Summer and Fall/Winter schedules are up!
I hope this update finds everyone (and all you love) healthy and sane!
First of all, be assured that NohoPo is in good shape and isn't going anywhere!
I have started a small session of small classes!
Class sizes are limited to 8 people. Generally, response has been good and, especially in session 2, classes have filled up. My new method is simply to transfer the current class list over to the next, waitlist any new enrollees, and then add them as current people withdraw.
I will try to remember to mention this in class. I apologize, though it seems awkward to ask IN THE FIRST CLASS, if you think you're coming back for next session, I'm afraid I have to do it this way in an effort not to get in trouble. Especially with the costant threat of health emergencies, I need to keep the class sizes limited.
I've spread us out a bit upstairs, but in keeping with social distancing protocols, we'll have to have only 2 people in the glaze room at a time. Likewise, washing up at the sink. Before each session starts, I will be sending out a list of protocols for working in the studio (always open to suggestions) and we'll go over them at the beginning of the first class.
So far, fighting over time in the glaze room has not been a problem so we probably won't need to create a schedule for that.
Saturday open studio is still on! In an effort to promote social distancing, I've created a sign-up sheet with two time slots: 10-12 and 12:30-2:30.
(I'm trusting you to make your way out before the second wave)
I'll try to remind you each class, but, if you think you are coming, do let me know. Please contact me if you subsequently change your mind. Again, space is limited to 8 for each time slot.
I still intend to honor my commitment to those of you who paid for seven classes and only got 2 in March. I've got you all on my credit list- credit you can redeem at any time- but if you need a refund instead, I'm happy to do that!
It works out to $200 for the adult class, $150 for the kids.
I mean this sincerely, if you want a refund right now, please call or text me:(413)588-2851
Or email me at kris@nohopottery.com
Once more, I encourage you to keep yourselves busy, calm and purposeful (and healthy). This will all be in our rearview mirror at some point!
Kris O'Neill, Potter in Residence
About Kris
While art and craft has always played a large part in my life, my interest in ceramics didn’t develop until late in high school. That was when I first had access to a studio and was able to spend blissful hours after classes, absorbed in clay and insipid 80’s rock, until the janitors had to kick me out at five so they could lock up.
I went on to study ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating with a BFA in 1990.
Settling in Western Massachusetts soon after that, I found employment at a small clay supplier and began developing my own line of ceramics, officially starting Zyra Clay Studio in 2002.
The work has changed a bit since then, becoming brighter and more consistent as I experimented with glazes and refined my throwing style.
The next chapter of my story is to share what I know with other aspiring potters in hopes they will find the same joy in clay and glazes that I do.
Northampton Pottery
My goal at Northampton Pottery is not only to encourage a rewarding experience in clay for people of all ages and abilities, but to cultivate an atmosphere of relaxation and creativity. I actively work to make Northampton Pottery a place where people can come to decompress and spend a little time in Lala Land with other friendly people doing the same thing.
Classes at Northampton Pottery
I offer classes for adults and for teens (10 years and older).
The teen classes are largely self directed with me there to instruct, suggest, facilitate and encourage. Many of my kids also make use of the handbuilding facilities at NohoPo.
The adult classes are a bit more structured, at least for the people new to pottery. If that's you, be advised that the first 3 classes are the most important to attend, I start (after the tour and overview) with throwing bowls; a form most likely to meet with success. The ambition is to be getting a feel for the process and to produce 3 or 4 bowls on which to learn the next step.
The second class covers trimming (the finishing of the bottoms of the bowls), and a more vertical form; generally mugs.
Class 3 is quite busy. We'll trim those mugs, learn about attaching handles and also go through the glaze process on the bowls from
class 1.
After that, we'll go wherever you please; plates, vases, minis off the hump, lidded forms, all is possible. It's up to you- as I tell my students, it's 10 % instruction, 90% practice!