Sunday June 7
A recent artist to join the Clinton County Arts Council will be featured Sunday June 7 during the monthly Sunday Event open house. Beth Weinstein who specializes in pottery art who has several of her works on display at the Gallery will discuss pieces in her display along with insights into the pottery process during the 1-3 p.m. gathering.
Beth Weinstein says,
I work with clay because it is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a small child. I took my first class at the Greater Lansing Potters’ Guild about 10 years ago, and I’ve had my hands on clay ever since then. In addition to GLPG, I have taken classes at Clayworks in Wacousta, MI, Pewabic in Detroit MI, and through East Lansing Parks and Recreation. My goals are to continue to improve my skills and knowledge of throwing and hand building as well as different firing techniques.
My favorite clay bodies are Terra Cotta or a dark Standard clay body (#266) which turns a nice earth brown when fired. I love dark clay bodies. I like the way the glazes I use interact with them. I decide what to make-usually bowls, planters or mugs based on what I have in my inventory and the mood I’m in at the time I sit down at the wheel. I enjoy making bowls the best. The glazes I choose are a combination of satin, matte and glossy finishes. I love the way these surfaces combine on a piece to create texture and depth. I like using similar colors with different finishes. I enjoy using surprising color combinations that scramble the color wheel.
Currently, I am working on making sets of items like the mugs, tea bowls, planters, and bowls mentioned before. I like being challenged every time I sit down at the wheel, challenged to use what I’ve learned to do my best. I tend to be a “perfection is the enemy of done” kind of person and I haven’t always done well at planning ahead, but with this art form it is important to me and crucial to getting positive results as I follow the rules to get the best outcomes. This is very difficult for me, but I’ve learned a lot about being patient, not rushing through a task, not accepting mediocrity, and asking for guidance and feedback. I especially like when apiece turns out the way I intended it to from beginning to end.
In addition to working with clay, I enjoy gardening, playing with my dog Strawberry (she is the namesake of Strawberry Mud!) spending time with family, road trips around Michigan and swimming.
Visitors to the event will also have an opportunity to meet Ashley Garijo, recently named Executive Director of the Council. A formal announcement of her appointment will be made soon.
As with each Sunday Event open house, refreshments will be served.
CCAC receives a portion of its funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts through a competitive grant. Additional support is received from membership and private donations.