On Nov. 2 Kim Klabe, Education Director of the RAL, and several members of the RAL Clay Studio (Pam Blessinger, Carmela Coleman, Barbara Crowl, Jeff Stickle, Wes Stack and Mike Wells) visited Bill Van Gilder's Frederick Pottery School to learn about Bill's organization and procedures for an ongoing educational program for clay work. Although the mission of both organizations differ somewhat, Bill's information and advice provided the group with a good deal of food for thought. More to follow... here's some photos of Bill's operation:
A view of the wash tubs and clay traps in the studio as well as the water bucket and sponge station.
Wheels in the studio with benches. Note also the benches cover the electrical power supplies. Student cubbies on the right line the wall. The School now has 76 students.
Back room area with student's ware either fired or waiting for next firing. All pieces are organized by the class. Mike and Carmela are in front of the kiln. The pottery school runs only one kiln, but it must be running constantly.
Entry to the school. Clay is delivered and stored where it can be distributed easily.
Can't see the pug mill very well, but it's used to recycle clay. A third of the clay used by students is recycled with the pug mill and re-sold at a reasonable rate.
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