ClayHouston

JULY 2020 NEWSLETTER

Dear ClayHouston members,

The events of this past month have underscored the deeply ingrained systemic inequities and injustices that Black Americans face. It has been a time of introspection for me, a time that is serving as a catalyst to spark important conversations in my life and also within the board of ClayHouston.

The board has been processing and evaluating how we have served, and continue to serve, our members and our broader community. We have been discussing the field of ceramics, specifically the lack of representation that has existed there for too long. We have been discussing actions we can take to make a positive and ongoing difference to combat systemic inequity endured by Black communities.

In our conversations we have started to build an action plan around efforts of inclusion, education, and equity. This plan includes explicit steps that we will take, now and moving forward, that align with our mission of supporting all ceramic artists here in Houston.

This year has already seen a significant shift in the way ClayHouston operates because of COVID-19. We have had to postpone and cancel many of our events. This has left us with unused funds in our budget and the board has voted to put those funds toward initiatives that support inclusivity and access to ceramic arts in the city of Houston.

This will be an ongoing effort and we will be defining actions that are geared toward a meaningful long-term focus. We are building a committee that will sustain this effort and hold us accountable. We will work toward creating spaces for inclusion in the programs we offer and we welcome the participation of our members and community partners in these efforts.

ClayHouston is always striving to be a warm and welcoming organization, an inclusive environment that is open to all clay enthusiasts. Our goals include building connections, supporting our artist community and creating opportunities for every ceramic artist in our city. My hope is that these efforts will serve to build on and reinforce those goals. My intention is for this to be the starting point of a continuous effort that shapes our organization moving forward and enhances the ways we serve our members and our entire community.

With much kindness and love,

Jessica Phillips

President

ClayHouston.org

Member News

Click here for the Member Spotlight

We want every member to have the opportunity to be featured on the Member Spotlight. In order to be selected, you must have an up-to-date profile page with at least 6-10 images of your work currently on display

July Virtual Clay Talks

A casual ClayHouston ZOOM get-together. Feel free to bring a piece of work for show-and-tell if you’d like, or any clay questions/ideas you’ve been wanting to bounce around. It’s also just a chance to say hello and catch up. Thursday, July 16, from 6-7pm. Register Here

Nicolle LaMere at HCCC

Congratulations to ClayHouston member Nicolle LaMere who was awarded a residency at The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. We look forward to seeing the work she creates when the Craft Center reopens and her residency resumes.

CH Members in 23rd Ceramic Competition Online Gallery

San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts

Abbie Preston Edmonson, Mary Fischer, Roy Hanscom, Pat Johnson and Clay Leonard have pieces in the San Angelo Online Exhibition. http://samfa.org/23rd-ceramic-competition-online-gallery

Jo Zider - Clay Transformation Project

During this time of forced confinement Jo Zider has been thankful for the time to focus on her goal: She is writing a book about “The Clay Transformation Project” which started with the first installation in west Texas on 13 April, 1990. The project began when I decided every five years I would place one of the pieces remaining from my "Shifting Sands" show into the landscape and allow it to be acted upon or consumed by nature. This past Monday was the thirtieth anniversary and completion of the project.

Store is closed for vacation starting June 27th and will re-open on July 7th

We are open for curbside pick ups. Just send us an email or call with your order. When you get here open the back of your vehicle. Then call us and let us know that you are here. We will load your items into the rear of your vehicle. Mon - Thurs 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Fri - Sat 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

We are also doing 20 minute in-store appointments (must call to schedule)

Laminated Clay (Rescheduled to 2021)

With Lebeth Lammers

This workshop will work with colored porcelain clay

$400.00

Taking names for wait list

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