Pottery Notes – Jones Street

SPRING WEEK 4 – April 29

Studio Session Time Slots
Students interested in working in the studio outside of their class time must register for a studio session in advance. You can view the session calendar online via the ‘Current Students’ page of our website, or by scanning the QR code on the schedule in the classrooms. Remember, ‘perfect practice makes perfect!’

If you sign up for a studio session, please be mindful of class start and end times. Take care to look at your session time slot, and do not enter the classroom early or stay late. As always, please clean up your area and the community sink.

Check Out Our Cone Six Glazes
Please note a new area on the glaze pick-up shelves designed to highlight work coming out of the kilns with our new cone six glazes. We hope to put a large amount of the cone six work in this designated area to showcase the new and exciting possibilities of these offerings on the work made within our very own community.

Drop-Off Shelves in the Glaze Room
Make sure that your work is ending up on the correct shelf! Cone 04, 6, and 10 shelves are along the windows for glazed work, but anything that needs to be measured or is re-glazed should be placed at the measuring station.

Make Sure Your Wheel is Turned Off
Upon finishing at any pottery wheel in the studio please make sure the wheel is in the off position before setting any stools on top of the wheel head. This helps protect your fellow classmates from stools flying off of a wheel that turns on unknowingly, preventing injury and damaging works of art.

Happenings
Spring Sidewalk Sale
Our spring Sidewalk Sale will take place this Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. here at our 16 Jones St. location! Stop by to browse an inspiring array of pots and sculptures made and donated by our community members. It’s the perfect place to get something special for the people in your life who are hard to shop for. (p.s. Mother’s Day is coming up!)

Special Taste of Greenwich Village Community Pricing
Join us on Tuesday, May 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. as Taste of Greenwich Village celebrates its 22nd year! As valued community members, we’re offering you a special rate on tickets to join us for this all-you-can-taste and drink affair. Your ticket directly supports Greenwich House and its vital work in arts and education, older adult services, behavioral and mental health, and workforce development. This ticket link isn’t available on the main event webpage; it’s only available to our friends and community members! Join us if you can to celebrate Greenwich House by enjoying some tasty treats!

Join us this week for the Saito/Boyer Collection Fundraising Sale!
The sale opens this Wednesday, May 1 at 5:00 p.m., and will run through Sunday, May 5. Many of the available works were collected from renowned artists during their exhibitions or workshops at Greenwich House Pottery over the years, and include work by Posey Bacopoulos, Paulus Berensohn, Fong Chow, Karen Karnes, Warren Mackenzie, and Byron Temple. All proceeds go to support GHP’s Capital Campaign.

 

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Wednesday, May 1: Gifts from Friends Sale Reception, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 5: Spring Sidewalk Sale, 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14: Taste of Greenwich Village, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 26 & Monday, May 27: Pottery Closed for Memorial Day
Thursday, May 16: Artist Talk with Casey Whittier, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 16: Opening Reception for Casey Whittier’s solo show, Systems of Reliance, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 

SPRING WEEK 3 – April 22

GHP Chelsea Registration is Open!
Know someone who is interested in starting out in clay, or someone who is ready to make a return to the medium? Registration for our studio at 80 Eighth Avenue is now open, and we have seats available in handbuilding classes of all levels and in mixed-level and intermediate/advanced wheel classes. The Chelsea spring term starts April 29!

Door Code Reminder
Students may enter during business hours using door code 5-3-1! Please use the code rather than ringing the doorbell for entry.

Practice, practice, practice
You can sign up for time to practice your craft in the studios outside of class time. $10 for a 4-hour chunk of time, $5 on Friday nights!

Proper Clay Care
The reclaim buckets are for clay that is WAY too dry to be workable. Clay that’s a little too wet or a little too dry should be wedged and placed back in the big bins–with the wet towel over it–where it will homogenize with the rest of the clay.

Studio Cleanliness
An important part of working in clay is your own health and safety! Clean as you go, and be sure to wipe down surfaces and tools with a wet sponge when you’re done working. Please do your part in minimizing dust and generally cleaning off community tools and surfaces.

Town Hall
Thank you to those that joined our Town Hall last week. If you missed it, an email was sent on Friday via Mailchimp with a summation of questions posed along with responses. To see the recording please follow this link. The next Town Hall will be on August 1, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

T-1 Sculpture Clay Fun Fact
Did you know that our beloved T-1 Sculpture Clay was developed by Takako (Toni) Saito? Saito took classes at GHP starting in the 1970s. Work from her collection and the collection of longtime faculty member Michael Boyer will be featured in the upcoming sale, Gifts from Friends. All proceeds from the sale will support GHP’s ongoing capital campaign. Join us on May 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the opening reception. Sale continues through Sunday, May 5.

Taste of Greenwich Village: Special Pricing for Community Members!
Taste of Greenwich Village celebrates its 22nd year! As valued community members, we’re offering you a special rate on tickets to join us for this all-you-can-taste and drink affair May 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Altman Building. Your ticket supports Greenwich House and its vital work in arts and education, older adult services, behavioral and mental health, and workforce development. This ticket link isn’t available on the main event webpage; it’s only available to our friends and community members via Pottery Notes online! Join us to celebrate the work of Greenwich House!

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Wednesday, May 1: Gifts from Friends Sale Reception, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 5: Spring Sidewalk Sale, 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14: Taste of Greenwich Village, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 16: Artist Talk with Casey Whittier, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 16: Opening Reception for Casey Whittier’s solo show, Systems of Reliance, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 26 & Monday, May 27: Pottery Closed for Memorial Day

SPRING WEEK 2 – April 15

Winter Bisqueware Deadline!
All bisqueware from the winter term must be glazed or removed by 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21 to make space for new work made this spring term. All work that remains on the bisque shelves will be discarded.

Try Our Cone Six Glazes
As we finish out our glazing grace period this week, we encourage you to try our new cone 6 glazes. Because we’ve had to take our largest gas kiln offline, we now have less than half the capacity to fire cone ten work. We are still several weeks out from processing last term’s work and ask you to explore our cone six glazes as a means of taking some pressure off of our remaining cone ten kiln. All cone ten glazes will remain on site until the end of the glazing grace period, though any exploration in cone six greatly helps us process the work in a more timely manner.

Featured Cone Six Glaze Tips
We would like to feature one of our favorite new cone six glaze combinations: Loch Ness Teal over Milky way. Milky Way provides an opalescent off-white that makes for an interesting combination with almost any glaze! Loch Ness Teal provides a high amount of variation ranging from blue to purple with subtle brown, and looks similar to our cone ten Chun Blue. In combination, the interaction provides a dazzling array of teals, blues, and oranges. (Be sure to leave space at the bottom of your piece, as this combination may run!) Mourning the loss of Chun Red? Try our new cone six Chrome-Tin Primrose!

Class Shelf Space
Space is at a premium, please be a good classmate and share the space! Tools and personal items should be stored in lockers or taken home.

Grinding Shelf
When leaving work on the grinding shelf, please leave a note indicating what you would like to be done. Techs cannot remove firing trays or stilts; you will have to separate your piece from these before placing it on the grinding shelf. Grinding usually happens once per week. Pieces are then returned to the finished-work glaze shelves.

Chelsea Classes
Have a friend or family member interested in clay? We have open spots in wheel throwing and handbuilding classes of all levels at GHP Chelsea! Classes begin Monday, April 29. Talk to a liaison or visit our website to register.

Happenings
Save the Date! Boyer/Saito Collections Fundraising Sale
Join us on May 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the unveiling of Gifts from Friends, a sale from the collections of Takako (Toni) Saito and Michael Boyer to support the Pottery’s capital campaign. Many of the available works were collected from renowned artists during their exhibitions or workshops at Greenwich House Pottery over the years, and include work by Posey Bacopoulos, Paulus Berensohn, Fong Chow, Karen Karnes, Warren Mackenzie, and Byron Temple. The sale will continue through May 5, but be sure to join us on May 1 to get first pick!

Spring Sidewalk Sale
We will be hosting our annual spring Sidewalk Sale on Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shoppers will be invited to browse hundreds of handmade objects made and donated by our very own faculty, students, and staff. Interested in volunteering? It is a great way to meet people! Email pottery@greenwichhouse.org.

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Sunday, April 21: Glazing Grace Period Deadline to Glaze Work from Winter Term, at 5:30 p.m. Bisqueware will be Discarded
Wednesday, May 1: Gifts from Friends Sale Reception, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1–5: Gifts from Friends: Fundraising Sale continues through May 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5: Spring Sidewalk Sale, 11:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

GHP Chelsea At-a-Glance Dates
Saturday, April 20: Chelsea Spring Term Ends
Sunday, April 21–Sunday, April 28: Chelsea closed for interterm break
Monday, April 29–Saturday, June 29: Spring Term at GHP Chelsea

 

SPRING WEEK 1 – April 8

Welcome!
We hope that you had a fulfilling break, we are excited to have everyone back! Whether you are a new or returning student, we ask that you carefully read the student one-sheet for studio information and policies. Each week in class, teachers will read Pottery Notes, which contain all the studio updates you should know. If you miss hearing them read aloud, check online or on the bulletin boards weekly so that you are aware of important announcements and deadlines.

Cone 10 Update
As you know, we have recently taken our largest gas kiln offline. This has left us with a significant amount of work in line to be glaze fired. We are prioritizing getting all of the work from winter term through the firing process as quickly and safely as possible, however, there will be a wait while we catch up.

We will continue to have the full palette of ∆10 glazes available as you wrap up work from the past term throughout the glazing grace period, in addition to having the new cone 6 glazes. Beginning April 22, we will have fewer ∆10 glazes in order to provide speedier and more consistent firings as emailed in March.

Housekeeping
For students that left work in progress behind over the break, please wipe down your class shelf after bringing these items down to the measuring station.

Studio Sessions
Want to work outside of your class time? You can book studio sessions, which are 4-hour appointments in your respective classroom. Studio sessions cost $10 per booking, and the session calendar and registration instructions are posted in each classroom. You can book your session by visiting the Current Students section of our website and selecting Register for Studio Sessions.

In an attempt to make Studio Sessions more accessible to our community, Friday evening studio session reservations are $5. Pre-registration is required.

Firing Logs and Measuring Updates
All students must pay for both bisque and glaze firings at once. Requests for single firing slips must be approved by the liaison office or tech team. If you choose not to use your second firing slip, a liaison can assist you in refunding the second firing to your log. We highly recommend that you add funds to your firing log prior to dropping your work off for firing. You can add firing credit by visiting our online store or stopping by the liaison office.

Winter Term Firing Slips and Glazing Grace Period
Looking for your glaze firing slips from last term? They will be located on top of the water cooler in the entry hallway. Each class envelope’s contents are sorted alphabetically by last name, so help us out by keeping them in order!

Please note that winter students have until Sunday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. to glaze work from last semester. Bisqued pieces left unglazed and unlabeled will be tossed on Monday, April 22.

Happenings
Capital Campaign Paperclay Workshop!
Beloved faculty member and former Assistant Pottery Director Lisa Chicoyne is teaching a special ‘Demystifying Paperclay’ workshop on Wednesday, May 22 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. This workshop will feature a presentation on the possibilities of paperclay, as well as a brief hands-on component. Proceeds go towards the Capital Campaign. Register online today!

Natalia Arbelaez: La Encañado
Natalia Arbelaez’s New York City solo debut is on view in our Jane Hartsook Gallery! In this exhibition, Arbelaez has reinterpreted pre-Columbian Andean art and rituals, remixing them with elements from the American pop culture of her youth. Be sure to see this show before it’s gone!

New Resident: Melissa Joseph
Help us welcome our new artist in residence, Melissa Joseph! Melissa is a NYC-based interdisciplinary artist whose art practice in craft-based media—especially ceramics and textiles—addresses themes of diaspora, family history, and the politics of how we occupy spaces. During her April 4 – June 14 residency, Melissa will create ceramic inlay paintings and felt/ceramic hybrid works. Stop by the first floor residency studio to say hi to Melissa and welcome her to the community!

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Sunday, April 21: Glazing Grace Period Deadline
Monday, April 22: Winter Bisque Toss
April 4–June 14: Melissa Joseph Residency
Wednesday, May 1: Gifts from Friends: a Fundraising Sale from the Collections of Saito and Boyer Opening Reception               Sale continues through May 5
Sunday, May 5: Spring Sidewalk Sale, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22: Demystifying Paperclay Workshop, 2:30-5:30 p.m.

WINTER WEEK 11 – March 18

Renew your locker!
Returning for the spring term? Make sure to stop by the office to renew your locker before the term wraps up. If you’re not returning for the spring, kindly vacate your locker and let a liaison know that you’ve cleared out. Belongings left in unrenewed lockers over the break will be tossed!

Other End-of-Term Business
If you plan to return for the next term and must leave work to dry, clearly label all works-in-progress in the classrooms with your full name and “Spring 2024” with the tape available in each classroom.

Let us know!
This week you will receive an email link to our end-of-term feedback form. Take a moment to fill out the quick survey. We appreciate all feedback; our small but mighty staff works hard to improve our offerings every term. Let us know the ways in which our teachers and staff excel, and where we can make improvements.

Prompt Exits
Please note that the studio closes at 10:00 p.m. on weeknights and 5:30 on weekends. Make sure to leave enough buffer time to get cleaned up and out on time.

Slips and Washes
Please keep slips and washes in their designated classroom. Need more of something? Ask a tech!

Happenings
Natalia Arbelaez: La Encañado
Natalia Arbelaez’s NYC solo debut is on view in our Jane Hartsook Gallery! Arbelaez has reinterpreted pre-Columbian Andean art and rituals, remixing them with elements from the American pop culture of her youth. Be sure to see this show before it’s gone!

Last week to visit artist in residence, Daniel Barragán!
Be sure to stop by the residency studio on the first floor to see what resident Daniel Barragán is up to during his last week in the studios! During his time at GHP he has developed a project that uses southwestern pottery and imagery drawn from punk, rock, and metal music to turn a critical eye towards the U.S./Mexico border.

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Saturday, March 23: Winter term at 16 Jones ends
Monday, April 8: Spring term at 16 Jones begins
Tuesday, May 14: Taste of Greenwich Village

GHP Chelsea At-a-Glance Dates
Sunday, March 24: Chelsea financial aid applications due
Monday, April 1: Registration opens
Sunday, April 21–Sunday, April 28: Chelsea closed for interterm break
Monday, April 29: Chelsea spring term begins 

WINTER WEEK 10 – March 11

Spray Booth Etiquette
When you use the spray booth, take care to set up and clean up properly. Students should run warm water through the spray gun before and after they glaze their work in order to avoid clogging it. Please take care of our community tools so they’re in tip top shape for all to use!

Class Shelves
Keep works in progress on your class shelf or overflow, not on neighboring class shelves! Space is a hot commodity here at the Pottery, so do your part to make room for everyone. If your work is bone dry, time to move it down to bisque.

Firing Slips
Fill out both the top and bottom of the slips AND please use your best penmanship so our staff can read your writing!

Happenings

Spring Chelsea Schedule Available
The schedule for spring 2024 at Greenwich House Pottery Chelsea is now available to browse online! The term will run April 29 through June 29. Registration opens on Monday, April 1 and financial aid applications are due Sunday, March 24.

Taste of Greenwich Village
Save the date for Greenwich House’s annual “Taste of Greenwich Village” event, Tuesday, May 14 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Altman Building. Funds raised benefit Greenwich House programs and services in arts and education, older adult services, behavioral and mental health, and workforce development. GH programs proudly support neighbors throughout the West Village, downtown area and beyond. Gather your friends, colleagues, or family to experience an evening of gastronomic delights, all in support of a great cause!

GHP Jones Street At-a-Glance Dates
Saturday, March 23: Winter term at 16 Jones ends
Monday, April 8: Spring term at 16 Jones begins
Tuesday, May 14: Taste of Greenwich Village

GHP Chelsea At-a-Glance Dates
Sunday, March 24: Chelsea financial aid applications due
Monday, April 1: Registration opens
Sunday, April 21–Sunday, April 28: Chelsea closed for interterm break
Monday, April 29: Chelsea spring term begins