Price Change -- Clay

Effective 6/17/2013, the price of clay at Lillstreet will change.  Each bag of clay will cost $3 more, with the exception of Stoneware and Terra Cotta Reclaim.  This is the first increase since Year 2 in the current location and it will be 10 years come August.  Here's the breakdown:

NEW CLAY PRICES

Effective June 17, 2013

Stoneware Ticket

(Stoneware w/ Iron, Buff, Buff w/ Ochre, Low Fire Red)

$38

Stoneware and Terra Cotta Reclaim

$35

(Remains the same)

Premium Clays

(Grolleg Porcelain, B-Clay, Soda, and Soda Reclaim)

$45

As you may or may not be aware, what you pay for the clay at Lillstreet is not "just the cost of clay".  Built into the price of the clay you purchase at Lillstreet is the cost of 2 firings -- bisque and glaze.  Also the cost of all those ingredients that goes into making the glazes available for use, the wear and tear of the multiple weekly firings of the kilns as well as any repairs or maintenance of the kiln room.  Yes, the Baileys are not indestructible and will eventually have to be replaced.

Further, the cost of gas has gone up several times in the last few years (remember the shock when you see your bills in the winter months) and you all know that the Baileys run on gas.  So, all in all, the $3 increase is very reasonable considering all that it is paying for.

So, the start of the new session, go forth and be productive and, remember, all the things that your additional bags of clay will pay for.  Make sure you get the correct clay ticket though and fill it out accurately!  Happy claying!

Week 10

Can you believe it is Week 10 of the Spring session already?  So, it's POTLUCK week.  Check out the spread on the table.

 

It is safe to say that a good time was had by all. Also, check out the pieces of gorgeous work that came out of the Saggar firing in Patty Kochaver's class.

 

 Saggar firing is so much fun in that you can add all kinds of "additives" to the saggar for the purpose of "glazing" the pots.  You can check out general information of Saggar firing here.

Advanced Topics in Soda Firing with Chris Chaney

Chris Chaney is currently teaching an Advanced Topics class in Soda Firing concentrating on how to photograph your own work and also how to submit applications to ceramics/pottery show in the country.  Here are some pictures taken by Fred Follansbee during the photo shooting session.

As you can see, Chris's setup for the class uses a light "tent" that encloses the entire art piece and a graduated background that is swooped in the back.  The walls of the light "tent" also act to diffuse the light source so that no harsh shadows are cast by the art piece.  This is a very portable setup and can be transported easily. The light "tents" come in various sizes and can be found at most photography related retail stores or online.

If you are interested to learn about how to photograph your own work or apply for entrance to shows, please sign up for this class when it is offered again.  There are also short classes on photographing artwork that are offered by the Photography Department.  These photography classes; however, are not strictly catered to 3D work so you will have to filter out irrelevant information.  Finally, there are also a wealth of knowledge and experience with artwork photography and shows application in the Lillstreet community.  Contact me if you would like to be connected with these experts.

Lillstreet featured in CBS2 this morning!

Point your browse to here to watch the video.

Sign up now!

The Winter session is over at the blink of an eye.  The Spring session is almost upon us.  Classes start the week of April 1, 2013.  For those who cannot commit to a 10-week class, there are 5-week courses available too!  Also available are a large number of 1-day workshops; just enough to whet your appetite and entice you into signing up for a 10-week class.

Lester graces the cover of the catalog and is seen making one of his really beautiful mugs (available in the gallery).  You can pick up a printed copy in the gallery.

For the online catalog, point your web browser here!

Looking forward to seeing returning and new students in the hallway.

Lillstreet Spring Open House

Mark your calendar for March 2, 2013.  It's Lillstreet's Spring Open House.  This is your opportunity to tour the building to see our classrooms, galleries, shop, and studios!  Get a taste for classes at Lillstreet and sign-up for a five-week intro class or commit to a full 10-week experience.

This event will also be the introduction to Lillstreet Loft.  Tour the brand new facility LILLSTREET LOFT from 12 - 4pm. This private 2,000-sq ft loft has been designed to feel like an artist's studio and is available for private rental and team building programs. Located just a few steps north of the art center, LILLSTREET LOFT is an exciting new addition to the Lillstreet community! Stop by and check out the new space, the loft is host to several public arts programs each month.

FREE Workshops & Demonstrations for Adults & Children’s Activities

Spring classes begin April 1 & May 6 

TIME  WORKSHOP NAME

12-4  Kids Activities

12-1 Screenprinting of Paper

12-1 Handbuilt Slab Trays

1- 2Handbuilt Mugs

1- 3  One Bead at a Time

1:30-2:30 Band Rings

2-3 Wheelthrowing

2-3 Monotype Mania

2-3 Sewn Drawstring Bags

2-3 Printed Tote Bags

2-4  Throwing Big 

3-4 Sewn Drawstring Bags

3-4  Wheelthrowing

3-4  Bracelets

Empty Bowls 2013

Empty Bowls is coming back to Lillstreet.  Mark your calendar for Friday, March 1, 2013.  The event will run from 5PM to 8PM.  Join us for a modest meal of soup and bread served in a bowl donated by a ceramic artist that you may take home as a reminder of all the other bowls you will have helped to fill.

Bowls are $25 each, and there is no limit to the number of bowls you may purchase. Sales begin at 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis. There will also be a silent auction of artist-crafted items.

We are asking for handmade bowl donations from all students. Every bowl makes a big difference! If you can't spare a bowl, we will gladly accept silent auction donations.   

If you have bowls to donate, please drop off your bowl donation to the designated cart in the ceramics area (near the east stairwell) AFTER February 1ST or ship to Lillstreet, 4401 N. Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60640. For silent auction items, please drop off with Julia Zema in 3rd floor office or at the front desk. 

Individuals interested in volunteering for this event should also contact Julia Zema (julia@lillstreet.com) to RSVP for a volunteers meeting on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 6:30PM in the Cafe.