SUN CITY- “For tall projects only.”
These four words nicely laminated and typed in black bold font are found taped to a green-lined shelf.
Large figurines of rabbits and gnomes, some creatively colored, others bare white, stand in no specific order. A glance to the top left shelf uncovers a line of perfectly shaped ducks. A look to the right and a large orange-glazed pumpkin sits immobile situated near the front.
Neighborhood 11 resident spins a vase on a pottery wheel in the clayground workshop. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
One step back and holiday decor to animal figurines will all be seen scattered on the shelves. Each belongs to a member of the ceramics class.
Members of the ceramics class enter and leave the closet. The majority enter at the beginning of class to grab their pieces. Others enter during class to grab other unfinished projects.
Upon grabbing their projects, members find a seat anywhere among the two tables. They choose their paint brushes, decide on their colors for their current project, and situate the figurine in front of them.
Finally, they can get to work.
Walking among the students is class instructor Marilyn Keating. With 25 years of experience with ceramics, Keating has been teaching the ceramics class for the last eight years. Her ability ranges from helping students decide what colors to choose to teaching the class entirely new techniques.
Keating also observes students’ work, offers advice, and purchases the student’s choice of new paints or figurines.
“It’s a great social outlet to students; you keep connected to people,” said Keating. “Some have been friends forever, but they wouldn’t see them as frequently if it wasn’t for class.”
Clayground president Nick Damlas works on a statue. (Photo provided)
Certain members have been involved in the ceramics class since its initiation in 2000. As the years go by, the club evolves with members’ interests.
One of the original founders and current members, Fran Kligis, has observed the club significantly change since its start 12 years ago.
“The pieces have gotten so much more creative, and the paints have changed too,” she said. “We are no longer just painting
ashtrays.”
Ceramics currently holds 34 members. Alongside ceramics, pottery was also created in the year 2000 and holds 32 members. A year later, in 2001, the sculpting class was started and is filled by 14 members. All classes are considered to be three different branches under the Clayground Club.
“We play with clay,” Nick Damalas, president of the Clayground Club, said.
While Ceramics offers students a valuable opportunity to learn or increase their knowledge with ceramics, Kligis has continued to be a part of the class for a different reason.
“It’s like therapy; you forget about everything else and focus on what you are doing for some time,” she said. “It’s great therapy.”
Kligis and her classmates enjoy being a part of the class and painting beautiful figurines together.
“It’s amazing the things they can create; it’s great to watch the progress from when they first start to what they finish,” said Keating. “It’s a great feeling.”
