must read: This Non-Profit Ceramics Studio Is Empowering Previously Incarcerated Individuals [Interview]

by | Mar 15, 2021 | Uncategorized

Via: My Modern Met

“The arts truly have the power to change lives. The accuracy of this aspirational statement is well known by Los Angeles-based artist Molly Larkey, who founded a non-profit organization called People’s Pottery Project. After becoming affiliated with organizations such as Californians United for a Responsible Budget and the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, Larkey was inspired to use her artistic skills to build a community and uplift those who were transitioning from the prison system back into normal life. This endeavor was launched in 2019 as “an artist-driven initiative whose mission is to empower formerly incarcerated women, trans, and nonbinary individuals and their communities through the arts.”

Since its inception, only a couple of years ago, People’s Pottery Project—fondly known as PPP for short—has made great strides and improved the lives of many. By offering pottery classes to the public and making handmade ceramic bowls and plates to sell, they are able to offer employment and support to previously incarcerated people, giving them a chance to build a better life and remain out of the prison system.”

Read the full interview HERE.

save the date: CLAY VOICES Season 2

by | Feb 24, 2021 | workshops

CLAY VOICES Season 2

Last year in June, CLAY Voices on Instagram, Canadian Ceramics Symposium was born in the middle of a global pandemic. This initiative was -and still is a response to the uncertainty we all artists were facing and its impact in our practice and our daily lives. The goal was to connect ceramic artists across Canada during the lockdown. The enthusiastic response revealed how much we miss our people.

Back then, 17 artists were interacting through Instagram during a weekend, introducing themselves and sharing views, concerns and supportive messages. Several months later restrictions are still in place and the second edition of CLAY Voices is taking over Instagram once again.

This coming weekend of March 5-7, an amazing lineup of ceramic artists across Canada will be live-streaming on Instagram 55 min. each. Through informal presentations, up-and-coming artists and established potters and sculptors will connect with the ceramics community. Using a mobile phone connected to the internet we will be watching the live talks from Alison Brannen, Catharina Goldnau,

Chris Snedden; Christy Chor, Dianne Lee, Heidi McKenzie and Tanya Besedina (ON); Jay Kimball (SK), Jordan Munro (AL); Lisa Creskey from Québec and Toni Losey from Nova Scotia. Presenters will open their studios and hearts to share with CLAY Voices followers some of the strategies they have set in place lately to keep their practice alive. To know more, follow @clayvoices and stay tuned.

Let’s connect, hear new voices and get inspired!

call for artists: Michael Miller Scholarship Fund

by | Feb 19, 2021 | residency opportunity

Deadline March 30, 2021

The purpose of the scholarship is to advance and encourage residency opportunities for artists in printmaking, drawing, filmmaking/videography, painting, and ceramics.

What the scholarship covers:

  • Award: Two-week residency and lodging for 14 days and some supplies (see below).

  • Eligible candidates are artists over 18 years old.

  • Artists concentrating in printmaking will be given precedence by the reviewers. Painters, ceramists and filmmakers/videographers are encouraged to apply for this award also. Scholarships will be granted on quality and content of the artwork, intended project and artist statements.

  • Media that is eligible to be considered for this award:

1.     Print Media – All types will be considered but SkopArt does not have the facilities for lithography or screen-printing.*

2.     Painting of any media, on any surface (may be combined with print media). 

3.     Book Art, film/video animation (may be combined with print media).

4.     Ceramics.*

What the scholarship does not cover:

  • Travel costs and meals (food and drink).

  • Some supplies depending on the requirement of the artist (see below).

*If an artist would like to utilize the printmaking or ceramics facilities, they must have adequate experience in the medium.

The Skopelos Foundation for the Arts has some supplies in ceramics, printmaking and painting. If you plan on making videos or films, you must bring your own equipment. Be aware that certain items based on your medium are not included. We have some water-based printmaking inks, oil-based printmaking inks, low-fire ceramics and some acrylic and oil paints. When you have been informed that you are a grant recipient, we will further discuss your needs.

 

Full information about The Skopelos Foundation for the Arts can be found HERE.