The MSU Ceramics Club exists to provide educational opportunities in the ceramic arts for MSU students and community members.
Who can join?
Any MSU student who is in an art related major, has past experience, or art alumni who has taken STA340 may become a member of the club, subject to review. There will be scheduled demonstrations for those who wish to learn basic hand-building techniques and wheel-throwing. The best way to learn is to practice!
How do you become a member?
A person may become a member by registering with the club at meetings during the first months of the semester. For those not enrolled in a ceramics course, registering involves a $25 club fee which can be paid in cash or check (made out to MSUCC) to the officer handling accounting matters. The prospective member must also fill out the questionnaire and waiver provided. Members will then be required to complete a training and safety check-off for the MSU ceramics studio.
When does the club meet?
The club will meet as needed for brief informational meetings, followed by open lab hours. The meeting will be at Tuesdays at 6:10 this year with open studio hours to 9. There will also be open lab hours from Thursdays from 6-10 pm, and 11-3 on Friday. Club members who are not enrolled in a ceramics course can only work in the studio during these times since it is necessary for insurance purposes for a club officer to be present.
How does the club raise money?
The ceramics club has at least one pottery sale each semester. If you have any pottery you’d like to sell, let us know!
How does the club spend its money?
Some things the club has done int he past include inviting visiting artists to MSU, sponsoring trips to SOFA or NCECA, buying food during the wood firing, and assisting with food for visiting artists. We are open to suggestions from our members for ceramics related activities, which will be voted on by the group. We also give back a portion of each member’s club fee to the Ceramics Department to reimburse our use of the bucket glazes and firing energy (whether gas or electricity). Other club expenses include advertising for sales and web hosting.
What conferences does the club attend?
The ceramics club goes to a conference each semester. In November we attend the SOFA conference in Chicago on “Sculptural Objects and Functional Art.” This conference features lectures and exhibits of ceramics, glass, metal, and fiber artists. For more information visit www.sofaexpo.com. In March there is NCECA: National Conference on the Education of the Ceramic Arts. The conference is in a different city every year; this year it’s March 19-22 in Pittsburgh, PA (see www.nceca.net). This is great because since we can drive there, that will greatly reduce the cost, and more club members should be able to attend!
How do I get my materials?
Supplies can be purchased from the Kresge Art Store, open 9-5 Monday thru Thursday and 9-2 on Friday. We recommend the $10 basic set of tools for those of you who don’t have tools and intend to wheel-throw. You should also have a bucket, which can also be purchased there. You will need to purchase a high-fire (cone 10) clay body—this is called “whiteware” at the Art Store. You can also buy your clay from a clay company; just MAKE SURE it is supposed to be fired to cone 10. Your club fee covers your use of premixed bucket glazes in the glaze studio as well as the energy it takes to fire your work. I recommend purchasing or collecting plastic bags for covering your clay projects as you are working on them.
What kind of firings does the club do?
Usually the club will fire electric bisques and gas reduction high-fire glaze kilns. These are scheduled according to sale dates. In addition, each year the ceramics students fire the wood kiln outside (a 3-day process where the kiln is heated to 2345º using only wood as fuel). We encourage club members to participate in this very exciting, ancient method of firing. There will also be the opportunity to do raku firings, since the club officers will be doing these from time to time. Please express your interest to the officers if you would like to raku!
How can I become a more active member of MSUCC?
We always can use help organizing and planning club events. We welcome anyone who would like to be more involved in the club, just let us know you are willing to help!
How can I become an officer of MSUCC?
Elections for new officers will be held at the end of Spring semester or if an officer chooses to resign. If you are interested in becoming an officer in the future, you are encouraged to take a more active roll in the club and learn the responsibilities that you will assume when you become an officer!