What's Happening in the Clay Studio
Effective immediately, masks are highly recommended for the Studio.
Pima County passed an indoor mask mandate yesterday (12/22/21). GVR has not yet changed their policy, but your Board is anticipating a change may be forthcoming.
Irregardless of GVR’s actions, it is the Board’s opinion that the safety of our members is paramount – we are asking ALL MEMBERS TO MASK UP for the next several weeks, while we get through this latest outbreak.
If we have an outbreak, we will be forced to close the Studio once again – we are loathe to do that. So please support each other during these uncertain times and wear a mask, wash your hands, and socially distance.
Pima County passed an indoor mask mandate yesterday (12/22/21). GVR has not yet changed their policy, but your Board is anticipating a change may be forthcoming.
Irregardless of GVR’s actions, it is the Board’s opinion that the safety of our members is paramount – we are asking ALL MEMBERS TO MASK UP for the next several weeks, while we get through this latest outbreak.
If we have an outbreak, we will be forced to close the Studio once again – we are loathe to do that. So please support each other during these uncertain times and wear a mask, wash your hands, and socially distance.
What You Need to Know Now …. Dec 20, 2021
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Since there will not be a newsletter in January, there are some items that you need to know now.
We are beginning to make changes to the Studio website – claystudiogvaz.com - to convey news more quickly to you, our members. Frequently, information comes to light that members need to be aware of – you’ll see a new “What You Need to Know Now” box front and center. Please check it often for the latest news.
2022 Renewal forms are available on the website as well as in the Studio; dues have increased slightly from our pre-Covid rate. Please read these carefully, as some of the Studio policies have changed – by signing the form, you are agreeing to abide by the rules. Your completed forms, with a check for $35.00, should be dropped off in the Studio.
COVID, Delta, Omicron, oh my ….
The Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for 28 January, 2022 in the Anza Room – time to be announced. Three candidates were presented at the November Bd meeting to replace the 3 Directors whose terms are up. Thank you to Phil Vande-Reit, Kay Eason, and Alan Koss for volunteering for the Board.
A few items to be aware of with respect to our monitor program:
Several glazes in the Studio have been discontinued. Any remaining glazes will be available for sale to members starting January 24th at 12:00am. 1st come; 1st served.
Due to lack of monitors, the Studio will be CLOSED on Christmas Day (Dec 25th).
The next Raku firing is 5 Jan @ 08:30am. Horsehair firing on 12 Jan @ 10:00am.
Just a few things, eh? Happy Holidays everyone!
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Since there will not be a newsletter in January, there are some items that you need to know now.
We are beginning to make changes to the Studio website – claystudiogvaz.com - to convey news more quickly to you, our members. Frequently, information comes to light that members need to be aware of – you’ll see a new “What You Need to Know Now” box front and center. Please check it often for the latest news.
2022 Renewal forms are available on the website as well as in the Studio; dues have increased slightly from our pre-Covid rate. Please read these carefully, as some of the Studio policies have changed – by signing the form, you are agreeing to abide by the rules. Your completed forms, with a check for $35.00, should be dropped off in the Studio.
COVID, Delta, Omicron, oh my ….
- A reminder – if you are ill, do not come to the Studio. If you’ve experienced any symptoms, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, etc. ., do not come to the Studio until you are certain you are not infectious with any illness.
- If you have travelled, had out of town guests, are unvaccinated, or are around those who are immune compromised – please wear a mask. Be aware that COVID tests are not always identifying the new variant, Omicron – so please be super vigilant. Wash your hands often, keep your distance, wear a mask often – you all know the drill. Let’s protect each other and keep the Studio open.
- Speaking of keeping the Studio open, if our numbers swell and we find social distancing is becoming difficult, the Board will bring back our Workstation Signup Program and restricted access, if necessary. We are keeping an eye on Studio operations and want to be cautious – it took a lot of work to reopen the Studio – we do not want to shut it down again.
The Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for 28 January, 2022 in the Anza Room – time to be announced. Three candidates were presented at the November Bd meeting to replace the 3 Directors whose terms are up. Thank you to Phil Vande-Reit, Kay Eason, and Alan Koss for volunteering for the Board.
A few items to be aware of with respect to our monitor program:
- A new Monitor Chair will be appointed in January – at that time, the entire program will be re-evaluated, including the training program. We will keep all informed of any changes.
- We have more monitors than we have slots for our busy season, so in December, we opened up second slots for the month to accommodate those needing to complete their service requirement. Unfortunately, some members then cancelled their original signups, and re-signed up at another time and left the studio without monitors on some shifts. This was an unintended consequence of our opening up the month. We will no longer open up the entire month when all slots are full. As a temporary measure - If you are unable to find a slot for your service requirement in January, use the email in SUG to notify the administrator of what which shift (cash register open shifts only) you’d like to fill.
- Speaking of no monitors, if there is No monitor – the Studio is Closed. No meetings or clay work may be conducted. Do not ask maintenance to open the Studio mid shift. If you arrive at the beginning of a shift without a monitor, you may assume that shift, but need to notify the SUG administrator (use the email on SUG or text me) so that the Monitor schedule may be adjusted to reflect the Studio is open for all members.
- Monitor training is continuing – thank you trainers! For those who need training, send an email or text to me (520.990.6826) with the shifts on SUG that you have arranged with a trainer and I’ll be sure they are added to SUG.
- Incentives for Educators – those who teach or assist with GVR Classes or in Studio Workshops have new reasons to do so, besides their desire to help the Studio – they get a reward! These incentives are posted on the Bulletin Board near the drinking fountain – thank you educators!
- Mentor Program – an exciting new program designed to help those who have recently joined the Studio become acclimated and have a place to ask questions without disturbing other members’ work.
- This program will start with two shifts - on Tues and Thurs; this will expand if needed.
- Predesignated “mentors” will have an ASK ME sign at their workstation in the Main Room.
- If you have a question about clay work or studio operations, ask them!
- Check out Mentor Schedule button on the Website Home Page to see the dates and times mentors are available.
- New Introduction to Clay Studio curriculum and dates.
- Pilot class complete. Intro to LF and HF glaze workshop pilots in process.
- New classes for Jan, Feb, Mar, and Apr at GVR awaiting addition to their registration system. Have your friends check GVR often to sign up for the new Intro classes.
- An Eblast will be forthcoming from GVR to advertise.
- Studio Workshop signups appear frequently – the beginning Wheel Throwing Workshops filled up fast!
- Visiting Artist Lecture in Jan – free to Studio members only. Details on BB.
- A few signups for Visiting Artist 2nd Workshop are left – 1st paid, 1st seat reserved.
- Classroom schedule is available on the Studio Website – paper copies removed. All class dates, committee meetings, etc., are available for all to see.
- GVR Class Beyond Basics is back – designed for newer members with added projects and information. Feb, Mar & Apr
- Donna is back to offer her GVR Storyteller Class once again in Feb. Watch GVR site to register.
- The Studio Education Work Group/Committee is seeking submissions from those wishing to teach GVR Classes during the Summer Session – May through September – since the deadline for getting these items to GVR and into the catalog is early January. If you are interested in teaching a GVR class during that period, please submit your application using the “Request to teach a class” button on the Studio Website by 6 January, 2022. You’ll find it in the About => Studio Request=> Request to teach a class.
Several glazes in the Studio have been discontinued. Any remaining glazes will be available for sale to members starting January 24th at 12:00am. 1st come; 1st served.
Due to lack of monitors, the Studio will be CLOSED on Christmas Day (Dec 25th).
The next Raku firing is 5 Jan @ 08:30am. Horsehair firing on 12 Jan @ 10:00am.
Just a few things, eh? Happy Holidays everyone!
9 December 2021 Update
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Good morning.
The HOLIDAY party is ON, but is being moved inside to the Classroom, Sculpture and Handbuilding Rooms of the Studio due to forecasts of inclement weather (high gusting winds up to 32mph). You will still need to swipe your GVR card when entering. These rooms will need to be vacated by members working on clay at 1:30.
The entire Studio MAY have to close down at 1:45 - check with the monitor in Studio at 1:30. If any portion of the Studio remains open during the party, those at the party will not be able to access the main Studio from 2 - 5pm.
Sorry for the last minute changes, but Mother Nature has her own plans for us today!
Susan Anderson
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Good morning.
The HOLIDAY party is ON, but is being moved inside to the Classroom, Sculpture and Handbuilding Rooms of the Studio due to forecasts of inclement weather (high gusting winds up to 32mph). You will still need to swipe your GVR card when entering. These rooms will need to be vacated by members working on clay at 1:30.
The entire Studio MAY have to close down at 1:45 - check with the monitor in Studio at 1:30. If any portion of the Studio remains open during the party, those at the party will not be able to access the main Studio from 2 - 5pm.
Sorry for the last minute changes, but Mother Nature has her own plans for us today!
Susan Anderson
29 August 2021 Update
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Lots of stuff to update you all on, so thought I’d send an eblast until our Newsletter starts back up. As the fall approaches and we look forward to welcoming our seasonal members back into the studio, our numbers in studio will likely grow. So here goes ….
COVID Protocols. There has been much discussion about mask wearing amidst the latest health concerns confronting our population. GVR policy has been changing frequently and is available on their website ( gvrec.org ) Current policy is:
8.26.21
GVR follows local ordinances regarding public health matters. There are currently no ordinances mandating masks. Members are encouraged to stay abreast of recommendations made by public health authorities and make choices according to their circumstances.
Read the most current Health Advisory from PCHD (Pima County Health Department) HERE.
Across the GVR campus, members may participate at their discretion, regardless of vaccination status or mask use. This applies to all activities that occur at a GVR facility: classes, socials, club activities, game groups, HOA events, lectures, etc.
The Clay Studio Board is keeping a close eye on the situation in Green Valley – I am happy to tell you I have not had a single reported case from a studio member, but I’m also not so naïve as to believe all cases are being reported, although it IS a condition of being a member of our studio.
Although we are considering requiring masks again in the studio, I am asking all members to do the following for now:
1. Continue collection and maintenance of contact tracing information.
2. Maintain a 6’ distance from other members you are not regularly in contact with. This means one person per worktable.
3. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly, especially before handling items available for public use (such as glaze jars, tools, molds, etc.).
4. If you are sick or have been exposed to anyone with a communicable illness, do not come into the studio.
5. If you have travelled outside the area, consider self-quarantine.
6. If you are not vaccinated, are concerned about your own exposure to others, or have travelled outside the area, wear a mask while in the studio.
7. Cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands.
If the public health situation continues to deteriorate, we will consider reinstituting more stringent activities, including signups for workstations, mask mandates, strict disinfecting protocols, etc. Remember, you may wear a mask if you are concerned about your health, even if there is not a mandate in place.
I am pleased to report that the Classroom (previous Fiesta Room) is now equipped and fully functional. With this addition, some changes in operation in the Studio overall are warranted, so please read the information below closely, as it may affect you.
Classroom. As a reminder, the priority of use for the Classroom is 1) Classes, 2) Meetings, 3) Workshops, and then overflow. Calendars with the schedule are posted on the Bulletin Board near the drinking fountain. Please check this schedule before working in this room. As a reminder, shelves in this room are designated for Classes and Workshop student use and overflow when all other shelves are full. If you have items in this room now that were not as a result of a workshop, please remove them to other drying areas. Additionally, we recognize the problem with lighting in this room and are working with GVR to improve this area. Give us time to fix this.
Storage Room behind Handbuilding Room. This room is designated for drying projects, is ready for use, and is a significant expansion just perfect for your Hand built projects. Please start using these shelves.
Sculpture Room. As has been our policy in the past, this is designated the “quiet room” and is used for all Sculpture Classes, as well for our sculptors, as well as those who prefer a quiet space. The shelving is this room is designated for sculptor use, now including the wall that used to be designated for overflow. With all the additional shelving in other rooms, it is time for all other than sculpture projects to migrate out of this room. Please remove these items by 5 September to other areas of the studio for their drying time.
Handbuilding Room.
We have recognized that many members have preferred to work in the Sculpture Room because of good light and the new tables that allow room for legs (what a concept) when working seated. Now that we are asking you to leave that room, I have asked the Facilities Committee to find solutions to address the lighting and work table issue in the Handbuilding Room and make recommendations to the Board. We’ve worked for years in this room as is, please be patient while we address the issues to ensure our members’ needs are met. We heard you!
To those who use the wood forms the studio provides for ‘drop plates’ – please discontinue dropping these forms from waist high since it is causing them to separate and causes a lot of stress on the corners. All that is needed is dropping the form 12” – 18” from the floor.
Handling of Complaints. As a reminder, if you have a concern or complaint, please address it to the appropriate committee chair to resolve. Some of our members have tried to direct actions of those working to support us – we have a process to address these issues. Please use it.
Staff Time. As a reminder to those returning, the studio is closed to the membership on Monday mornings, but opens for members at noon. This is reserved for “staff” time for all the stuff that happens behind the scenes.
New Committee Chairs. Please thank Teresa Turocy, our new Social Committee Chair as well as Doug Davis, our new Raku Chair, for volunteering to fill these roles.
Newsletter Inputs. Ruth Clayton will be publishing a newsletter for October, so anyone with input, please send information to her at ruthmillclay@aol.com no later than 24 September.
Susan
Send questions or comments back to me by going to our website and
About -> Contact -> Click on Contact the President of the Studio
Lots of stuff to update you all on, so thought I’d send an eblast until our Newsletter starts back up. As the fall approaches and we look forward to welcoming our seasonal members back into the studio, our numbers in studio will likely grow. So here goes ….
COVID Protocols. There has been much discussion about mask wearing amidst the latest health concerns confronting our population. GVR policy has been changing frequently and is available on their website ( gvrec.org ) Current policy is:
8.26.21
GVR follows local ordinances regarding public health matters. There are currently no ordinances mandating masks. Members are encouraged to stay abreast of recommendations made by public health authorities and make choices according to their circumstances.
Read the most current Health Advisory from PCHD (Pima County Health Department) HERE.
Across the GVR campus, members may participate at their discretion, regardless of vaccination status or mask use. This applies to all activities that occur at a GVR facility: classes, socials, club activities, game groups, HOA events, lectures, etc.
The Clay Studio Board is keeping a close eye on the situation in Green Valley – I am happy to tell you I have not had a single reported case from a studio member, but I’m also not so naïve as to believe all cases are being reported, although it IS a condition of being a member of our studio.
Although we are considering requiring masks again in the studio, I am asking all members to do the following for now:
1. Continue collection and maintenance of contact tracing information.
2. Maintain a 6’ distance from other members you are not regularly in contact with. This means one person per worktable.
3. Disinfect or wash your hands regularly, especially before handling items available for public use (such as glaze jars, tools, molds, etc.).
4. If you are sick or have been exposed to anyone with a communicable illness, do not come into the studio.
5. If you have travelled outside the area, consider self-quarantine.
6. If you are not vaccinated, are concerned about your own exposure to others, or have travelled outside the area, wear a mask while in the studio.
7. Cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough, then wash your hands.
If the public health situation continues to deteriorate, we will consider reinstituting more stringent activities, including signups for workstations, mask mandates, strict disinfecting protocols, etc. Remember, you may wear a mask if you are concerned about your health, even if there is not a mandate in place.
I am pleased to report that the Classroom (previous Fiesta Room) is now equipped and fully functional. With this addition, some changes in operation in the Studio overall are warranted, so please read the information below closely, as it may affect you.
Classroom. As a reminder, the priority of use for the Classroom is 1) Classes, 2) Meetings, 3) Workshops, and then overflow. Calendars with the schedule are posted on the Bulletin Board near the drinking fountain. Please check this schedule before working in this room. As a reminder, shelves in this room are designated for Classes and Workshop student use and overflow when all other shelves are full. If you have items in this room now that were not as a result of a workshop, please remove them to other drying areas. Additionally, we recognize the problem with lighting in this room and are working with GVR to improve this area. Give us time to fix this.
Storage Room behind Handbuilding Room. This room is designated for drying projects, is ready for use, and is a significant expansion just perfect for your Hand built projects. Please start using these shelves.
Sculpture Room. As has been our policy in the past, this is designated the “quiet room” and is used for all Sculpture Classes, as well for our sculptors, as well as those who prefer a quiet space. The shelving is this room is designated for sculptor use, now including the wall that used to be designated for overflow. With all the additional shelving in other rooms, it is time for all other than sculpture projects to migrate out of this room. Please remove these items by 5 September to other areas of the studio for their drying time.
Handbuilding Room.
We have recognized that many members have preferred to work in the Sculpture Room because of good light and the new tables that allow room for legs (what a concept) when working seated. Now that we are asking you to leave that room, I have asked the Facilities Committee to find solutions to address the lighting and work table issue in the Handbuilding Room and make recommendations to the Board. We’ve worked for years in this room as is, please be patient while we address the issues to ensure our members’ needs are met. We heard you!
To those who use the wood forms the studio provides for ‘drop plates’ – please discontinue dropping these forms from waist high since it is causing them to separate and causes a lot of stress on the corners. All that is needed is dropping the form 12” – 18” from the floor.
Handling of Complaints. As a reminder, if you have a concern or complaint, please address it to the appropriate committee chair to resolve. Some of our members have tried to direct actions of those working to support us – we have a process to address these issues. Please use it.
Staff Time. As a reminder to those returning, the studio is closed to the membership on Monday mornings, but opens for members at noon. This is reserved for “staff” time for all the stuff that happens behind the scenes.
New Committee Chairs. Please thank Teresa Turocy, our new Social Committee Chair as well as Doug Davis, our new Raku Chair, for volunteering to fill these roles.
Newsletter Inputs. Ruth Clayton will be publishing a newsletter for October, so anyone with input, please send information to her at ruthmillclay@aol.com no later than 24 September.
Susan
Pictures of "first class" in the new Clay Studio Classroom for our web-site. It's beautiful.
Photos from Jane Ercolani via Julie Jacques
Photos from Jane Ercolani via Julie Jacques
updated 8-29-2021- jdo