Our History
The ceramic group was created over seven years ago where we commenced
operations in the old entrance building at Old Gippstown. We were
open for each business
day. When the building was demolished, we temporarily used an
Avco building, but it proved to be of little use. We were then
given a room in the Narracan Hall at Old Gippstown which we used two
days each week. The members were finding it a little difficult to
attend on a Monday so we subsequently changed to Wednesday afternoons
and evenings. This arrangement is maintained today.
Roy and Margarat have carried out classes and demonstrations at several
schools in the last few years.
Creating
These days Roy and Margaret arrive each Wednesday morning at 9 am to
set up for the day. They do not stick to a timetable for the
students, in fact, some arrive at about 9 O' Clock and leave when the
building is closed at night. Roy and Margaret mould, clean, and
fire the greenware themselves and make the items available to the
students (this arrangement works best because students seem to break so
many greenware items). Those members who wish to clean and
prepare items for firing are very
welcome to do so and all it takes is to ask Roy or Margaret to bring in
a Greenware item. The students are encouraged to decorate them in any
way they wish. Assistance and help in techniques is always
available and freely given.
All equipment including paint, brushes, and cleaning kits are included
in the small charge required to replenish and keep the group
alive. This group is a non profit making organisation so the cost
for students is very low..
Participants
In addition to the general public Roy and Margaret have intellectually
handicapped clients, who seem to love the atmosphere and make some
great items. Headway, Adult daycare organisations, Scope are all
regular students
We have painting for very young people, sometimes with the help of a
parent or parents. The child will paint a small item. Some
children coming out wearing more paint than the item -- an enjoyable
time for all!
Demonstrations
Demonstrations are available by request. This entails Roy and
Margaret giving a talk going through the full process from powder to
finished items, discussing the available techniques.
