Social - August 2003

From clay to the kiln, seniors learn pottery

By DIANE TURBYFILL, LTN Staff Writer

Her hands carefully  press leaves into the clay. Each impression will leave a lasting mark on her artwork.

Martha Deal attempts to turn a slab of clay into a piece of pottery.

The active senior citizen is a second-time participant in the Lincoln County Senior Services Pottery Workshop.

“The purpose of the program is to promote health and wellness for seniors in Lincoln County,” says Marti Hovis, programs and services coordinator for the senior center. “This is our only hands-on project.”

The three-session workshop concluded this week at Rising Sun Pottery. The project is a partnership between the Lincoln Arts Council and Senior Services. Potter and owner of Rising Sun Gary Lee taught the 12 students.

He took each of the women through the different stages of pottery, from creation to kiln. Their works will be on display in the gallery of the Lincoln Cultural Center Sept. 2-8

Deal says she has enjoyed both of the pottery workshops she has attended.

“I like to be able to work with my hands,” she says.

She and her fellow potters are excited about exhibiting their works.

The atmosphere during classes has been anything but dull. Lee cracks jokes while forming a handle for a jug and the room erupts in laughter.

In between laughter and chatter, Lee answers questions about forming clay and glazing pieces.

“They’re a very active group of seniors,” says Hovis. “You always hear laughter.”

Lee says the work is not about perfection. It’s about self expression.

“If you want perfectly neat pottery, where do you go?” he says to the group.

“Wal-Mart!” they shout.

The end result is more gratifying than a purchased piece of pottery.

“It’s a self satisfaction thing,” says Deal.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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