The start of a new year brings a lot of activity to Maho Bay Clayworks Studio located at eco-resort Maho Bay Camps on St. John. There is still time to sign up for some of the special, clay workshops scheduled for January and February, which will feature two talented visiting artists.
Owner and artist Gail Van de Bogurt will be welcoming visiting artist, Garold "G" Amsberry Jan. 12, 13 and 15. Amsberry is a gifted pottery teacher from the mountains of North Carolina. He will teach a mini-workshop to share his throwing techniques and get ready for the wood kiln on Jan. 20. The two workshops available to the public are:
Throwing Techniques— Jan 12, 13, 1-4 p.m. — Garold Amsberry of Burnsville, N.C. Cost is $100. Clay and firing and two open studios are included.
Glazing for Wood Kiln— Jan 15 1:30-4 p.m. — Garold Amsberry. Cost is $40. Bring a leatherhard to bisque ware (firing is not included unless made in G’s class).
The following month a special workshop will be held Feb. 7-12 by returning artist Ara Cardew, who is a master potter with over 20 years of experience in all areas of stoneware and porcelain pottery production, including throwing, slipware, glaze development, decoration and firing. He apprenticed with his grandfather, Michael Cardew, and managed the family pottery business, Wenford Bridge Pottery, in Cornwall, England, for many years.
At Maho Bay Clayworks, Cardew will be offering a week-long, hands-on workshop to focus on mugs, steins, jugs, pitchers or whatever a participant wants to explore.
There is a wide assortment of classes both new and old throughout the winter and spring, including Catherine Perry’s sconce workshop in March. In Perry’s workshop participants can learn to make their own ceramic lighting fixtures that are individual works of art. Also in March, Gail van de Bogurt will be offering an all day watercolor class at the beach.
To sign up for any of these workshops or for the regularly scheduled classes and open studios at Maho Bay Clayworks, call 776-6226 ext. 226or cell 514-6594 or e-mail gail@mahobayclayworks.com .
