More than 100 artistic activities took place all over the province this past weekend for Culture Days (a nationwide event that celebrates the arts), but only two were focused on pottery. One such event, entitled Play with Clay, occurred in Mervin.
Jay Kimball opened up his clay studio to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He offered free demonstrations and hands-on workshops on how to create and play with clay. Participants learned hand-building techniques as well as receiving instruction on the pottery wheel.
When asked about the success of the event, Kimball said "It was great! People are constantly telling me they'd like to try pottery, so this was a chance for them to do so." Sunday was his busiest day--about 30 people stopped by the studio, many of whom stayed long enough to get their hands dirty and make a small bowl, cup or saucer. "I had some people sign up for my upcoming pottery classes as well," added Kimball, who teaches classes for all ages - adults, teens, even toddlers.
An additional drawing card of the event was the interesting architecture of the studio. Kimball has created his clay studio from an old shipping container, the kind used to transport goods via rail or ocean.
"Many are quite amazed at how much space there is," explained Kimball. "I've got a kiln room, a glaze lab, a studio space and small gallery area."
Kimball built the inside rooms using a lot of reclaimed material from the old school in Mervin that was torn down last year. One wall, for example, was constructed with white-washed wainscoting.
Thus, participants of this event had much to take in. They could either celebrate the ceramic arts or satisfy an architectural appetite.
