Bundaberg Pottery Group

Welcome to The Bundaberg Pottery Group

We hope this is the beginning of a creative and enjoyable period in your pottery journey.

The pottery group is open each Tuesday 3.00 pm-6.00 pm and each Thursday and Saturday 9.00 am-12.00 pm During the summer months the studio will open at 8.00 am.

You will be given an orientation tour of the pottery studio and Gallery where the following guidelines will be discussed.

ON ARRIVAL

Sign the attendance sheet as you enter. This is for insurance and Workplace Health and Safety. Pay the daily fee and enter details on the day sheet on the desk. Members $3.00 non members $5.00.

STARTING WORK

Clay is available for purchase by members only. Record payment and type of clay on the day sheet in the appropriate column. Keep your clay in the plastic wrapping. Canvas and boards are available to use, wash and return after use. Work in progress can be taken home, stored in the drying cupboard or on the shelves above until ready for firing. Wrap your Clay well and store it in a cool place at home.

Members are advised to:

• Wear enclosed footwear with good tread.
• Wear protective clothing – appropriate to the task being undertaken.
  

GUIDANCE

New members with little experience will need guidance through all aspects of the pottery process. Members will give you the benefit of their knowledge in a friendly and generous fashion.

Specific workshops will be available at various times during the year to increase your experience. If in doubt “ASK FOR HELP”.

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS

Monthly meetings are held on the THIRD Saturday of each month at 8.30 am at the studio. All are welcome to attend, but only members over 18 are eligible to vote. A newsletter will be emailed to members as soon as possible after the meeting. Membership fees are due for renewal each year on the 1st February.

The Annual General Meeting is held in September when Management Committee positions are reviewed.

Single Membership $40.00 Family Membership $50.00

LIBRARY

The club has an extensive library. Books may be loaned to members who have attended regularly for 6 months. Lost items must be replaced or paid for.

FIRING

Firing is a voluntary service provided to club members. It is not available to members conducting a commercial enterprise.

Ensure the work is completely dry and your name is on the bottom of the work. Weigh and pay. Cost is calculated by weight. Firing fees are on the board above the wheels. Fill out a firing slip according to either bisque or cone and make sure you write the type of clay and date. Ensure the bottom of the ware is wiped clean of glaze. Firing slips are recyclable.

Write a receipt for firing payment and record it on the day sheet opposite your name.

Place work on the appropriate firing shelf in the kiln room with your firing slip. The club reserves the right to refuse to fire unsuitable items if clay is of poor construction and poses a risk to the work of others.

NO WET WORK TO BE PLACED IN THE KILN ROOM!

GLAZING

Glazing must be done under the supervision of an experienced member.

Glaze needs to be sieved before glazing ware as contaminants in the glaze will result in imperfections during the firing process.

Ensure the ware is clear of glaze on the bottom of your work as this can result in the ware sticking to the Kiln shelf. DIRTY BOTTOMS WILL NOT BE FIRED.

FOOD AND DRINK

Food and drinks are to be enjoyed in our sunny outdoor area. Please don’t bring them into the Working space. Water bottles excepted.

DUST

Dust must be kept to a minimum. NO SANDING OF WORK OR SWEEPING to be done inside A mask must be worn while sanding outdoors or glaze mixing to protect your lungs from SILICOSIS (Potters Rot). Provision of a personal Mask is the responsibility of individual members.

CLEAN UP BEFORE YOU CLEAR OUT

Tables should be clear and work spaces wiped/ mopped with CLEAN water. It is of paramount importance that all areas are clean before you leave.

CLUB CLEAN UP

All members are asked to contribute to “CLEAN UP” days which are held at various times.

Keeping the studio clean and relatively low on dust is important for the well-being of all members.

STORAGE

Storage is limited. It is preferable to take your work and equipment home. The club will not take responsibility for the security of your possessions. Unclaimed/unnamed work will be disposed of after 3 months.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Is working for you and in the best interest of the club? We welcome concerns and suggestions from members. A suggestion box is provided for your comments and ideas.

Watch the noticeboard for current items of interest.

POTTERS GALLERY

The Potter’s Gallery is available for club exhibitions And the sale of members’ work.

A guidelines form and list of work are to be signed upon placing work in the Gallery. Members who wish to exhibit in the Gallery will be expected to supervise The Gallery once every 3 months, just (3 times per year) All members are welcome to help with supervision.

Commission on sales is 10% Members unable to take a supervision shift will be charged 20%.