On May 13 and 14, twelve students gathered at the May Carter Pottery Studio to attend a workshop presented by Kim Myhre Clarke of Ventura Beach, California. Kim is known for creating whimsical figures and animals out of clay, with brightly colored glazes. Whether a first-time potter (about half the class) or a more seasoned potter, everyone was truly inspired by Kim’s remarkable creativity as we spent the first-day making animals and clay faces. It was amazing to learn new techniques, even for someone who has worked in clay for more than twenty years! On the second day we built on the face making techniques to make bottles with unique head stoppers.
Every student enjoyed Kim’s workshop and several provided their own feedback. “After decades away from clay, I signed up for Kim’s workshop. As I looked at the schedule I thought the time allotted (from 10am until 4 pm) was going to be way too long. On Friday, Kim gave us our assignment and then walked us through the magical means for getting there. As I got drawn into my work, there wasn’t much awareness of time. When it occurred to me to see how much was left, I was amazed to see it was 3:30 and just about time to clean up.”
“Both days were a great experience. Her teaching was engaging and helpful, and the techniques she showed us were ingenious and fun. If there’s a Kim fan club or another Kim class, sign me up!”
Another student claimed, “This workshop raised the Academy’s pottery studio to a whole new level . . . it was an awesome workshop!”
And Kim, our instructor, had these words to say: “The Academy Center of the Arts ceramics studio is a very creative and pleasurable place to work and teach. I for one had a great time working with all their enthusiasm and talent.”
Keep your eyes open for another workshop by Kim Clarke, hopefully in 2017!
Ted Batt
Director of Visual Arts
View Kim Myhre Clarke website here www.ceramicsbykim.com
View youth summer pottery camps here academycenter.org/events/category/classes/children/pottery
View adult summer pottery classes here academycenter.org/events/category/classes/adults/pottery-special-topics
