The good news is that our new air-conditioning system is up and running, as of last week (Sept 2, to be exact). It took a bit longer than expected, but it's quite wonderful in the CAC studio now! Which is fortunate, since this week is a scorcher.

The sad news is that one of our most beloved long-time members, Nonette Swedberg, passed away last month. She was a gentle and generous person who served many years on the board of our club, both as V-P of Education and as Treasurer. She was also a very talented potter who especially loved throwing on the wheel, painting or carving designs into pots, and saggar firing. Nonette will be missed greatly. At the CAC General Meeting yesterday many of us signed a sympathy card for Nonette's family - below is shown what was printed on the front of the card.

Good News: our studio is open again. As mentioned before, it will be another week or so until the new air-conditioning starts working, but at least the major work inside our space is done, so we can get back to our work/play with clay!

And yesterday was the first day of our current Orientation Class - the pictures below show the new students (there are 10 this time) and Linda M. as she was teaching them. This class will continue next Saturday, August 29; then it will skip a week (allowing participants to finish pieces and have them bisque-fired), and the final session will be on Saturday, September 12 - NOTE: it's from 10 am to 2 pm each day. After that, we look forward to welcoming some new members!

Well, the HVAC work is in full swing - see the photos below! This is why the studio has to be closed through tomorrow (the 21st). But we expect to be back in business by Saturday August 22nd. In fact the 22nd is the first day of an Orientation Class, so it will be busy in there from 10 to 2, in case you're rarin' to go. Best to wait until after 2:30 if possible (unless you just want to use the glazing table in the back room). WARNING: it may not be cool in our studio until around August 28, so be prepared. But it sure will be great when they're done!

For the record, below is a photo of Lynn Wood helping one of our members make a pitcher, and some photos of things we made in the "Pots That Pour" class she taught. Teapots were made, as well as simple pitchers - those were a real challenge! We may show a lot of those pieces in the studio's window display that will be installed on Monday Sept 14.. stay tuned.

Next we have snapshots from Grandkids' Days in July, and one of Judy with a new mask she's been sculpting. There's also a photo of the new display which went into the Event Center a couple of weeks ago (the top 6 niches) .. looks much better in person,so check it out when you have a chance! That display will be up for 4 months - until early December.

We had a wonderful celebration last evening, our annual Patio Party.  This year we had an extremely entertaining Awards ceremony, complete with fun gag gifts for the awardees (who had to be present to win) - thanks to Sara Spence and Judy Johnson. In addition, pretty much everyone present was given a small beautifully glazed ceramic heart, created by our own CAC Studio Manager, Judy Johnson, in her spare time! Oh yes - we also had plenty of great Chinese food from Tomi Restaurant - kudos to Jean Chen and Sara Spence. Photos of some of the fun are below.

In other news - next week our new fiscal year will begin: on Wednesday July 1, to be exact. If you haven't renewed your membership in CAC, now is the time to do so - before the end of July, if you plan to stay current, keep your locker, etc. Simply come to the studio and you'll find membership forms on the sign-in table. (Dues are $10 and lockers are another $10 - checks only, please!)

Finally - our air conditioning hasn't been fixed yet, but at least the process has begun. No ETA yet, sorry to say. Stay tuned..

Our air-conditioning is going to be fixed, starting this month. It's been very hot this week, so that is really good news. It means that the studio will be closed one day - Wednesday June 24th - but it's worth it. NOTE: Unfortunately it will take longer than one day for the work to be completed - check this space for more information as it becomes available!

In other news, the current Orientation class will have its last session next week, Wednesday, June 17. There a lots of people with great energy and creative ideas in it, and most will become new members of our club starting next week - - we certainly welcome them! Some photos of the class are below.

Last but not least, the Rossmoor Flea Market will happen on Saturday June 20, and our studio will be open for the public to come in and browse and hopefully take home some nice ceramic pieces. Members are encouraged to sign up & show their work in the studio then, if so inclined!