HAVEN ART

Continuing Education

2012-02-06T18:16:00.000-05:00

Haven Art offers Fantastic Continuing Education Classes. You may have gotten your Spring Port Washington Public Schools Continuing Education Catalog already. Check out our Spring offerings for Watercolor and Potter's Wheel. These are five week introductory classes that are open to all levels. These classes are a lot of fun. Join up for the 5 weeks with a friend. See page 8 & 9 in the Spring Catalog or check it out online at the Port Washington Schools Website. Space is limited so register early.

Holiday Gift Certificates

2011-11-25T08:42:00.000-05:00

Give the gift of creativity this year. Haven Art offers gift certificates for classes for all ages. Get a special gift certificate for the loved one on your list and let their creativity flow. Great Winter classes in painting, drawing and clay. Day and evening classes accommodate busy schedules.

Fall into CLAY

2011-09-28T15:14:00.000-04:00

Lots of great clay projects going on in the fall. Everyone has a list of people that need gifts and at Haven Art we can help you create some very special handmade gifts for the holidays. No big experience needed. Just some time and a little dedication, and a smock and towel and we can get you going. Great - Small - Classes for Adults. Day and Night. Come in and ask about what sort of projects we do with beginners - you'll look like a pro in no time. Taken a class already? Come on back and let us refresh your skills.

Cool Off

2011-06-08T17:17:00.000-04:00

Come and cool off in the studio. Our AC is working hard to keep you cool while you work on your clay projects. Book some classes this summer and get out of the sun and heat. Great teachers and lots of open studio time to complement our excellent classes. Beginners and advanced students welcome. Daytime and evening classes for adults and children.

REAL Art Classes

2011-03-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

Here at Haven we offer fantastic art classes for kids. These enriched classes go far beyond the once a week art class in school. This week kids are learning about Cubism and are creating their own personal Picaso-esc Art, lead by Haven's fabulous Graphic Artist and Teacher Heidi Brooke Stephens. Check out the pictures!

Lots of Classes

2011-02-28T09:01:00.001-05:00

Lots of classes going on at Haven Art. Love Clay? Come join a wheel or hand building class this month. We have daytime and evening classes to suit your schedule. We now offer several different studio memberships that can fit your needs. Check out the Pottery and Hand Building link in the center of this page for more details.

Come in and Practice

2011-01-26T13:43:00.002-05:00

Practice , practice, practice. We follow this mantra in sports, in music, in lots of things in life - so try it here too. Come take advantage of studio time we offer - in conjunction with your weekly lesson. Nothing better than being in the studio watching the snow fall. At Haven Art we have a great variety of teachers. Each one has something special to offer. Our Adult Pottery Classes are taught by potters with decades of experience and a real dedication to the art. Since our classes are small, everyone gets some individual attention.

Slab box with decoration going into the kiln. by Patricia Bridges

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to All. After a nice break from the studio, with some snowy weather, we can all come back refreshed and ready for a new year. Think about taking some lessons to move your skills to the next level or to master a new technique. There are great classes taught by experienced potters.

With a new year comes new beginnings. Take some time to :

clear out unnecessary stuff on your shelf
check your tools and discard ones that are no longer working for you
scrap any old trimming tools that are so dull they are worthless
make a list of what you want to achieve in the next few months
recycle any old clay sitting dormant

The list goes on, these are just some suggestions. Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in the studio in 2011!

Save the Date

2010-12-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Holiday season isn't complete without our annual Haven Art Holiday Lunch and secret Santa. Wednesday December 22nd from 12:00 to 1:30 we will enjoy a potluck lunch and exchange with our secret Santa. Sign up for lunch and or Secret Santa in the studio. We will draw names the week before.

Glazing Redux

2010-11-08T20:11:00.001-05:00

Glazing is such a critical part of the whole ceramic process, but all too often it's the part where some potters lose steam.

We have all agonized at; wedging, centering, pulling, cutting, trimming, smoothing, waiting, firing, and finally are ready to finish it off with a glaze. I see a lot of people in the studio not leaving enough time to do it right, take the time. Glazing like throwing has some basic techniques - and then there is lots of room for interpretation and creativity. Nothing worse than a beautiful piece ruined with a bad and/or sloppy glaze job.

It always takes longer to glaze that you plan. Here are some very basic tips to help make your final journey easier and hopefully make for better glaze jobs.

LINK TO TIPS

What's New in the Studio

2010-10-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

The ceramics studio is full of great energy these days. Lots of interesting work, and creativity. We have a wide range of classes for Adults to choose from. There are daily daytime classes in addition to several evening classes for you night owls.

You may have noticed a lot of new test glaze samples in the glaze area. Peggy is busy trying out lots of new combinations to further expand our great glaze options. Check the small board for weekly updates on glazes. This week, you should note a change in the old red/brown has become dark brown.

Over time in the bucket - glazes can change. There are lots of factors that effect the outcome of a glaze, starting with the sourced materials/chemicals that actually make up the glaze. A supplier can modify or make a substitution in a product and for some recipies and clay bodies it will have no effect , but on others will have a dramatic change.

Interested in knowing more about glazes and glazing? Having a hard time getting results you like? How about a 2hr class - just about glazes and glazing? We are looking into running a special track just about the whole process- do's and dont's, why did that happen?, what's going on? More on this later.

What size are you? 12oz - 14oz or 16 oz?

2010-10-13T07:23:00.000-04:00

As a beverage-centric person, I like to not only have the right beverage, but I like to have the right vessel. Be it cup, mug, tumbler, crock or other - Size does matter. Lets start with the morning coffee. Personally I like a cup that is on the large side. I like to enjoy a big cup and have enough room for ample milk. I prefer a short and fat vs. tall and thin. The squatter cup is definitely more stable. I admit I have had my fair share of spills.

This is a new color combo I just tried out. Nice matt finish on the bottom feels good. These came out of the kiln this morning.

I generally make a 11oz and hefty 14oz+ mug. They are very stable and feel nice on the lip and smooth on my fingers. I also like a special cup with no handle at all. There is something nice about a round cup to warm your hands without the distraction of a handle.

Over the years I have made a variety of cups for different purposes. These were for teacher gifts from 2008 at Sousa Elementary school.

Our Own Bridges- Profiled in Local News

2010-07-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

Yumi - Tool of the month

2010-07-18T22:37:00.000-04:00

I tried out my new Yumi and it works well. I was worried that the light weight bamboo would not be able to really cut through clay as well as the metal one. I was wrong. It does a great job. You do need to hold it a little differently that you do the metal one. This lighter version has a place to rest your pointer finger, which gives you the correct pressure and leverage. Works nicely for faceting as well as for other jobs such as cut outs, handles and cutting into places you couldn't clean cut otherwise. Check out the video.

I also am testing a few new glazes this month. Will report on them - next post.

Shopping for Pottery Tools- Finding my Yumi

2010-06-22T20:23:00.002-04:00

Tools & Pottery -It's like sports, the equipment doesn't make you a better player, but it might make it a little easier or more pleasurable to play. That said, I love new tools and gadgets that can make my work a little more efficient or achive a result that otherwise might not look as good.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of pottery tools out there. Some for trimming, some for decoration and some I'm not sure what to do with. I have always been fascinated with tools, good ones that is. Last year I got 2 great Bison trimming tools for Christmas and LOVE them. They are very special and feel that way in the hand.

Some tools I have made and or modified myself. I notch out regular ribs with my dremel to achieve a small bead at the base o my bowls. I cobbled together a measuring stick for width and height for mugs - from bamboo skewers and some waxy thread.

I have this one tool, not really sure where it had come from but I have had it for many years. It's called a "Yumi" . It's a little harp - like a cutter. I finally found the source of it and was so thrilled. I ordered up a backup one for me and an extra for a fellow potter that loves it too.

It came from bambootools

They have a nice assortment of other tools - and I also discovered they have some good videos on YouTube. just search bambootools.com (warning: music is rather tacky).

This little tool is great for a multitude of jobs, but my favorite is cutting up pulled handles and then cutting off the excess clay on the cup. Being on their site was a little like going to Target. I just needed one item, but I walk away with a lot more.

On this afternoon of web shopping for pottery stuff I also ordered up a few underglaze "markers" I want to see if they really can write better than the needle tipped bottles. Will report back on these markers.

Summer Classes with Bridges

2010-06-11T20:38:00.001-04:00

Take a class with Potter Patricia Bridges this summer. She is teaching Adult and children's classes. Guaranteed fun for the kids - Tweens on the wheel - great hand building projects - mosaics - and more. It;s a nice alternative to being in the hot sun everyday. Just call and inquire.

Haven Art in the News

2010-06-05T09:52:00.000-04:00

Nice review of Haven in the local Port Washington News/Community Website

Clay/Ceramics Blogs

2010-04-18T20:18:00.000-04:00

Looking for some interesting reading. Sick of Newsday and the NYT? Don't get Ceramics Monthly.

Browse this great list of Clay/Ceramics Blogs

Great Work

2010-04-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

There is always something special that catches my eye on the shelves of the studio. Sometimes it is a piece that a student has not yet picked up or something that has been there collecting dust. Either way, I can easily find something that shows a person's imagination and creativity. Not sure who the artists are for the pieces below. The brightly colored one was made by a kid - and the larger piece by an adult. Great examples of some of the wonderful artistic juices that flow through Haven Art.

Continuing Education Course Winds Down

2010-04-15T14:44:00.000-04:00

As we wrap up another successful run of introductory classes for the community (Continuing Education), it's clear that it is hard to fit it all into the 5 weeks. We will be offering an additional time to come back and finish up glazing any work you might still have.

Friday April 23rd from 11:00 to 12:30
Glazing Only
Patricia will be available in the studio to guide you

Open to all students - come for tips and tricks about glazing. See you there

Getting Back to Business

2010-04-13T06:24:00.000-04:00

I had to take a break from my blogging- but I am back. As we approach summer, the studio is filling with finished projects from the cold winter. Lots of beautiful pieces that show people have been hard at work. Stay tuned for some photos of recent student work!

Alternative Techniques: Large PLate

2010-03-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

As teachers, we are always interested in other potter's techniques and tricks that might help our students and ourselves. Sometimes it is the use of a new tool or an new twist on an old way. Recently I tried a new technique to remove a small pot from throwing on the hump. Normally people use a wire to cut off the pot. I used a method of taking a pin tool and using it as a knife as the pot is turning. Works very well for small pieces and makes a much straighter cut on the bottom.

Below is in interesting technique for a large plate. I have never tried this but it clearly works for this potter.

Spring Continuing Education Classes

2010-03-12T21:50:00.000-05:00

We are off to a great start this week with some Adult Ed classes. Nice to see some new faces trying out the pottery wheel. It's always a surprise to the new students, just how much harder it is to control that wet messy lump of clay. Each teacher has a bag of techniques and tactics to get people started on the wheel, but most of them achieve the same result - getting that clay centered and controlled.

Here are the basic steps and a checklist for our first timers. Very SIMPLE.

At the wheel you need

Black Bat
Bucket of Water
small sponge
Pin Tool
Wooden Rib (triangular)

Steps (start med/fast and slow down with each step)

Center - cone up compress down into ball
Make a target / Drop the hole
Open the hole/enlarge
Pull up the walls
Compress the inside base
Shape
Clean Lip and Bottom
Wire

For our new students there is a plethora of youtube videos that can offer up some after hours and out of studio instruction. Sometimes in our busy lives, it's that hour or so in the evening when things get quiet that we get 'me' time. I know that's true for me. So next time you are on the web- try youtube and type in 'throwing on the pottery wheel' and see what interests you. I will start posting some videos I like.

Size Matters

2010-02-21T12:31:00.001-05:00

Ever have the experience that something comes out of the kiln and you look at it in amazement......it looks so much smaller? We all have I am sure. Shrinkage is something that we need to account for regardless of what we are making. Whether is be tiles, a coffee cup, a platter or a free form sculpture - size matters.

There is a chart next to the door to the kiln room that has the %shrinkage based on various scenarios. Several things effect how much something shrinks:

Clay body
Type of piece you made
How much did it get stretched

Below are the figures from our supplier. Use your own experience and typw of piece to adjust your own calculations.

C/4 Ox. C/6 Ox.

112 BROWN CLAY

Shrinkage: 12.5% at C/6.

C/4 Ox. C/6 Ox.

553 WARM BUFF CLAY

Shrinkage: 12% at C/6.

Patterns

2010-02-18T21:09:00.002-05:00

Pick your pattern. Handbag imitates Bob's Art. Which came first? I love the matching handbag on the shelf. Yes, the shelves are filling up. Please try and keep your finished work on your shelf or at home, as the recently fired work is overflowing.

We have added a number of large bats to our inventory for those of you trimming or throwing big. Look for them in the Bat Rack by the slab roller.

Inspiration

2010-02-11T21:39:00.001-05:00

We are always looking for inspiration. Sometimes it is in nature or in people. It could be spiritual, or it could come from something the newscaster said that becomes a catalyst for some thought. Either way, as artists we are always looking. I find a lot of inspiration from seeing other artist's work, not just clay.

Here are two blogs that can provide inspiration, if not amusement in the variety in their collections. It's a bit like the old Gary Larson Day by Day calendar I use to have on my desk.

A Plate a Day and A Cup a Day
Check them out.

Brush off the Snow

2010-02-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

Come on into the studio. It's warm in here. Might be a little hard to park, but just wear your boots! See you later.

Runny Blubbly Mess

2010-02-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

I will add some photos for this post tomorrow.

Nothing is more dissapointing than spending time making a pot, trimming it and then glazing it only to have it lose it's bottom to a runny glaze.

Have you been having problems with your pieces sticking to the kiln shelves? Runny glaze that adheres to the shelf ruins your piece as well makes a mess for us kiln elves to clean off. Make sure you know if the glaze you used near the bottom of your pot - runs? If you can't answer that question just find a teacher or other student who can. Clean the bottom edge of your work enough to allow for a little movement.

Glazes that are on the move include , but not limited to Fog, Black, Floating Blue. Fog in particular acts as an accelorator. It makes the glaze beneath is run faster too. Never use fog on the area close to the foot of your pot.

The thinker the glaze the runnier it tends to be. Multiple glazes get runny to.

REGLAZING - Reglazing can save a piece but it's a crap shoot. Remember that the existing glaze will move and change as well as the new glaze you may have added. If your already glazed mug has a glaze right to the bottom edge, and you just want to give the lip a hit of glaze in a spot you missed - chances are the base glaze on the mug will move a little closer to the foot, and spillover to the kiln shelf and adhere.

STUDIO - off hours policy

2010-01-31T14:16:00.008-05:00

Our regular studio hours are Monday - Saturday and are posted on the side bar of this page. Some of you may come into the studio after hours and on weekends when there are not regular classes.

The Studio has a sign in/out policy for students working after hours. A simple sign in sheet is hanging on the first corner post as you enter the studio. Please write the date - time in/out and of course your name.Your cooperation is appreciated.

Please remember your Pottery Etiquette

1. Clean the wedging table after each use.

2. Clean the wheel after each use.

3. Bats and boards should be returned after they have been used.

4. Molds must be stored in the appropriate place.

5. Clay must be labeled and kept in your space/shelf.

6. When pieces are completely dry they should be put in the green ware area in the kiln room to be bisqued.

8. Do not move or disturb other people’s artwork. If something needs to be moved,

ask an instructor.

9. In general, leave your work area cleaner than you found it and be considerate of

others.

10. If you are not sure about something, ask an instructor and leave a note if need be.

More than Clay

2010-01-27T20:15:00.001-05:00

I know we are all claycentric, but it's so great to see some fantastic painting and drawing going on - right upstairs. Haven Art is pleased to announce that Helena Clare Pittman & Galen Pittman have joined the staff at Haven Art. She has taught Drawing, Painting and other Fine Arts at Parsons and the Nassau County Museum of Art, among others. She is also an author and illustrator of 17 children's books.

Galen took his training at The School of Fine Arts, Boston University. He has taught at the Art League of Long Island and The Nassau County Museum of Art. His portraits and architectural paintings are in many private collections.

Check out their work.

Helen Clare Pittman

Galen Pittman

Blog Roll

2010-01-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

There are some wonderful pottery websites out there, as well as, good resources from some of the manufacturers of materials and magazine publishers. Keep abreast of the latest by following and reading some of them. On the side bar of this blog there is a list- or Blog Roll as it is called.

Honeycomb Bowls

2010-01-13T22:12:00.001-05:00

My new video for 2010. Honeycomb Bowls.

A little Dust

2010-01-06T20:07:00.000-05:00

If you are in the studio during the day on Thursday, you may see some construction going on in the gallery area. We are expanding the drawing and painting room on the right side to better accommodate larger classes. The Gallery Shop will be shifted around a bit and inventory will be more merchandised to attract shoppers.

You will also see a few other small changes in the ceramic studio that should have a nice benefit for students. Stay tuned!

Patricia will be doing a Demo at 11:30 Thursday- Bowls-Bowls-Bowls.

WELCOME BACK

2010-01-05T08:56:00.002-05:00

It's been a cold over the Christmas to New Years break. Warm up in the studio with a new project, or inspiration from one of our Demonstrations!

Bowls are this month's theme. So catch a demo and get back in the swing. See the schedule in the right hand sidebar on this page!

This weeks schedule

2009-12-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

From Monday December 28th thru Friday January 1st Peggy & Patricia will not be available in the studio. Regular schedule picks up again after the New Year. Don't forget Demo Times each day! Start the new year off with some new techniques and practices to help you grow and develop your clay projects. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Recipie - Veggie Chopped Liver Spread

2009-12-22T18:09:00.001-05:00

Yummy vegetarian chopped liver spread

1 can sweet peas (I use Le Sueur Early Peas15 oz) drained (reserve liquid)
1-2 large onions browned well (carmelized) in oil
1 1/2 cup walnuts (fresh or toasted)

Place above ingredients in a food processor or blender, and process until pureed to desired texture. I add reserved liquid as needed if mixture appears too dry. Allow to chill in fridge overnight, so it solidifies. May be served cold or at room temperature. Enjoy as a dip with veggies and/or chips or as a spread on bread or crackers.

Healthy and Yummy Happy and Healthy New Year to all the Haven Crowd
From
Marjorie

DEMO DAYS

2009-12-20T20:27:00.002-05:00

Starting in January we will be doing scheduled demonstrations in the studio. Each Month there will be a different topic. Students can also ask for alternate topics and teachers can modify their agenda to better suit the requests.

Try and schedule your studio time around these demos as I know they will be helpful. Maybe pull up a chair and have your lunch then. Keep an eye on the side bar of this blog for the topics and times. I will post some pictures of what is covered as well.

Holiday Clay Celebration a Hit

2009-12-17T07:14:00.002-05:00

We all had a great time celebrating the holidays with a group potluck lunch. I think I ate half of that cookie tray! Great food, great company. Thank you all for pitching in and making it such a fun afternoon. Our Secret Santa worked out well. Who gave Peggy that scarf? Soon to follow - the secret formula for the Marjorie's meat free chopped liver spread. MMmmmmm.

Wednesday Dec 16th

2009-12-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

Don't forget our Holiday PotLuck Lunch & Secret Santa Exchange. We will start to set up for lunch around 12:00. There will be lots of good food and cheer!! See you there.

Drying is Trying

2009-12-06T19:28:00.002-05:00

There is nothing more frustrating than having a piece break apart in the kiln due to it still being moist. In the studio, drying time varies for each piece, each week. If you have a large pot that has been trimmed and is sitting on a wet piece of sheetrock - chances are it's going to stay wet for a while. Damp weather will make things dry slower. Watch your pieces carefully and only put them in the kiln room when they are sufficiently dried. Leave a little note for yourself and the kiln fairies regarding it's state.

Here are some tips.

Make sure your piece is on a dry surface
Don't leave your pot on a plastic bat to dry
A color change towards the body usually indicates moisture
Touch the greenware to the inside of your wrist or to your cheek. If it feels warm, it is usually dry. Dry longer if it feels cool. Greenware feels cool due to evaporation.
If you are not sure, just wait it out.

Secret Santa & Holiday Lunch

2009-12-02T13:34:00.006-05:00

Potters+ (you know who you are). Don't forget to sign up for Secret Santa! (back by the kiln room). We will draw names next week - $10 max on gifts.

SAVE THE DATE:Wednesday December 16th.
We will be having our annual Holiday Potluck Lunch on More as we get closer.

Raku was a Hit

2009-12-02T08:57:00.001-05:00

Before Thanksgiving there was a raku firing on the beach. They got 1 of 2 days in due due bad weather but it was a lot of fun. Pictures from Amy

Video of the Week; Large Platter

2009-11-04T20:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a great video off YouTube of a potter throwing a large platter. I use and like this technique and the sponges are an important part. Check out her upper body! Great arms. See how much she gets on top of the clay with her whole body. Throwing isn't just arms........Enjoy

Clearing the Shelves & Heat

2009-11-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

We have done a number of firings this week. Since shelf space is at a premium, please try and collect your finished pieces and move them to your own shelf or home. Bisque ware gets dated so that we can determine how long it's been on the shelf.

Now that the weather has gotten cooler, and we are actually using the heat- stay aware of the speed at which your work will now dry. Even bags of clay that are not totally sealed up will dry out faster.

Monday & Wed. October 26 & 28

2009-10-24T06:57:00.000-04:00

Peggy is out next week - was forced to take pottery tour abroad. Some teachers get the tough assignments:) I (Patricia) will be covering the studio on Monday from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 2:00.

Things get busy between now and the holidays, as everyone tends to produce a few more pieces for gifts etc. Please give yourself ample time for the firing cycle as we get into November and December.

RAKU WORKSHOP NOVEMBER 11 & 12

2009-10-10T14:05:00.006-04:00

Peggy Simmons is leading a Raku Workshop - November 11 & 12 in Oyster Bay (on the beach). Sign up in the studio, or by phone, for a spot as space is limited. Cost for the workshop is $30 per day, plus the cost of special Raku clay (available for purchase in the studio).

Each student should prepare a maximum of 5-6 (average size) pots for the firing. Pots must be made with Raku clay and should be bisque fired. This will be a fun an exciting time. Directions to the beach location in Oyster Bay available when you sign up.

If you were wondering what Raku is? Here is a good FAQ on Raku.

Check out the short video of the Raku process.

Continuing Education Classes Starting Now

2009-10-02T14:44:00.001-04:00

This 5 week class is a perfect introduction for beginers as well as a great refresher for those thinking about getting back into pottery. All classes are held at Haven Art's professional ceramic studio.

BASIC POTTER'S WHEEL

This class is designed to give the student experience throwing clay on the wheel. Students will learn to wedge, center and throw clay to create basic cylinders, pots, and mugs that will then be glazed. Small class allows for maximum individual attention. The class culminates with an art show of student work.

Enrollment is limited. Register through Continuing Education in Port Washington

5 classes $110 plus $50 materials fee (payable first day)

Welcome to Haven Art

2009-09-20T21:21:00.001-04:00

Haven Art is housed in a 5000 square foot warehouse that is a collection of studios with an open floor plan, inspiring open minds. All of our teachers are professional working artists who are passionate about passing their techniques along.

Come join us and see.