2017 Calendar of Events Explanation
You can see the explanation of the events here or on the website. You can copy and paste it yourself or
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FEBRUARY :
February 24, 25, 26 - All 3 says 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
EMPTY BOWLS –
Throwing days 24th and 25th
Trimming day on the 26th
So, come throw as many bowls as you can or come and trim the bowls or help s do both! If you can’t
make these dates and still would like to make bowls on your own, in your own studio, that would be
great, too. Simply make sure that the clay you are throwing with is compatible with Cone 10, if you want
MCC to fire them. If you want MCC to glaze and fire them for you, we will. You certainly can throw, fire
and glaze them yourself in your studio and donate them. If you do, mark the bottom of your bowls with
“MTB--CWG”. They should hold 12-16 oz. and be at least 7” wide x 3” deep . No coiled bowls please.
For those who do not know what the Empty Bowls project is, here is an explanation: Empty Bowls” is an
international project to fight hunger, personalized by artists and art organizations on a community level.
Participating artists and groups create and donate bowls, then serve a simple meal. MCC makes the
bowls and then donates them to the people who serve the meal. Guests choose a bowl to use that day as
a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. In exchange for the meal, and the bowl, guests contribute
a suggested minimum donation. One hundred percent of each meal's proceeds are devoted to local
hunger-fighting organizations, such as food banks, soup kitchens or to national or international
charitable groups.
The Guild has been a part of this fight by throwing bowls and donating them for over 22 yrs. Some of the
places we have donate to are to organizations in Wisconsin, the College of Lake County, and Harvard
High School (who donates to the local community).
MARCH :
March 22th - 6:00 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING This meeting will be in the room adjacent to the MCC Pottery Studio, across from the art office. It will be
followed by a possible “Social Event”. We are still working on the social events and sorting them out, but
we will update you ahead of time so you will know what we are doing.
APRIL :
TBA
Our RAKU FIRING/GUILD PICNIC (this is in addition to the Annual CWG picnic held in June)
Once again, Tim Pfiffner from Great Lakes Clay, has offered to host a Raku Firing at his house in
Marengo, Il. Tim has a wood fired Pizza Oven. We all bring our own fillings, to our own likings. Tim
supplies the pizza dough and fires them for us while we wait for our raku pieces to heat up and fire.
More details about the event will be sent out when all is confirmed. NOTE: you should be making your
pieces now so they will be ready for the Raku firing! If you are Rakuing your pieces Tim suggests
using “MCL331 Smooth Raku “ clay, which you can get from Great Lakes Clay. He has indicated
there would be less breakage, but if you are adding horse hair to your piece, you can still use the Raku
Porcelain clay, which is what many of us used last year and that will work, too. You should be able to put
in at least 4 pieces each in the firings, depending on how many attend.
MAY :
May 3rd – 6 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING
Room adjacent to MCC Pottery Studio
Meeting will be followed by a possible “Social Event”. As said before, we are still working on the social
events after our meetings, but will up date you ahead of time so you will know what we are doing.
A second possible event for May:
Possible self-funded Field Trip for May 12-14/ Minnesota Pottery Tour
JUNE :
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
GUILD PICNIC AND POSSIBLE SOCIAL EVENT at the same time
MaryLou Mateja offered to host this year with a possible plaster mold making event during the picnic.
Details will be sent out prior to this event.
JULY :
July 8th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PHOTO SHOOT WORKSHOP
Tom Vician will be taking photos of your pieces... up to 7 pieces each and then he will download your
pictures onto a Flash drive that you will supply. We are asking that you RSVP and set up a time slot in
which he can take your pictures. This will give us a better idea of how many members are going to take
advantage of this great opportunity. To RSVP contact Michelle Artner at [email protected]
This is your opportunity to have your pottery photographed professionally.
If not enough members sign up ahead of time then the event could be canceled.
AUGUST :
August 30th
BUSINESS MEETING
6 p.m.
Room adjacent to MCC Pottery Studio
Followed by a possible “Social Event” we are still working on the social events after our meetings, but
will update you ahead of time so you will know what we are doing.
SEPTEMBER :
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Possible Lauren Karle community involvement project
Probable workshop shop the last Friday and Saturday of September with Annie Chrietzberg.
(Earth to Annie)
We are currently in negotiations for this workshop. Details TBA
OCTOBER :
The entire month of October
The 17th Annual CWG Members Show at the Old Court House Art Center Gallery in Woodstock, Il.
Coordinating the show, this year, we have Susan Clough, with the assistance of Belen Ashley & Holly
Friday. Thank you, ladies!
-This year’s judge TBD
-Trish V. has already spoken to John Heng at the Court House Arts Center Gallery and the Terms for this
year’s show will be the same as last year: an up front cost of a $10 entry fee and you can show up to 6
pieces with a 20% commission for the gallery per piece paid to the Gallery when it is sold.
We would love to see every single member put in one piece to have a full showing of our Guild
members! It would be great to see everyone involved!
There will be an opening reception with awards given out to our members for:
BEST OF SHOW
MOST FUNCTIONAL
MOST CREATIVE
BEST SCULPTURAL
BEST CRAFTMANSHIP
BEST SURFACE TREATMENT
PEER CHOICE
NOVEMBER :
November 1st – 6 p.m.
BUSINESS MEETING
Room adjacent to MCC Pottery Studio
Followed by a possible “Social Event”. We are still working on the social events after our meetings, but
will update you ahead of time so you will know what we are doing.
CWG MEMBERS HOLIDAY SALE*
This sale runs the entire month of November and December with one week at the beginning of January.
It is has been held at the Old Court House North Gallery Space called “Welles Gallery” in Woodstock for
the last 11 yrs. This sale is open to all members of the Guild who wish to participate. This sale is not
funded by the Guild, but we use the Guild name to promote it.
Members pay for their space and are required to work a certain amount of days (this has been about 3 to
6 days in the past few years) determined by how many members are in the sale. This is a great
opportunity for members to sell their pieces of pottery (only pottery items are allowed). There are a few
built in shelving units at the gallery if you do not have a shelving unit, you can also use tables in some
cases, and/or borrow from someone who does have a shelving unit. For more detailed information
about this sale you can contact me (Trish Vollkommer). The start-up cost for your space is $100 and
again, this may go down depending on how many members want to join in on this sale.
If you haven’t done this sale and wish to know more contact Trish Vollkommer and she will give you
more information.
DECEMBER :
December 2nd
Time:TBA
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY for members and their significant others
Location Tom Vician’s new home (fingers crossed and more information as it draws closer)
Holiday Guild Members Sale—see explanation above*