculptor, over her four-hundred-square-foot clay

mural adorning four walls of the Geophysical Sciences Building at the U of C. Learn how she

convinced the chairman of the department to give her the commission, only later admitting she

"had never made a mural before, had hardly looked at any.”

Visit the library! Please email and make an appointment with me to come see the books we

have to offer and grab them off the shelf! They are at your disposal. They must be enjoyed.

Nancy Currey

VCPG Librarian

Pyramid Studio

Pyramid Studio will be open for the OSA Second Saturday Tour on March 8th.

10 am. to 5:00 pm. It's Free!

A map of the Mira Monty Ojai neighborhood open studios is posted on the Ojai Studio Artists website.

VCPG School Outreach Project

VCPG Mentor Artists are making great connections with ceramics teachers through our VCPG School Outreach Project. Here are some of the current activities:

• Suzanne Bell guided students and staff from Condor High School in Oxnard with a well-received Helping Hands Project. 
• Vera Maguire is offering a fun five-week wheel throwing series at Ventura High School for ceramics teachers. Thanks to Megan McKee for hosting in her classroom.
• Rebecca Catterall has connected with Amanda Graves at Buena High with plans for wheel-throwing instruction in her home studio.  In addition, Rebecca and Lou Ann Smith are providing support to Clay Club students at Loma Vista Elementary School.  
• Shawn Felts assists many teachers by servicing kilns and providing hands-on support. It really makes a difference!
• Sandy Calles is exploring possibilities with the Moorpark High School teacher on maternity leave to support ceramics students in the spring.
• Eco Shumaker has joined the outreach project as a new mentor at Cabrillo Middle School. There are 120 students learning pottery skills at Cabrillo.  
• Free VCPG Student Membership is available for middle and high school ceramics students. 

There are many ways to participate in the outreach project. We have one opening for a VCPG mentor artist to support the ceramics teacher at Santa Monica High. Please contact Jennifer Robles for information. 

Team Service for 2025

We ask for your patience.

Our website “host” has changed the face and “backside” of the Team Service sign-up module.

Thank you to everyone who is offering a service. Please stay engaged while we resolve

this matter. Everyone will get credit for service given to the Guild.

Joke of the month

I was at a family gathering and was talking excitedly about an upcoming raku firing. Some of those there didn't know the process so I started to describe the steps and my youngest grandson started bawling. He was inconsolable and would have nothing to do with me.

He pointed his finger at me and said, "She's mean! What did the raccoons do that was so bad she had to fire 'em?"

Workshops

Tom Coleman Workshop, March 5-9 (50% deposit) $750

https://www.klineglazeservice.com/store/p752/Tom_Coleman_Workshop_March_5_-_9th%2C_2025_%2850%25_deposit%29.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawIT4pdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXhr8rPISHQ0hJ27H6LEkl1jIbV-weYwdPdD1aRRQrB73T_C8Xk1Mu4D4g_aem_Lx2f7VesFEveYP8Von4DZQ

Held at Kline Glaze Service, Henderson, NV

https://www.klineglazeservice.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Kline Glaze Service offer glazes, slips, tools and techniques developed by Tom Coleman, Amy Kline and Siri Kjos

Traveling to Learn About Clay Overall source:

https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/ceramics-monthly-resources/summer-workshops

United States

Arizona

Sedona Arts Center

Sedona, Arizona, surrounded by red rock formation and high desert hills with Oak Creek meandering through it all.

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops, scholarships, online gallery

https://sedonaartscenter.org/

California

Idyllwild Arts

Idyllwild, CA, 92549, in the mountains SE of Riverside or NE of Temecula

All arts, Programs, Workshops and Residential Arts High School

Who we are: https://idyllwildarts.org/who-we-are

Summer Programs: https://idyllwildarts.org/summer/adult-arts-center/utm_source=Idyllwild+Arts+News+%26+Events&utm_campaign=7a3633be41

Mendocino Art Center

Mendocino, CA 95460, Northern California in a village on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean

All arts, Workshops, Residency, Lodging, Events

https://www.mendocinoartcenter.org

Colorado

Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Snowmass Village, Colorado, 81623

All arts, Programs, Workshops (130 in 2025), and Artists-in-Residence

https://www.andersonranch.org/

Carbondale Clay Center

Carbondale, Colorado, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Ceramics, Workshops, Multi-day Masterclasses with working artist, Residency, Gallery

https://www.carbondaleclay.org/adult-workshops

Connecticut

Alison Palmer Studio

South Kent, Connecticut, 60660, in the city of Chicago.

Ceramics: Multi-day Masterclasses with working artist

https://alisonpalmerstudio.com/

Illinois

Chicago Mosaics School

Chicago, Illinois, 60660, in the city of Chicago.

Mosaics: Workshops, online classes, Visiting Artist Seminars, Residencies, Internships, Gallery, Installations

https://chicagomosaicschool.org/

Maine

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts

Deer Isle, Maine, 04627 on the coast of Deer Isle, center of city

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops, Open Studio Residencies

https://www.haystack-mtn.org/

Snowfarm The New England Craft Program

Williamsburg, Maine, 01096, foothills of the Berkshire Mountains

Creative Arts including Ceramics: intensive, Immersive instruction in workshops

https://www.snowfarm.org/



Maryland

Baltimore Clayworks

Baltimore, Maryland, 21209, in the city of Chicago.

Ceramics: Community Woodfire: Noborigama, Virtual Artist Talks, Visiting Artists Workshops

https://baltimoreclayworks.org/

Massachusetts

Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill

Truro, Massachusetts, located in an exquisitely beautiful rural setting.

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Multi-day Masterclasses with working artist including Wood and Soda firing, residencies

https://www.castlehill.org/ceramics

Montana

Clay Studio of Missoula

Missoula, Montana

Ceramics: Multi-day Masterclasses with working artist, residency, Woodfire Program

www.theclaystudioofmissoula.org

Nevada

Kline Glaze Service

Henderson, Nevada, Kline Glaze Service is a potter supply store offering glazes, slips, tools and techniques developed by Tom Coleman, Amy Kline and Siri Kjos.

Creative Arts including Ceramic: Glazes: Workshops, Online

https://www.klineglazeservice.com/

New Jersey

Peters Valley School of Craft

Bevans, New jersey, 1.5 hours from New York City, quiet section of western

New Jersey in the Delaware Water Gap

Creative Arts including Ceramics: intensive, immersive instruction in workshops, virtual workshops, demonstrations and special programming,

Residencies, Gallery

https://petersvalley.org/

New Hampshire

Blackberry Hill Art Center

Orford, New Hampshire, 03777, tucked away in a quiet little town

Ceramics: Hands-On Workshops, Raku kiln

www.BlackberryHillArtCenter.com

New Mexico

New Mexico Potters & Clay Artist

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87123, Guild much like VCPG

Ceramics: Workshops

www.nmpotters.org

Taos Ceramics Center

Taos, New Mexico

Ceramics: Visiting Artist

 www.taosceramics.com

New York

Alfred University Summer Arts

Alfred, New York, 14802, Beautifully unique campus that houses everything from an equestrian center, castle, 400 acres off recreational land between the foothills off Allegheny Mountains and the Finger Lakes

Ceramics: Workshops

https://blackberryhillartcenter.com/

Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts

Maplecrest, New York

Ceramics: Visiting Artists Workshops

https://www.catskillmtn.org/sugar-maples-center-for-creative-arts/

Saratoga Clay Arts Center

Schuylerville, New York

Ceramics: Visiting Artists Workshops, Soda firing

www.saratogaclayarts.org

North Carolina

Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft

Columbia, North Carolina, 27925, near the Outer Banks in Eastern North

Carolina on the banks of the Scuppenmong River

Ceramics: Workshops on-site and on-line, Residencies, Gallery

https://pocosinarts.org/

Penland School of Craft

Penland, North Carolina

Creative Crafts including Ceramics: Workshops, Residencies, Gallery

https://penland.org/

John Cambell Folk School

Brasstown, North Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains about 50 miles from Asheville

Crafts including Ceramics: Workshops, Residencies

https://folkschool.org/

Double Island Studio

Bakersville, North Carolina, 15 minutes from Penland School of Craft and 50 minutes from Asheville

Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops, Virtual Workshops

https://www.doubleislandstudio.com/

Mars Hill Center for the Ceramic Arts at Mars Hill University

Mars Hill, North Carolina

Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops, Woodfire

https://www.facebook.com/Marshillcenterforceramicarts



Ohio

Cornell Studio Supply

Dayton, Ohio

Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops

https://cornellstudiosupply.com

Oregon

Creative Arts Community

Corbett, Oregon

Crafts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops

www.creativeartscommunity.org/workshops

Sitka Center

Otis, Oregon

Crafts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops

https://sitkacenter.org/

East Creek Art

Willamina, Oregon, Situated on 20 forest acres in Oregon’s coastal mountains

Ceramics: 40’ Wood fired Anagama kiln and Raku Firing, Throwing,

www.eastcreekart.org

Pennsylvania

Touchstone Center for Crafts

Farmington, Pennsylvania

Crafts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops

https://www.touchstonecrafts.org/

Tennessee

Arrowmont School Arts and Crafts

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 37738, center of city

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Workshops, Residencies, Financial Aid

https://arrowmont.org/

Shakerag Workshops

Sewanee, Tennessee, Atop the Cumberland Plateau

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Workshops

www.shakerag.org

Utah

Kimball Art Center

Park City, Utah

Creative Arts including Ceramics: Visiting Artist Workshops

https://kimballartcenter.org/art-classes

Wisconsin

Adamah Art Studio

Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Creative Arts including Clay: Visiting Artist Workshops, Salt, Raku, Barrel,

Saggar, Pit Firing

https://adamahartstudio.org/

Weber Woodfire

Herbster, Wisconsin

Clay: Wood-firing

https://www.weberwoodfire.com/

Wyoming

Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts (The Bray)

Helena, MT 59602, on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing

Company at the foothills of the Montana Rockies.

Clay: Professional Development, Seminars, Workshops, Continuing Education, Residencies, Education and Research Facility, Gallery, Clay supply store; sharing on-site, podcasts and virtual classroom

https://archiebray.org/

International

Online

Facebook Group Worldwide Courses and Workshops

https://www.facebook.com/groups/222454531246243/, Public Group, 6.8K

members

Ceramics: Ceramic artist group that share information about various

ceramic courses and workshops worldwide, leave comments and feedback

on courses.

Bali Indonesia

Gaya Ceramic Arts Center

UBUD, Bali, Indonesia

Ceramics: Two-week visiting artist workshops that vary in theme,

instructor, firing style and focus - changing every year, gallery

https://www.gayaceramic.com/

Canada

MISSA – Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts

Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1Z6, Brentwood College campus in retreat-like setting

Range of creative Crafts including Ceramics: Workshops on-site

https://missa.ca/

Hungary

International Ceramics Studio

Keckemet, Hungary

Ceramics: Masterclasses from artist on a variety of techniques, firing and glazes

https://www.facebook.com/groups/222454531246243/user/100064853731418/

International Academy of Ceramics

Budapest, Hungary

Ceramics: Residency program for artists who wish to work independently in

studios; workshops, symposia, mastercourses, talks and seminars

https://www.aic-iac.org/en/member/international-ceramics-studio/

Italy

La Meridiana, International School of Ceramics ibn Tuscany

Certaldo, Italy, 18 th -century farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany

Ceramics: 1-week, 2 weeks and one month or more workshops with Visiting

Artist in all techniques, including wood firing, raku.

https://lameridiana.fi.it/

Spain

Corrie Bain International Ceramics School

Barcelona, Spain, located in the center of Barcelona in the Poblenou neighborhood and a short distance from Parc de la Ciutadella a lush green oasis in the heart of the city.

Ceramics: 2-4 Day Intensive Courses on a specific topic, 1-4 day

Masterclasses with an artist, residencies.

https://corriebain.com/

137ᵒ Ceramic Art Studio

Barcelona, Spain

Ceramics: 2-4 Day Intensive Courses on a specific topic, 1-4 day

Masterclasses with an artist, residencies. ICAN used this for their international workshops

https://137degrees.com/en/international-pottery-workshops/#