Newsletter

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

MEMBER NEWS

EXHIBITIONS

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

BERKELEY

TRAX GALLERY
Volumes: The Container and The Contained through April 11
Online Sales for Volumes: The Container and the Contained
Click link to see work:
https://traxgallery.com/product-tag/volumes/
Containers: Randy Johnston, Ron Meyers, Jess Parker, Jan Mckeachie-Johnston

THE 28th annual ST. CROIX POTTERY TOUR IN MINNESOTA – always Mother’s Day Weekend – begins ONLINE Friday, May 8th at 10 a.m. Central Time. Go to minnesotapotters.com May 8th. The web site includes a list of the fifty five participating potters with a link for each where you can make purchases.

MAY 8th please join Robert Brady and Sandy Simon who will be selling their work at www.traxgallery.com.

ART BnB: Now offering an exclusive place to stay in the Berkeley Bay -“ARTbnb” Open for Booking at www.traxgallery.com $125/night + city taxes
1812 5th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
510.540.8729 info@traxgallery.com www.traxgallery.com
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 – 5:30 thru April;
until then by appointment
call: 510.540.8729 or text 510.914.1303

CROCKETT

Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art
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

John Natsoulas Center for the Arts

Support the Arts from Home!

Social Distancing Sale https://www.shop.natsoulas.com/social-distance-specials-2/

Dark, somber and foreboding, Arthur Gonzalez’s works encourage serious deliberation and reflection on the relationship between personal concerns and world issues. Raw in form, lacking in smoothness and rough in finish, the ceramic sculptures give glimpses of a conversation or a contemplation in progress. Gonzalez’s creations of ceramic and found objects reveal visions and feelings that are not polished but ongoing processes of gyrating thoughts and churning emotions that threaten to erupt into reality and consciousness to defy the fantasy of a peaceful experience.

Lisa Clague. 2018. Archangel. Clay, Glaze, Luster, Encaustic. 8″ x 5″ x 3.5″ – $800

Warashina, Cat Cup. Ceramic. 3″ x 5″ x 3.25″

This collection of prints and ceramic works have been produced by some of the most noteworthy painters in all of California. 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!

Location: 521 First St. Davis, CA 95616

EMERYVILLE

Bullseye
Bay Area Gallery – Next show is in November.
Glimmer – A solo exhibition by Jenn Shifflet at Bullseye’s Resource Center Bay Area
November 26 – March 14, 2020
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

NCECA

2020 NCECA JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION ONLINE

The 2020 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition, originally scheduled to be shown at artspace in Richmond, Virginia has been moved to an online format and is now available for viewing. Visit https://artspacegallery.org/2020/exhibits/njse/ for images and information about the exhibition. Online sales are also available via artspace and a video of the works included in the exhibition will premiere soon on the artspace Facebook page.

2020 NCECA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION REFUND UPDATES

Over the past few days, NCECA’s intrepid staff members have caught up with all 2020 conference registration processing requests that were made prior to and immediately following our cancellation announcement. Still, quite a few eligible people have not yet contacted us to refund, carry over, or donate all or a portion of their conference registration fees. June 10, 2020 will be the cut-off date for NCECA to honor refund requests. After that time, any 2020 registrations remaining will be automatically carried over as non-transferable registrations for the 2021 conference.

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 High School ’20
Virtual Exhibition Dates: May 2–31, 2020
Opening Reception: May 2, 2020 @ NoonAn annual juried show featuring 74 finalists from 27 Southern California High Schools, striving to inspire and recognize young artists achieving excellence in their own creative endeavors.

Due to the temporary closure related to COVID-19, this exhibition has been moved online and exhibition dates adjusted. Come back on Saturday, May 2 at noon to enjoy the awards ceremony, simulcasting on Facebook and Youtube Live.

#hsceramicsannual
@amocamuseum

Visitor’s Choice awards to be announced via press release at the close of the exhibition.

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 Crocker Art Museum is temporarily closed to the public, and all programs, tours, classes, and events through May 31 have been postponed or canceled. This is a proactive measure to preserve the health and well-being of our visitors and staff, and to support the city of Sacramento’s ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back as soon as possible. While you are home, we will do our best to provide fresh ways to engage with art and one another on our social platforms, so we can all stay connected. Follow us @crockerart for updates and new content.

Main: (916) 808-7000, Membership: (916) 808-6730 216 O Street

ARTS RESOURCES FOR THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

This time of social distancing, school, and workspace closures continues to be very tough going for so many of us. Some have lost friends and loved ones. Others are coping the best they can under difficult constraints. Many of our friends in the arts community are rising to the challenge to share valuable information and resources like those below. Please let us know of sites and articles you have found helpful that NCECA might share in the days and weeks ahead.

Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Resource and Response Center includes links to webinars, studies, helpful blog articles, and a running list of opportunities some of which are limited by geographical region or artistic discipline.

 CERF+ Emergency Relief Fund
CERF+ emergency assistance is available to established artists working in a craft discipline who have earned the majority of their livelihoods from artmaking and are in need of immediate financial assistance. CERF+ grants typically total around $3,000. https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/

CALENDAR

March 1: Deadline for Application for ACGA CLAY & GLASS FESTIVAL in PALO ALTO – Exhibiting Members

March 7: Deadline for Application for ACGA CLAY & GLASS FESTIVAL in PALO ALTO – Associates

April 29th – May 2: CERAMICS in FOCUS in DAVIS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Each year, I look forward new ideas that inevitably spring seems to offer. Bursting as it does, how can we not feel renewed?

This month, I encourage you all to look at your work through this lens. See it anew.
Make something different.
Experiment.

Remember, one of the main reasons ACGA exists is to foster that creativity. What a great thing!

NOTE: Many Exhibits and Events have been closed or canceled due to the COVID-19 Virus Pandemic. Please check with individual venues.

ACGA: CERAMICS IN FOCUS – 2020

Davis Arts Center April 29- May 29.
The participating artists, selected by juror Mary Law, are: Ian Bassett, Naomi Stein Cooper, Mari Emori, Christopher Fortin, Sally Jackson, Sarah Logan and Margaret Norman. The reception will be Friday May 1, from 4-6pm. Regular hours are Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
During the weekend of the CCACA conference there will be a pop-up show in downtown Davis.

CLAY & GLASS FESTIVAL NEWS

Two Festival applications were emailed in January; if you don’t find yours in your inbox, please check your spam/junk folder. After March 1st, there will be a late fee assessed.

Exhibiting Members received an email from Annie Hermes of Giant Creative with an invitation letter and link to the festival application: Exhibiting Members, please click link to apply. https://form.jotform.com/theACGA/clay- glass-festival-application2020
Your deadline is March 1st, with a $50 late fee after that date.

Associate Members received an email from April Zilber (Festival Committee) with an invitation for Associate Members who joined in 2019 or earlier to jury into the 2020 Festival. This Festival Jury process has no jury fee and is unconnected to the regular Exhibiting Member Jury. Associate Members, please click link to apply for this digital jury. https://form.jotform.com/200151203685141

Your deadline is March 7th. Notifications regarding acceptance will be emailed after March 15th.

All Members:
We want you to be eligible to apply for the 2020 Festival, so please pay your ACGA dues now.  If you recently mailed a check to April, great!  If not, you can renew online at MemberPlanet.com, see previous emails from ACGA on how to do that, or contact Emil Yanos at acgamembership@gmail.com.

Volunteer – Call for Volunteers with JotForms Experience
ACGA Festival Committee is looking for volunteers who are fluent using JotForms. This job counts towards membership and festival volunteers hours. You do not have to participate in the annual Clay and Glass festival to do this job. Just a willingness to volunteer your time. Please contact Miki Shim, Festival Liaison: miki@2frogsceramics.com

If you are interested in doing a demonstration during the festival weekend, please contact Joe Battiato, battiatoart@yahoo.com.

Thank you,
The Festival Committee:
Jan Schachter, Lee Middleman, April Zilber, Miki Shim-Rutter, Joe Battiato, & Sally Jackson —
Annie Hermes, Deputy Director
408-772-6667

MEMBER NEWS

Kathy Pallie, together with Julie Clements, Marsha Schindler and Arthur Gonzales, will be showing a body of work in the Epperson Gallery of Ceramic Art exhibition “Into the Woods”.

The show dates are March 20 – April 12. Artist reception: March 21 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm – 1400 Pomona St., Crockett, CA. Kathy’s piece “Birch Still Life” is an example of her fascination with trees and bark whether she is creating a realistic trompe l’oeil effect, an abstract idea or viewing tree bark through a macro lens.

Linda S Fitz Gibbon currently has work in three exhibitions in the new year. Two pieces were selected for Craft Nouveau, An International Fine Craft Competition at the Blue Line Gallery, Roseville. The show runs thru March 7th. Linda participated in the artist lecture before the opening reception on 1/18. Three pieces, including “Spudzzup,” are exhibited in the Real/Surreal: Sacramento Artists Explore the Realms of Dream and Reality at Sacramento City Hall Robert T. Matsui Art Gallery, through March 16. Located in the H Street lobby of New City Hall, hours are 8 to 5, M ­– F. Four works from the action figure series were included in Artspace 1616’s 5th Anniversary Exhibition, 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento through the end of January.

Vicki Gunter is showing Trading Places? is a clay recreation of a canary resuscitation cage used by some coal miners until 1987. Humanity is inside represented by a woman, man & child, made of smoldering coal.

The canary atop the oxygen tank is warning us we may be the next canaries-in-the-coal-mine if we don’t make revolutionary changes. Surreal? Real? Here’s a list of all the wonderful artists you’ll see! https://www.vickigunter.com/2-trading-places—canaries–elephants.html

From Susan Felix: ” Dear friends, “Here is an opportunity to watch excerpts of some of my interviews on BCM (Berkeley Public Television). They start a few seconds into the video. I would appreciate you taking the time to watch them. it will take less than five minutes. Please click the following link to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO2ncX0TLmo&feature=youtu.be
“If you want to check out the full interviews, the station has created a YouTube Channel with all the back interviews @ Susan Duhan Felix.
“Thank you and…
Stay Amazed, Susan “

Jan Schachter will have consecutive displays of her work in San Mateo County, March 2- April 30 in the San Mateo City Hall, 330 W 20th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403, open 8am-5pm weekdays. May 1 – June 30, in the San Mateo Public Library, 55 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94402, open 10-9 M-Th, 10-5 Sat., 1-5 Sun www.janschachter.com

Natasha Dikareva exhibitions:
UCSF Women’s Health at Mount Zion, 2356 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115,show runs thru May 26, 2020
What Lies Beneath. Show runs thru March 15, 202
Epperson Gallery, 1400 Pomona Street, Crockett, CA 94525; 48 Pillars is an invitational exhibition by 24 local Bay Area artists who create two pieces each on the 48×12 inch panels that will ring the gallery – 48 works total. Show runs thru March 28th; Arc Gallery & Studios, 1246 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Primavera stoneware, stains, glazes, fabric

Thomas Arakawa’s exhibtions and activities: New work preview, American Craft Show, Baltimore 2020, February 21- February 2. Baltimore Convention Center;
Wafu Ikebana 50th Anniversary Flower Show, March 7th & 8, Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA;
Synergetic Elements By Jordan King, A Wood Fired Ceramic Exhibition, Show Date: Jan 6th to June 30, Hakone Garden, 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070.
For inquiries and appointments, please contact Jordan King, jkingceramics@yahoo.com. and Ikebana International LA, Katen (Exhibition), show Date: Mar 21 and 22, Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007.
also International Cultural Exchange, Ikebana demonstration by Susan Okada of Wafu School of Ikebana and assisted by Thomas and Kathy Arakawa, Date And Time Beginner Workshop: April 9, 7 PM – 9 PM, Demonstration: April 9, 7 PM – 9 PM, Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 ikebanavase.com.

Vicki Gunter is showing in WHAT LIES BENEATH, A National Clay Exhibit. thru March 15, 2020 at Epperson Gallery in Crockett Ca. 94525. Trading Places? is a clay recreation of a canary resuscitation cage used by some coal miners until 1987. Humanity is inside represented by a woman, man & child, made of smoldering coal. The canary atop the oxygen tank (r) is warning us we may be the next canaries-in-the-coal-mine if we don’t make revolutionary changes.
Surreal? Real?
https://www.vickigunter.com/2-trading-places—canaries–elephants.html

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

Please send all address  changes to the membership: Emil Yanos, acgamembership@gmail, ACGA Member Liason

WORKSHOPS

Note: Due to the Shelter-in-Place Order in the state of California, workshops may be canceled.

The Potters’ Studio Presents
a One-Day workshop
Taught by Whitney Smith
 Etsy for Beginners
150.00
Saturday, March 21, 2020   10am–4pm Lunch Break: 12­­–­1pm

Etsy is one of the Internet’s largest hubs for buying and selling handmade items, with millions of sellers and many more millions of users worldwide. Have you thought about selling your items on Etsy but don’t know where to start? Or have you opened a shop but don’t know what to do next? In Etsy for Beginners, you will learn all the basics of Etsy and get answers to common problems and questions about how to run a shop. In Beginning Etsy, you will learn how to make running your Etsy shop an easy and fun process. Topics will include:

• Creating your shop and learning to navigate the dashboard.
• Putting your Etsy profile together with images and a great shop announcement.
• Creating appropriate shop policies and dealing with customer service.
• Uploading images and creating descriptions and appropriate tags for your items.
• Marketing your shop and getting those first sales.
• Students will walk away with a richer understanding of Etsy and a checklist of action items to get their Etsy shop up and out into the world.

Whitney Smith has been a potter for over two decades, working out of her studio full-time since 2000. Whitney’s work has been shown and collected across the United States as well as internationally. She has been invited to be an artist-in-residence in Japan and France and has lectured and been interviewed extensively in print media and online about her life as a working artist. She resides in Vallejo, California.
PRICE FOR THIS WORKSHOP – $150
For further information, contact:  events@berkeleypottersstudio.com

The Potters’ Studio Presents
a One-Day workshop
Taught by Whitney Smith
Advanced Etsy
150.00
Sunday, March 22, 2020   10am–4pm Lunch Break: 12­­–­1pm

Advanced Etsy – Do you already have an Etsy shop? Are you wondering how you can stand out in the sea of other shops? Have you had a few sales on Etsy but wonder how you can get more?  This Advanced Etsy class will help you take a close look at your shop and figure out how to sharpen your presence and make basic improvements to your shop, while learning more about how potential customers find their favorite artists on Etsy. Learn how to increase your visibility so that potential customers can find you!  In Advanced Etsy, you will learn how to upgrade your existing Etsy shop. Topics will include:

• How to create a great customer experience in your shop.
•  The importance of good customer service.
• ·How to present your product in the best light with strong photography and clear descriptions.
• The basics of search engine optimization and search analytics to improve your search engine rankings.
• The ins and outs of buying ads to boost your visibility.
• Marketing your shop with promotions, coupons, and social media.

It can take time to see a change in your Etsy shop revenue, but with dedicated attention and a clear plan, making your Etsy shop a fun and successful venture is possible! Whitney Smith has been a potter for over two decades, working out of her studio full-time since 2000. Whitney’s work has been shown and collected across the United States as well as internationally. She has been invited to be an artist-in-residence in Japan and France and has lectured and been interviewed extensively in print media and online about her life as a working artist. She resides in Vallejo, California.
PRICE FOR THIS WORKSHOP – $150
For further information, contact:  events@berkeleypottersstudio.com
The Potters’ Studio
1221 8th Street (near Gilman Street)
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 528-3286 events@berkeleypottersstudio.com
www.berkeleypottersstudio.com

EXHIBITIONS

11th Annual Chili Bowl Express Fundraiser

Tickets on sale now for the 11th Annual Chili Bowl Express Fundraiser!

On Saturday, February 22, at the Sonoma Community Center, there will be 700 handmade ceramic bowls and gourmet chili from 25 local restaurants and chefs all to support Art programming at the Center.

The two lunch seatings are accessible to all at the low price of $30, which includes your choice of a handmade chili bowl filled with your choice of chili, cornbread, and all the toppings. And since it was so popular last year, the event is bringing back a special cocktail hour preceding the $60 dinner seating which includes free cocktails and mocktails in your choice of a handcrafted ceramic cup to keep.
Local beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Your ticket is supporting Arts programming at the Center.

Get your tickets now before the event sells out! https://sonomacommunitycenter.org/chilibowl/

Member News

From Barbara Brown:

New Year Ritual

Every year as the year ends I do a studio cleaning ritual so I can start the new year with purpose and good energy. My ceramic artist friend, Bea Wax introduced me to the American Indian tradition called Smudging bygiving me a sage smudge stick. You clean your studio and then light the smudge stick till it smokes and walkaround the perimeter of your studio, giving special attention to corners and places behind doors. Have ready a fireproof receptacle such as a shell, glass or ceramic dish to put the smudge stick in when you’re finished and make sure your smudge stick is out before leaving the studio.

On New Year’s day I go to the studio and make at least one new piece of work to start the new year with purpose and good energy.

Have a wonderful, happy new year filled with creative energy.
Barbara

ACGA members Kathy White and Mari Emori have both been chosen for the 2020 ICAN  (International Ceramic Artists Network) Wall Calendar. Kathy’s Raku pot titled “Sunburst”  and Mari Emori’s “Triskelion” have both been chosen for the 2020 ICAN  Wall Calendar, Surface Collection. You can purchase the calendar online: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/shop/calendars-for-2020. Originally established as Potters Council in 2001 as part of a grass-roots movement, ICAN today is a membership organization focused on serving the ceramic arts community.

“The City of Berkeley proclaimed the month of July 2019 to be Susan Felix Month and she was given Berkeley’s Lifetime Achievement award. The Mayor’s Proclamation reads “Susan Duhan Felix is an extraordinary award-winning artist and arts advocate… One of Felix’s proudest accomplishments as ambassador is having brought recognition to artists. In the early days, she selected individuals and appeared at their promotional events to announce that the day had been named after them…Eventually, a day grew to a month. ”
https://www.berkeleyside.com/2018/

A special holiday thanks from MaryMar Keenan and the MMclay Team for your ongoing support. MMclay hosted a Kickstarter from May 1st – 30th, 2019, which reached over 220% over the funding goal in it’s 30- day run.

MMclay will be showing work January 17th-19th, 2020, at Untitled ART. Pier 35, San Francisco

UNTITLED, ART is an international, curated art fair founded in 2012 that focuses on curatorial balance and integrity across all disciplines of contemporary art. UNTITLED, ART innovates the standard fair model by selecting a curatorial team to identify and curate a selection of galleries, artist-run exhibition spaces, and non-profit institutions and organizations, in dialogue with an architecturally designed venue. The next edition of UNTITLED, ART San Francisco will take place January 17 – 19, 2020 at Pier 35, 1454 The Embarcadero.

Take a look at our EVENTS and WORKSHOPS pages to discover more news, including exhibits and workshop opportunities.