Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club Ceramics Program of Chicago

I'm not really sure where to begin with this Fundraiser, besides screaming from the top of my studio- THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!

But I will try. I have often said that I started ceramics at 14. I attended a small pottery studio, and received instruction on throwing pottery from a potter named Lloyd Fitzsimmons. Lloyd was a massive person to my slight early teenage self. It's interesting to remember and not be able to remember someone who you realize was a mentor looking back. He was humble, kind and made jokes that probably just didn't land on my awkward, shy self. From underneath his seemingly massive hands pots would appear, as though made from magic, in 20 seconds or less. I don't have any pictures of Lloyd. I don't own any of the pots he created by the thousands for craft shows in the NY state region. I think I might know his pot if I saw it, but I don't know his makers mark. But through his patience, encouragement, never too busy to stop and help my through a project, Lloyd gifted me something. Over three years he imparted a skill which is still integral to my life. Below are couple pots from that period in my life.

Being a potter means sharing a language with a whole group of people who have played with clay and been grabbed by it, just finding that they liked to create, usually in the company of others. It doesn't have to be a 'life's work', I know so many people who have made a regular ceramics practice after work hours. At it's best, pottery is coming together, as a group, and seeing something you thought of, become realized, within the support of a larger group. The scupture below was made in college.

I begrudgingly began pottery as an early teen, as it was a gift from my parents. I ended up with a strong foundation that has led to a huge community of collectors, potters, and students. I am so grateful this was afforded to me. 

Natalie below:

Natalie Wagner is a Chicago based artist and instructor, with a background in event management, execution, and managing budgets. Natalie is humble, kind and made jokes that probably just don't always land on young kids who are in their formative years.

They became involved in the pilot for the Fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club Ceramics Program in 2022- and saw a massive positive impact on the youth. While these kids were learning to clay, they were also growing as persons- clay work helps build patience in a world that rewards speed. The kids were finding ways to express themselves in ways they don’t always have language for. They got to experience pride in completing something tangible, from nothing.

We know that arts programs have a massive impact on young persons. Yet continually we are cutting these programs. The arts degree I graduated with is no longer offered. I saw last week that Syracuse University in NY is cutting it's arts degree. 

We have a chance to make a huge impact on underserved children through the Boys & Girls Club Ceramics Program of Chicago. The money raised will help to pay for basic functioning of a studio (kiln), clay, instruction, and cover operating expenses for three years. If extra money is raised, more kids will participate. The model for this program is that it becomes self sustaining after three years. This program CAN change the course of a life, or even just be a joyous time that forms life lasting memories in the mind of young people. No matter what it does it will be for good. Please donate. 

A donation of $10 or more will enter you into the Spring Raffle. As an incentive- I am offering either a set of TWO large salad bowls (see full description here) - your color choice from those available ($160 Value), OR ONE Extra Large Serving Bowl (not currently offered, $200 value, a big ole bowl! 12"w) - made to order when my body is back in throwing order (2-3 months) with color choices offered (think serving salad at a party). I want the winner to have what they would like. I wish we could fund this program in full RIGHT NOW and I know that Natalie is doing everything they can to ensure this work continues. I am drawing on my incredibly present and thoughtful community and asking for a donation , because together we always make an impact. 

This Raffle Closes on Friday, April 24th. Thank you so much for considering!