Ceramic classes a success at the Arts Education Center

The Johnson County Center for the Arts pottery class offerings have expanded greatly since the transformation of the original Art Center building on College Street into the Arts Education Center, an arts and learning studio focused on ceramics.The Center for the Arts knew there was a desire for more ceramic classes in the area, based on the answers it received on its annual surveys. Leading these classes are experienced potters and teachers, Tara Belk and Paige Janeri."Having a dedicated space with the addition of new pottery wheels has definitely drawn serious learners to the classes," said Belk. "We are now able to offer lessons in a series so students can build on their skills. We've seen first timers get really excited about what they are able to make and the progress made week to week."The Center for the Arts now offers more afternoon and weekend classes. This along with a new ticket payment system allows students with busy schedules to purchase one class or up to six classes and attend the classes as they can. "Thinking they needed to come five weeks in a row made people hesitant to commit initially," said Belk.Ceramic student Brenda Eggers said, "I started classes this past summer and love it. I knew my husband Micheal would too, if he could find the time to do it." Micheal added, "This is just my second class and it is very relaxing. I've taught high school for 40 years and nothing melts the stress away like clay."Three classes this fall; Family Clay, Veterans Clay Circle, and Clay and Company were supported by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission. They were designed to make art more accessible to families, veterans, and seniors."Learning to create pottery art was challenging but very rewarding," said Carolyn Cramer."The classes allowed me to explore concepts and techniques. Applying the skills that Tara shared allowed me to make pottery pieces to take home. I look forward to more classes where I will face the challenge of the pottery wheel."Seasoned clay workers have also expressed appreciation for the Arts Education Center's space and materials, "they are able to work on their own projects, like an open studio with instruction as needed," said Belk."I've taken pottery classes before and found them too strict and confining," said Sadie Ward. "Paige gives us the freedom to do what we want to do. I really enjoy it. I want to learn more about the wheel and grow as a potter."After a holiday break, look for more clay class announcements starting in February. Jean Ann Savery also has a series of clay classes lined up for fall at Nature Speaks studio. If you would like to try your hand at working with clay, stop by the Johnson County Center for the Arts 'Gallery on Main during Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Make A Clay Christmas Ornament with Tara Belk. This is a free drop-in activity for families. It takes approximately 30 minutes, and you can make up to three clay ornaments. Tara will fire your creations and have them ready to pick up by mid-December.