Explore a new artistic avenue at Clay on Main with workshops
The base fee for workshops, $50 for each adult and $18 for school-aged kids, reflects Clay on Main’s commitment to encouraging intergenerational activities.
“We believe that artists come in all shapes, sizes, and ages,” explains Liz Wheeler, Clay on Main’s managing director. “It’s so important for kids, parents, and grandparents to do things together that are fun and meaningful. Each generation has something special to share with the others. That’s why we created our special schoolage price. We know how expensive it can get to do something all together, so we made the kids’ pricing accessible. We do need to ask that kids 12 and under be with an adult, but other than that, all ages are welcome here!”
Next up, Lorraine A’Brunzo will share her skills in the European folk craft called Tole Painting on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This method originated in Germany and the Netherlands, and uses special brush techniques to decorate household items made of tin or wood with realistic and lovely flowers and animal shapes.
Lorraine has adapted Tole painting for use on ceramics, and has created clay wall hangings for participants to work on using special ceramic paints. “This technique is actually very simple, and it’s so gratifying to see people achieve such a polished result after spending just a half hour or so learning how to use the brush,” she explains. The fee of $55 for each adult, and $23 for school-aged kids, includes the ceramic wall hanging.
Naturalist Susan Munch brings her love and knowledge of diminutive plants back to Clay on Main. Last year, she brought students into the world of mosses and liverworts; this year, she’ll continue to bring the focus into the rich and complex world that unfolds in the realm of the small.
Her workshop, The Beauty of Plants in Detail, is on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “It’s just incredible how much there is to see if one pauses and looks more closely,” says Susan. “We’ll focus in on the finest patterns in plant structure, using detailed drawings and/or closeup photography.
Participants will use magnifying glasses and microscopes to dive into layers of miniature detail, and I’ll help you depict them with pencil and paper, or using a camera. If you don’t have a camera, you can borrow mine.” $50 for each adult, $18 for school-aged kids.
Clay on Main is also running a class for people who have some experience working with ceramics.
“This class is a four-part series, rather than a one-day event,” explains Wheeler. “Students have told us they’d like to learn more in depth about glaze formation and application. Glazes are a lot of fun to work with, but we usually don’t get the chance to dive in like this with students — we’re excited!” All About Glaze will take place on Saturday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 20 and 27, and Nov. 3 and 10.
For more information about the workshops, visit clayonmain@gmail.org. Clay on Main is a non-profit artists’ cooperative, located at 313 Main St in the historic village of Oley.