Dear ClayHouston members,

I hope this letter finds you doing well, finding time to create, and taking care of yourself.

 We’re starting this month off by bringing back the Clay Creative! Join us on Saturday, May 14, from 1-3 PM as Naomi Peterson will lead us through Creating Dimensional Texture. Naomi will speak about her work and guide us through creating sprig molds. She’ll then demonstrate how she uses them to decorate her pieces. Lastly, Naomi will show us how she makes her tools for specific tasks while working in her studio. We hope you can join us at 902 Hardy Street, 77020. You can sign up on our website here. 

Last month, our board gathered for a two-hour planning session to dream and plan. I can’t express how brilliant this group of humans are and the unique offerings they continuously volunteer on behalf of our organization. They are doing the complex and vital work of planning, dreaming, and making plans to come to fruition for ClayHouston. I’m so grateful to be working alongside this board, who are daily working to create opportunities for our members, fund-raise for our future, and meticulously manage all the behind-the-scenes details to thrive as an organization. We have some exciting programs and events in the works for you all, and I can’t wait to share more soon!

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art presents its first annual Craft & Folk Art Expo on September 22-25, 2022, at the Orange Show World Headquarters in Houston, TX. How exciting for our city! If you’re interested in applying as an artist, dealer, or retail store, you can apply here.

Be sure to stop by the Plant Market Sunday on May 8, from 11-3 at the Holman Draft Hall (820 Holman Street). ClayHouston will be hanging out and sharing about our membership and selling some of our member’s work. This market will be full of some wonderful local makers selling their work + a raffle tent with prizes. Bring your mom and come say hello! We’d love to see you there!

Stay tuned for another Happy Hour + Meet and Greet at the end of this month. We had so much fun being together last time that we’ll be hosting these regularly. Keep a lookout in your inbox to sign up.

Lastly, this month’s recommendation is someone I’ve been following on Instagram for a few years Missy Graff Ballone @wellnessformakers. Her content is all about sharing ways to improve mobility and giving artists movements to reduce the risk of developing a repetitive strain injury over time. Missy’s videos, courses, and research are so valuable to those us regularly working in the studio. You can also learn more about her practice here. 

Until next time, take care of yourselves. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Abbie Edmonson