News Archive

NEWSLETTER June 2020

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Cheryl Costantini - Pesident, ACGA That re-classifying what is essential has become a topic of conversation is certainly one of the silver linings that have emerged as a result of this pandemic. It seems to me that is what nourishes us, food, connections with loved ones and access to beauty are main players.

For artists and craftspeople, many would claim that making is essential to them. For some, like me, it started in childhood. Driven by a force that cannot be ignored, with a tenacity that can rarely be explained, makers feel that creating is essential. So we study, practice, experiment and hope. With the help of a plethora of converging circles (think craft shows, galleries, customers and now the internet) we build businesses.

Many of us are small and nimble enough to adjust to these times, and for those who have not yet found a path, let this newsletter be a source of inspiration. As you read below, you will see ways some are forging forward, thinking of new ways and utilizing existing ones. Adjusting, moving the configuration of circles, staying open to change are essential for sure!

Nichibei Potters Here at Nichibei, we resurrected our dormant Etsy shop ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/NichibeiPotters ) and started uploading. We offered best sellers as well as one of-a-kind things. We offered a variety of price points. We offered free shipping. We offered, and our customers were delighted. Turns out they wanted to buy as much as we wanted to sell. Eighty-four sales in one month, we were stunned, humbled and full of gratitude. We also offered other artists advice on how to set up their shops and we wish them the best of luck.

To close, a chuckle… About 2 weeks ago, I went into the studio and stared at the some 6 or 7 hundred pounds of clay. Suddenly I was overcome with panic. What if this pandemic gets so bad that I can’t get clay! What will I do??? I called Creative Ceramics, bought another 2000 pounds. Visualize a huge sigh of relief!

Cheryl Costantini
potters@sonic.net

EXIBITION NEWS

The Davis Art Center exhibit: ACGA in Focus

The exhibit is up on our website. It is a good example of the ways we promote ACGA & its members. See a full view of the participating artists at https://acga.net/2020-davis-center/

Clay and Glass Festival News

Festival Booth Fee Refund Update

Dear Artists and Sponsors,

Thank you for your patience. The booth fee refunds should be completed by the time this newsletter reaches your inbox. The Festival Committee and the ACGA Board wish to thank those of you who were able to roll over your booth fee to 2021, which helps us to spread the loss of Festival income over 2 years. We also appreciate those of you who helped cover this year’s expenses. We are especially grateful for the generosity of those who were able to both roll over and contribute to offset this year’s Festival expenses.

We all look forward to being together in July 2021. Until then, stay healthy and continue nurturing your creativity in whatever ways you enjoy. And please share your online sales events and live demos/workshops on our ACGA Facebook page!The Festival Committee

Joe Battiato, Mari Emori, Sally Jackson, Lee Middleman, Jan Schachter, Miki Shim-Rutter, April Zilber

Annie Hermes, Deputy Director
408-772-6667

Giant Creative

MEMBER NEWS

Lynn Wood

Lynn has been Teaching Virtually at the Sonoma Community Center. Lynn Wood IS the Pottery Texture Queen. She is inspired by textures found in nature, architecture, and textiles and brings this joy into her work through pattern, texture, and color. Lynn has developed her own patterned texture mats that can be used on hand-built and thrown pottery in a variety of ways and they are available for sale at Sonoma Community Center. Lynn lives in Santa Rosa, shows and teaches nationally, and, of course teaches at Sonoma Ceramics.

Michelle Gregor

Natsoulas Gallery presented a Zoom Workshop with Michelle Gregor (l) on Saturday, May 23rd
Her presentation was 3 hours.

Lee Middleman

Lee has opened an ETSY Shop….”for selling my artwork on-line during these trying times. I hope you will visit the ESTY Shop, enjoy my latest work, “like” the shop and consider purchasing my art.

The link to my ETSY Shop is: Lee Middleman ETSY Shop.

You can shop and pay online with several options. Shipping via UPS or FedEx, or FREE local (20 miles) delivery by me. (NOTE: I am the only one handling the orders. I am following all the recommended social distancing and sanitation guidelines put out by the CDC.)

If you looking to connect with me or purchase work directly from my larger gallery collection, you can contact me at 650-851-0295. We can discuss my work and take a virtual ZOOM tour of the gallery and studio. Let’s keep in touch.”

Paula Bellacera

Paula is in a Ceramic group exhibit at the Pence Gallery in conjunction with the California Clay Conference.
Virtual Ceramic group exhibit at the Pence Gallery May-June.
Virtual Bird & Nest group exhibit at the Pence Gallery June-July.
Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA 95616. (530) 758-3370

Visit her website: https://www.paulabellacera.com

Her works are available at:
Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery
3620 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 284-1485

Natasha Dikareva

Natasha has been busy:

“Even in the toughest times art goes on!”

Zoom: https://sfsu.zoom.us/j/94085889585?pwd=aElyNVd5LzNZZHdhRmFkeXg5NHFQQT09

“We’ve made it through two months of quarantine! Adjusting to the new distancing measures, I started hosting virtual studio visits. I had my misgivings about dealing with zoom meetings but it turned out to be stimulating and fun so I will continue to invite and talk about my work with virtual visitors. Meet the new owners of my diptych I Found My Pearl in San Francisco! Megan and Andrew told me they can’t go to the ocean right now but this piece will bring the ocean to them. I am happy to know my work is helping people make it through the challenge of shelter-in-place and that these panels are living in a San Francisco home.

I started this diptych back in November for the invitational exhibition 48 Pillars at the Arc Gallery in San Francisco. It took 25 hours for the left and 20 hours for the right panel just to sculpt. I had to re-glaze and re-fire them 5 times because I messed up on my colors for the test tiles. Final china painting took 15 hours. Well, as one of my favorite poets said: Beauty has never been achieved easily, and now these panels are living in a beautiful house!”

EXHIBITIONS

NOTE: Some of the dates/activities may no longer be correct,; be sure to contact the organizer to confirm.

BERKELEY

TRAX GALLERY
Tea pot by Sandy Simon Hello All TRAX friends and fans! Summer is upon us.
You can purchase pots online at traxgallery.com many great pots by great potters’.
TRAX will reopen for walk in business in October, (minus the virus).
Our next exhibition will be in November with Mike Helke, Kari Radasch,
Jenny Mendes, and Scott Parady.

TRAX will reopen for walk in business in October, (minus the virus). Jenny Mendes, and a surprise!

Tea Pot by ACGA Member Sandy Simon

TRAX Gallery has five unique Peter Voulkos color lithos
32″ x 24″, 1979, $1000 each, signed, unframed, email for more info.

Prior to October, if you want to make an appointment or have an item shipped, you can by emailing or texting Miles McCreary who is on the premises: 1.510.908.1580 email: miles.mccreary@gmail.com

CROCKETT

Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic the Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art will be Closed until it is Safe to Open.
Our Upcoming Show with Lisa Reinertson and Francoise LeClerc will be rescheduled.

The gallery is empty with the exception of Francoise LeClerc’s piece “Parallax” and the morning sun through the east facing windows.
Art lives here. Art will continue to live here. Joanne and Gerald Epperson have been making a space for Art since 1996. Their mission, their support and passion for the Arts will continue. Stay safe, stay well.

Please keep Joanne and Gerald in your thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Suzanne M Long
suzannelong@eppersongallery.com 510-787-2925
510-787-2925
Friday – Sunday: 11:00am 5:00pm – Anytime by Appointment
Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art, 1400 Pomona Street, Crockett CA 510-787-2915
www.eppersongallery.com

DAVIS

Davis Art Center

If you have not linked on it lately – ACGA.net – there have been many changes and updates. The most recent addition of a virtual showing of the Davis Arts Center ACGA show “Ceramics in Focus :2020”, that for obvious reasons is not live.

John Natsoulas Center for the Arts

John Natsoulas Gallery June 2020

Support the Arts from Home!

We are offering work by our best artists at amazing prices.
Enjoy this beautiful art from the comfort of your own home!
This collection of prints and ceramic works have been produced by some of the most noteworthy painters in all of California. Among them are Beth Lo, Arthur Gonzalez, Stephen Braun, Kevin Snipes, and Mattie Leeds. To reduce overcrowding and risk of spreading germs, this sale hopes to encourage people to enjoy their staycation by browsing artwork from home. Perfect for gift-giving or adding to your own collection, these unique pieces offer something for everyone. Support the arts today by visiting our online store and checking out our Social Distancing Sale!

https://www.shop.natsoulas.com/social-distance-specials
Location: 521 First St. Davis, CA 95616

Location: 521 First St. Davis, CA 95616

EMERYVILLE

Bullseye Resource Center
Important Pickup and Sales Announcements for Resource Center Bay Area
Contact-free order and pickup:
Your local Bullseye Glass Resource Center is currently closed to in-person shopping. We welcome your orders via phone or email and will call you to schedule a pickup at a later time. Greater Bay Area] Bullseye Resource Center
4514 Hollis St.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm – 510.595.1318
bayarea@bullseyeglass.com

LAFAYETTE

Jennifer Perlmutter Fine Art

This special collection was designed with the collector and gift giver in mind.

For a limited time we will wrap and deliver locally. Please email us your address and phone.

Each one-of-a-kind piece is hand made or painted by a California artist. We will package and wrap with care and include information on the artist.

https:jenniferperlmuttergallery.com/product-category/small-gifts

OJAI

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

Update Regarding COVID-19

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts will be closed until further notice. We will continue to monitor the developments surrounding COVID-19, while adhering to guidelines and recommendations provided by health organizations and government agencies.

8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd. (in Upper Ojai) – Ojai, CA 93023 Tel: (805) 646-3381
Email: BeatriceWoodCenter@gmail.com

POMONA

AMOCA – The American Museum of Ceramic Art
“Dear AMOCA Community,

In light of recent news and based on conversations with peers, AMOCA (museum and studio) will close to the public effective March 16, 2020 and remain closed through April 1, 2020. This date will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks. Our goal is to ensure that AMOCA remains a safe, secure, and welcoming place for our visitors.

For up-to-date information, check our website, email info@amoca.org, or call (909) 865-3146.

I am grateful to the artists, members, board, and staff for the numerous notes of encouragement during this challenging time. Thank you, always, for your support.

Beth Ann Gerstein
Executive Director

frontdesk@amoca.org
http://www.amoca.org
399 N Garey Ave
Museum: 909.865.3146
Studio: 909.622.0464

SACRAMENTO

The Crocker Art Museum
The Museum is currently closed

The Museum is temporarily closed, but art is still available everyday.We are committed to keeping you connected to art, ideas, each other, and the world around you while you are at home. Follow @crockerart on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly eNews so you’ll always receive our freshest creations.
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/crocker-art-museum

RESIDENCIES

2020 Fall Residency, Sonoma Ceramics

https://sonomacommunitycenter.org/ceramics/ceramics-residency-program/
We offer two, 6-month, all-inclusive residencies per year for potters or ceramic sculptors. Applications are open for this 6-month, all inclusive residency. Open to potters and sculptors on a professional trajectory. The Ceramic Artist in Residence program offers a self- directed emerging or established ceramic artist a supportive work environment to explore ideas and create a cohesive body of work.
https://sonomacc.wpengine.com/category/ceramics/

Res Artis –

Encounter the World in Residencies.
Explore the listings here: www.resartis.org/en/
Arts residencies are at a global standstill. By our very nature of facilitating quality international and national arts and cultural exchange, the field of arts residencies is one of the hardest hit.

Res Artis: Worldwide Network of Arts Residencies is partnering with UCL (University College London) to conduct this survey to assess the true impact of COVID-19 specifically on the arts residencies field. This survey first examines the immediate impact; and then we will ask respondents to complete two further short surveys to analyse the medium-term; and long-term effects.

You don’t need to be a Res Artis Member or affiliated to UCL to complete this survey. We urge all artists and arts residency organisations around the globe to complete this form so that Res Artis in partnership with UCL can advocate for support, much-needed resources and emergency funding on behalf of the sector. It will help us all, as a collective whole, gain a deeper understanding of the situation and how we might work together to rebuild and strengthen the field.

The survey below should take approximately 10 minutes of your time, but the results will be long-lasting. Thank you for contributing to this important research and data collection.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/resimpact1

360xochiquetzal
YOUR PERSONAL RESIDENCY IN MEXICO

Superb live/work studio space for artists & writers. This summer and fall you can prepare for a show, finish a manuscript, collect your thoughts, or plan your next body of work. Located on Lake Chapala, nestled in a ring of mountains with colorful fishing villages strung like pearls along the north shore, a slower pace of life awaits you.

When it gets hot and muggy where you live, you can be here painting or writing to your heart’s content where the weather is fresh and delightful. We still have several private studio apartments available You can focus on your creative work and enjoy our gorgeous scenery and perfect year-round climate.

Rates, descriptions & pictures: https://360xochiquetzal.com/personal-residency-program/
For more info write: 20360xochiquetzal@gmail.com
Join our group Facebook page: %360-Xochi-Quetzal –
Follow us on Twitter: @360XochiQuetzal
and Instagram: @360xochiquetzal

RESIDENCY at Watershed – cancelled

With heavy hearts, we are writing to update you on Watershed’s plans for the coming months.
The Watershed Board of Trustees convened an emergency session over the weekend to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 season and consider what steps we must take for the wellbeing of our community. After weighing the latest information from local and national experts, we have made the difficult decision that we must cancel our 2020 summer residency and workshop sessions, and the Salad Days fundraiser.

FOR SALE

Moving Sale Chinese Clay Art

10 am to 5 pm, June 26-28, Friday-Sunday. June 25, Thursday is for wholesale distributors only. Chinese Clay Art/Clay Ground Studio was established in 1999. But now we decided to continue the online business only. The moving sale items included: Ceramic studio supplies, Kilns, Slab Roller, Office Furniture, books and magazines, personal collection of ceramic antiques, Yixing teapots, jewelry accessories (large quantities for retail and whole sale), much more. Everything must go. Thanks for your support! Contact: chineseclayart@hotmail.com, tel. 408-343-3919

Professional Kiln Repair Service

“I’m Joe Kowalczyk (Ko-väl-chick), your Bay Area kiln technician. I can fix your kiln.”

Evaluations & repair for ceramics or glass kilns (both gas & electric); Kiln tutorials (basic operation, safety, maintenance, & custom programming); Consultations new & used kiln purchases, Pottery wheels, slab rollers, ventilation, & general studio setup; “6 years experience & I’ll beat the prices of any kiln service in the Bay Area.” Questions? e-mail: StudioJoKo@gmail.com or call: 510-601-5053. www.kilnspecialist.com

Creative Ceramics and Glass

Santa Rosa, CA. Offers free same day drop off in Novato, CA. Call 707-545-6528 or email support@707clay.com for location and details.
5240 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

NEWSLETTER May 2020

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Festival Update

The ACGA Board regretfully announces that the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival will be postponed until July 2021. We polled all the participating artists about changing the date to October, and fell short of the number we would need to make the Festival economically viable for the organization. We also share a realistic concern that large gatherings (1000’s) may not be allowed as soon as October.

All participating artists will receive an email soon regarding booth fee refund options. ACGA has already incurred significant, nonrefundable costs associated with what would have been our July Festival. We fully realize that for some, the loss of shows represents a severe loss in income, and that for others; the impact might not be as large. When the refund options are finalized, festival participants will be notified. If is within your means, please consider a partial refund. By doing so, you will help our organization to come back strong in 2021.

We have compiled a list of resources that we think might be helpful to those who have been financially impacted by Covid 19. We hope this is useful.

https://mailchi.mp/82ed7aae9e2b/welcome-to-the-berkeley-arts-design-newsletter-may-1347174
https://theintersection.org/get-support/resources/
https://resartis.org/covid-19-updates/external-resources/

Finally, as a child, not only did my parents encourage my creative enterprises, they taught me the resolve I would need if I chose to pursue them. Hence, I have weaved and bobbed through this life as a self-employed potter with my antenna always raised, looking for opportunities as well as trying to avoid the bumps in the road. But when those bumps come, which they inevitably do, I am grateful for my parent’s mantra… “ When the going gets tough, the tough get going”

I wish us all the fortitude, compassion and vision to continue fostering the creative spirit.

Cheryl Costantini
potters@sonic.net

32nd Annual CCACA ZOOM Webinar 2020

Cynthia Consentino, John Toki & Patti Warashina at the 2019 conference.
Live Online Demonstrations, Studio Tours & Lectures
This year, the Ceramics Conference will be happening May 1st – 3rd online!

We will be holding a free, larger scheduled event with more participants than ever. Instead of six artists, there will be 15 from all around the world. You will receive an online, live experience of artists giving lectures, demonstrations and tours of their own studios via Zoom.

Our staff has been working tirelessly to bring all of us together during this difficult time. We are eager to maintain the original dates of the conference and continue the ceramics conference after 32 years of tradition.For updates, please follow us on Facebook here and Instagram here.

We send all of our love to the ceramic community and hope everyone stays healthy and safe. We encourage this time for artists to be creative and create beautiful work. Upward and onwards!
Contact Us 530.756.3938
art@natsoulas.com

CCACA Online Schedule

Our mailing address is:
John Natsoulas Gallery
521 First Street
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 756-3938

Friday, May 1st

11am – Yana Payusova
12pm – Lunch Break
1pm – Tour of the Ceramics
Exhibition at the Gallery
2pm – Sean Henry
3pm – Lisa Reinertson
4pm – Esther Shimazu

Saturday, May 2nd

10am – Kevin Snipes
11am – Wanxin Zhang
12pm – Paolo Porelli
1pm – Adrian Arleo
2pm – Margaret Keelan
2:45pm – Live Dance Party with Cold Shot

Sunday May 3rd

10am – Chris Riccardo
11am – Michelle Gregor
12pm – 1pm – Lunch Break
1pm – Arthur Gonzalez
2pm – John Toki

MEMBER NEWS

Liz Lauter Profile

I’m so happy to be joining the ACGA as an exhibiting member. I recently retired from teaching high school Ceramics at Redwood High in Marin County for the past 20 years. So it’s wonderful to be my own artist at last combined with my years of developed technical expertise. When you teach, you love to learn and 5 years ago I began hosting an art workshop program for artists and art teachers using my ceramics classroom several times a semester on Saturdays. The workshop program is called Marin Art Teachers. It has a website, but since retiring, I haven’t arranged any events.

I live in West Marin in Forest Knolls, grew up in San Francisco where I learned pottery beginning at age 11 from Ruby O’Burke, whose studio was near my home. I studied studio painting at UC Davis and studied mostly with artist, Wayne Thiebaud.

My ceramics work now focuses on majolica on low fire terra cotta, painted designs, and constructed sculptures inspired by traditional Mexican Trees of Life. My pieces are 3D canvases for my painting. And now, I’m learning how to work with glass to make small bead elements to incorporate into my sculptures. I’m excited to be involved with ACGA’s efforts.