6:30pm: OPA General Meeting. Contact Anne Stecker with agenda items, annestecker@comcast.net. Bring items for the swap table, finger food to share and other items of interest to other members.

7:30pm: Program. Mark your calendars, the Program will be Elaine DeBuhr talking about sodium vapor firing and showing slides of her work and influences. Elaine is a ceramic artist living in Wyoming and teaching at the Northwest College. If you want to learn more, she will be conducting a week long workshop at Oregon College of Art & Craft the following week.

NEXT OPA BOARD MEETING: Tuesday, August 3^rd at Anne Steckers, in Salem.  Potluck dinner at 6pm, Meeting starts at 6:30. Directions will be emailed to OPA Board Members.

A heartfelt thanks to all those involved with the expansion of Showcase this year. Sales were up from last year to $446,758. Although average sales per artist were down slightly the support of in-kind donations kept some committees under budget so that we did not have to dip into our reserve funds. After the summer we will look into a possible rebate for potters.

All of our committees did a stellar job--especially Publicity headed by Debi Nelson and Nan Niiranen. With the added efforts from our poster chair, Cyra Duquella, Victoria Shaw's postering team, and Bev Curtis' mailing--Showcase drew a record attendance of 22,000!

Many people from the Steering Committee put in extra hours--as did committee chairs, committee members, and volunteers--to see our new ideas through to reality. Rhoda Fleischman's Garden display and Linda Klaus' Interior display were a smash thanks also to the extra help of friends and family. Thanks to Ginger Steele for the benches providing comfort to our clients. The Educational kiosks throughout the show were successful thanks to Tim Havens and Brad Menninga. Carol Sutton's Graphics and Gail Pendergrass' Signage were beautiful, as was the map, organized by Ken Pincus. The Demos area featured exciting new artists thanks to Barb Campbell and the Gallery was stunning due to the extra effort of Alan Higinbotham's team and Kathryn Finnerty's expertise. One of the most successful new features was the Adult Clay area chaired by Micheal Grubar.

The Group booth never looked better, thanks to David Fitzpatrick. The addition of the college booths and non-profits rounded out the show. The sales teams once again were terrific thanks to Dan Sheridan and Larry Nelson. Behind the scenes, Bookkeeping worked diligently-- led by Susan Goebel --as did Reconciliation's Julie Asbury. Our Tresurer, Deb Bouchette, deserves a HUGE hand for the 200 + hours she contributed during and after the show!

Of course, none of this would have happened without the great vision of Cynthia Spencer.

I again want to thank everyone for all your support and look forward to next year's Showcase, April 22-24, 2005. Ginger Steele is our new Showcase Co-chair. Please email me (nw2x@comcast.net) if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks! Natalie Warrens, Showcase Chair

SHOWCASE CHAIRS: Audrey Graham, Committee Placement Chair, needs everyone’s revised job descriptions by July 1^st. She also needs to know how many committee members you need. Send them to her at agraham@centurytel.net or 32493 SW Juliette Dr, Wilsonville OR 97070.

REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS were supposed to have already been received by the OPA Treasurer, Deborah Bouchette. If you have not already sent her your receipts, you had better have a really good reason.

TOTEM POLE PROJECT: "The project was a great success, stirred lots of interest, sold 4 out of 5 poles, and earned $1900 for Clay In Education.  I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who worked on this experiment:  Jim Stephens, Natalie Warrens, and Stephen Mickey helped with firing pieces. Jim Stephens and Andre Shapiro helped with installation. The following people contributed the wonderful variety of pieces:  Sian Alexander, Julie Asbury, James DeRosso, Thanhbinh Duong, Michael Fromme, Michelle Gallagher, Mark Heimann, Colleen Little, Tony Little, Shirl Lipkin, Jerold Martisak, Larry Nelson, Thomas Rohr, Richard Roth, Victoria Shaw, Cynthia Spencer, Lorraine Vinograd, and Marilyn Woods. I'm planning a challenging new installation project for 2005, so stay tuned for more info in the coming months.  Thanks."  Deb Shapiro

SHOWCASE AWARD WINNERS: The Award Winners at Showcase 2004 were:

Best Booth: tie between Mary Hindman and David Fitzpatrick

Bennett Welsh Decorated Work Award: Shirl Lipkin

Gallery Award Winner, First Place: Ron Linn

Gallery, Second Place: tie between Charles Gluskoter and Barb Campbell

Gallery, Third Place: Alan Higinbotham

Gallery Award, Runners-Up (in order from 4th place to 10th place):

Frank Gosar; Deb Shapiro; tie between Thomas Rohr & David Fitzpatrick; Babette Harvey; Thanhbinh Duong; Cynthia Spencer; Stephen Mickey.

LOST & FOUND: Found: Small plastic shelf at Showcase, call Barbara 503-992-7579

SHOWCASE STATISTICS: Showcase 2004 grossed $446,706 ($230,059 on Friday, $143,452 Saturday, $75,969 Sunday) compared to $432,613 in 2003. Although the total was higher, the average sales per artist was $1794, down from $1948 in 2003. To put this in perspective, 2003 had fewer artists (222) in the show than normal, and 2004 had more artists (249) in the show than normal. 2001 and 2002 remain our highest sales years, grossing $495,651 and $496,756 respectively.

Attendance was 22,059. That is much higher than ever before.

People who came to Showcase said they heard about it as follows:

Friends (30.6%); Oregonian (25%); Mailers (16%); Willamette Week (8%); Poster (7%); TV (4.7%); Radio (3.5%); Columbian (1.4%); Symphony Program (1.2%); Opera Program (0.4%); Other (2.3%)

The number of artists who sold over $10,000 was 3, $6000-7999 was 7, $4000-5999 was 22 (plus 1 gallery-only), $2000-3999 was 50, $900-1999 was 61 (plus 3 gallery only), $1-899 was 32 (plus 31 gallery only), and 39 gallery-only artists sold $0.

The average price of the 15,451 pieces sold at Showcase this year was $29.09.

The Reconciliation Committee has tightened up our accounting system, and this has resulted in very few errors that were not caught and dealt with. Most errors were cashier errors. The errors resulted in $676, with 1/3 of that from two errors.

SHOWCASE PUBLICITY & OPA PHOTO FILES: The photo files are used by Showcase Publicity when they place ads or solicit free publicity. Do you want your photos, slides and digital files to be used by them? Yes! It’s a simple way to publicize yourself. Please submit new pictures for the files, and when you see the boxes at meetings, pull out your old, antique photos. Send new pictures and biographical info/artist statement to Nan Niiranen 2619 Field St. Longview, WA 98632. Don’t forget, these should be professional quality slides. And yes, they can still use high contrast black and white prints.

These positions need to be filled for 2005 Showcase, and in many instances, that work begins soon, so please submit those applications! To apply for any of these positions, include past experience and credentials for the specific job. Include any information that would help the Steering Committee in their selection. Mail or e-mail to Audrey Graham, 32493 SW Juliette, Wilsonville, OR 97070, agraham@centurytel.net.

INTERIOR DISPLAY CHAIR: 6 points. Install and supervise the booth showcasing the use of ceramics in various interior sets. Involves obtaining various props, furniture, accessories, setup and take down, supervising committee and work shift helpers.

GROUP BOOTH CHAIR: 6 points. Supervise set up and break down of group booth display. Repainting fixtures, placing group booth participants and coordinating committee of 3 who will help.

CASH SALES-TRAINEE: no points. Assist Cash Sales Chair in preparation for assuming Chair position in the next year.

CREDIT CARD SALES CHAIR: 12 points. Provide credit card sales capability for, and to manage all credit card sales activities, during Ceramic Showcase..

SPONSORSHIP CHAIR: 12 points. Solicits sponsors, coordinates with them and works with the Planning and Steering Committees and other affected committees. Having experience in PR is helpful.

HOLDING BOOTH-TRAINEE: no points. Work with current Holding Booth Chair in preparation for assuming Chair position in the next year.

TRAFFIC CHAIR: 6 points. Coordinate the Traffic Committee before and after the show.

SCHOOL AND NON-PROFIT BOOTH CHAIR: 6 points. This is a position formed to facilitate the inclusion of booths for schools/colleges in Showcase. Contact Cynthia Spencer for more info on this position.

This is such a great event. Not only is it great to give all of this money to the Oregon Food Bank, it’s also really fun! Empty Bowls will be at the Blues Festival in Portland’s Waterfront Park. Set up is noon to 5pm on Thursday, July 1^st. The Festival opens that evening and is the booth is manned 11am to 10pm from Friday the 2^nd of July through Monday the 5^th. The Food Bank makes a lot of money at this event and they also collect a mountain of canned food.

How can you participate in Empty Bowls? You can donate stuff! This does not have to be bowls, they are happy to take donations of any clay or glass work. You can also volunteer to work in the booth (really fun). If you donate a bunch of stuff, help with set up or break down and work at least two workshifts during the show, then on the morning of the third day you can put your own work out to sell with 25% (or more, if you want) commission going to the Food Bank and the rest going to you. If you want to check the music schedule, go to http://www.waterfrontbluesfest.co.

Kristin Yount is scheduling the workshifts and is awaiting your call or emails. It’s totally fun! Call her today! Kristin@cascadia.net.

BEAUX ARTS SOCIETE at Boise Art Museum. Work may be shipped to show, artist need not be present. Deadline July 16, show Oct-Nov, send application, inventory sheet, samples or slides, $25 jury fee. 30% commission. www.boiseartmuseum.org, beauxarts@boiseartmuseum.org, 

BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER: Kyocera Advanced Ceramics and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have partnered to give cooks an opportunity to support the fight against breast cancer. Kyocera will introduce a special edition 5.5-inch Santoku ceramic knife with an ergonomic pink-colored handle ($90). Kyocera will donate $5 for each knife sold to the Komen Foundation, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $10,000. Kyocera says their ceramic cutlery holds a razor-sharp edge 10 times longer than conventional and high-carbon steel blades, and is typically half the weight of an equivalent steel knife. www.KyoceraAdvancedCeramics.com,

www.komen.org.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS: Various bills are before various parts of government that deal with allowing artists to take a tax deduction for the fair market value of works they have created and donated to a non-profit. Under current law, they may deduct only the cost of materials used to create the works. As of May 28, the fate of the charitable giving bill is uncertain. Check http://capwiz.com/artsusa/issues/alert/?alertid=3138856&type=CO for more info.

POTTERS GUILD OF BRITISH COLUMBIA TURNS 50: Next year, the BC Potters will turn 50. To celebrate, they are planning a lot of shows, symposiums, studio tours and historical displays. This sounds like it might be worth a trip up there. There will be a large exhibition in spring or summer 2005, and many BC galleries are booked for clay related shows. The BC Art Teachers Association is planning to focus on clay in their quarterly magazine and at their annual conference. The BC Potters plan to have information gathered by the end of this year. Watch the Newsletter for more details.

CERAMIC EXCURSIONS: Denys James leads clay-related tours to Laos, Italy, Turkey and Thailand. Most trips are 2 to 3 weeks and cost between $2000 and $4000. They include roundtrip airfare from Vancouver, BC, accommodations, transportation, tours, clay workshops, visits to pottery villages and more. www.denysjames.com, 250-537-4906, 182 Welbury Dr, Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada V8K 2L8

CLAY ART CENTER has a new website, www.clayartcenter.net (the old .com site is no longer valid). You can contact their employees directly at:

General mail: Clayart@clayartcenter.net

Joe Brecha: joe@clayartcenter.net

Kim Lyle: kim@clayartcenter.net

Marcella Fall: Marcie@clayartcenter.net

Andrea Brannon: andrea@clayartcenter.net

Moses Klaassen: moses@clayartcenter.net

Larry Douglas: larryd@clayartcenter.net

Derik Spoon: derik@clayartcenter.net

Scott Creek Extruders: clayextruder@scottcreekpottery.com

NEW TV SHOW: Bill Van Gilder, a potter and columnist for Clay Times is the host in a new series on the DIY (Do It Yourself) cable channel. They started airing June 7^th, and apparently were aired through the rest of that week. It will be re-broadcast throughout the year.

ARTS, CRAFTS & THEATER SAFETY, an organization that researches and promotes safety in our field, has a new website. www.artscraftstheatersafety.org has information about their consulting services.

The other thing that has been mentioned in conjunction with NCECA is a pamphlet that is a self-guided tour of potters’ studios, so visitors could go around to all of our studios on the day after the conference. This could be similar to the guide to Holiday Studio Sale Guide that OPA already produces. We need someone to work on this…

Many other projects will probably rear their ugly heads as NCECA approaches. There will be lots of opportunities to volunteer for behind-the-scenes things as well as stuff during the conference. Check www.nceca.net for proposal forms and other info.

CARPOOL TO JOHN CHALKE WORKSHOP? Are you planning to attend the woodfire workshop in Cangary in August? If so do you want to split travel expenses? I’m renting a new, reasonably priced vehicle for the trip. Linda Klaus, 503-668-4336

ARTISAN is apparently the name of a new magazine that is dedicated to fine art and craft of the Northwest. Subscriptions are $16.95/year. www.artisannorthwest.com, 48906 284^th Ave SE, Enumclaw WA 98022, 360-825-1173

TRAIN KILNS: The June/July/August Ceramics Monthly has plans for building an above-ground, woodfired Train Kiln using hard and soft bricks for the walls and a fiber and steel removable top. If you are thinking about building one of these, check out the article.

INSULATING BRICKS FOR SALT KILN CONSTRUCTION: This is the subject of a recent article in CeramicsTECHNICAL #18. An English potter named Peter Meanley has spent several years researching insulating bricks and various protective coatings. Naturally, many of the materials they used were manufactured in Europe, but with some research on the internet we can probably discover which American bricks are comparable. The bricks that held up the best were HR 33/180, HR 185, HR 185 HP (manufactured by Premier Vesuvius), and BNZ 34, all classified as "bubble alumina" brick. A protective coating called NT8 (Pyruma 1A) was considered to be the best, and one called NT7 (PRGW) was also promising. These are both manufactured by Purimachos. He did test ITC products, but it was not clear how they performed. A couple of points he made were that a glassy coating seemed to protect bricks better than a cement-like coating, and that higher temperature bricks did not always work better than 2300 degree brick. For more info, pick up a copy of the magazine.

KILN SAFETY SHUTOFF SYSTEMS: An article in the June Ceramic Industry magazine discussed the national standards for gas- and oil-fired furnaces. Some people believe that kilns fall into the rules created for furnaces. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s 2003 edition states that each burner with a capacity of 150,000 to 400,000 Btu/hr must be equipped with two safety shutoff valves, each equipped with open and closed position indicators. Burners greater than 400,000 Btu/hr should have one of these two shutoff valves equipped also with a proof of closure switch. All shutoff valves should be tested annually for leaks. If you would like to look at the original NFPA 86, Standards for Ovens and Furnaces, their website is www.nfpa.org.

ECONOMICS OF CRAFT: A Canadian study measured the economic impact of crafts in Canada, and found that 11,968 full time crafts professionals generated $727 million nationwide. 73% of these people operated as individuals in business. Read the article about this in the June Crafts Report or read the study at www.canadiancraftsfederation.ca.

SELLING CRAFTS ON THE INTERNET was the subject of an article in the July Crafts Report. It mentioned that there are various styles of websites, some people sell their work online while others use their website more as an advertisement, telling you where you can go to buy their work. Artists who responded to their survey reported 2.9% of their income as online sales. They mentioned several websites that sell crafts: www.americasmart.com, www.wholesalecrafts.com, and www.americanstyle.com. It appeared to them that, while it does not account for a big percentage of craft sales now, the internet is a growing sales source

JIM ROBINSON: July 16-18. Three days of hands on experience with the Glaze Doctor! Not only will there be an inspiring yet wacky discussion of glazes, but Jim will also show you a special coil and pinch method of construction.

LISA CLAQUE: "Sculptural Exploration: Molds, Metal & Clay," $190, Aug 13-15. Learn to create unique shapes combining clay with steel. Lisa's unconventional techniques allow her own figures  "to juggle balls, wear hoop skirts and wiggle their legs." At ClaySpace, PO Box 1339, Suquamish, WA 98392-1339, (360) 598-3688, mtimes@telebyte.net

PETER KING at Clay Art Center in Tacoma, July 9-11, clayart@clayartcenter.net or call 800-952-8030 for more information.

RON ROY: "Glaze Formulation: Unraveling the Mystery," Aug 14-18. Ron is the author of Mastering Cone 6 Glazes. In the weekend workshop he will cover both manual glaze calculation and glaze calculation software. The full five days will also have glaze mixing and firing, with discussion and problem solving. Weekend only: $195. All 5 days: $395. At FireART Clayworks in Northern California, 916-715-6113.

BILLY RAY MANGHAM: "Slabs & Nails: Raku Sculpture," July 15-18. Hands on, work sculpturally using nails to construct slab pieces. Texas-style raku. $275, at Cone 10 Pottery in Cave Junction, 541-592-4646, conetenpottery@hotmail.com.

PIEPENBURG: Oct 22-23 at Mount Hood Community College, 26000 SE Stark St, Gresham OR 97030.

MOLD MAKING at Georgies in Portland, July 24, $125, 503.283.1353, www.georgies.com.

BETH CAVENER STICHTER will teach a workshop at Lewis and Clark College in late September. Watch future newsletters for more details.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "Ceramics Biennial," deadline received by July 1, show Oct-Nov, $25 fee for 2 slides, juror Chris Gustin, www.nhia.edu, 603-623-0313 x572, New Hamphshire Institute or Art.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "NCECA 2005 Clay National," deadline Sept 19, show March 05, jurors Linda Arbuckle, Andrea Gil, Ron Nagel, $20 jury fee for 2 slides, 20% commission, www.nceca.net or 866-266-2322.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "Craft Forms 2004," deadline Sept 17, show Dec 04-Jan 05, open to all media, $25 jury fee, send SASE to Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave, Wayne PA 19087, www.wayneart.org

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "Use it or Lose it," deadline July 1, show Sept, open to functional pottery, jurors Gretchen Keyworth & Bruce Winn, $20 fee, send SASE to Attleboro Museum Center for the Arts, 86 Park St, Attleboro MA 02703, museum@naisp.net, 508-222-2644

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "International Competition of Contemporary Ceramic Art," deadline July 10, show June-Dec 2005, juried from 3 slides, contact Museo Internazional delle Ceramiche, Via Campidori 2, 48018 Faenza Italy, www.micfaenza.org.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "The Slip Cast Object," deadline Aug 2, show Nov-Jan, juror Richard Notkin, $30 jury fee for 3 slides, open to slip cast work. Send SASE to Steamboat Springs Art Council, PO Box 774284, Steamboat Springs CO 80477, www.steamboatspringsart.com/callforentries.html.

CERAMICS MONTHLY COVER CONTEST: The cover of the December issue of CM will be chosen from people who submit their transparencies before Sept 17. They want 2 ¼ or 4x5" transparencies, not 35mm slides. Include caption information, artist statement and resume. Send to Cover Contest, 735 Ceramic Pl, Westerville OH 43081.

POTTER WANTED to make lamps shaped like jar or bulb. Tammy, 503-557-8595

TEACHING POSITION AVAILABLE: At Georgies in Portland, part time to full time (min 20hrs-max 40hrs depending on experience and abilities). Resume and photos of work required. Must have BA/BFA in Art/Ceramics or equivalent in ceramic teaching experience. Applicant should be: Able to teach Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced levels of wheel throwing; Skilled in teaching and working with mid range clay, ^6 glazes, & oxidation firing; Able to work with and promote Georgies products in the Georgies classroom; Able to co-ordinate with management and independent teachers from Georgies staff to maintain a clean and healthy classroom; Work with classroom co-ordinator to create a fun, fulfilling schedule of classes that will be well attended. Teaching is for personal enrichment, students are not seeking degree. Resume and photos of your work accepted only by mail or E-mail. christy@georgies.com or Georgies Ceramic and Clay, Attn:Christy, 756 Ne Lombard, Portland OR 97211. Georgies will contact you to set up an appointment.

TEACHING POSITION: There may possibly be teaching opportunities available at Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus. Applicants should have an MFA in ceramics. Send resume to Richey Bellinger, 6124 N Omaha, Portland OR 97217. Questions? Call Richey, 503-286-7072.

ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR BOOK: Tile Making & Installing will be a new book by Angelica Pozo to be released in Spring 2005. They would like high quality color slides or transparencies of individual tiles, tiles used in installations, small tiled objects to large sited installations. No entry fee, artists whose work is selected for the book receive full acknowledgment, a complimentary copy, and discounts on the purchase of books. Artists retain copyright of their work. Postmark deadline July 1, 2004. Visuals must represent work of original design. Maximum of 3 entries per artist. Each piece may have an additional detail shot. Check the Lark Books website, www.larkbooks.com, or contact Rebecca at 828-253-0467 x 748, rebecca@larkbooks.com.

RESIDENCY AVAILABLE: The Vermont Studio Center has year-round residencies that are 4 or 12 weeks. Visit www.vermontstudiocenter.org, click on "apply".

RESIDENCY AVAILABLE: The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts has Artist-in-Residence and Visiting Artist-in-Residence programs. Contact them at www.marylandhall.org, 410-263-5544

MEMBER NEWS

CALL FOR ENTRIES: "George E Ohr National Arts Challenge," deadline Aug 15, show Nov-Dec, juror Michael Lucero, contact Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, 136 GE Ohr St, Biloxi, Miss, 39530, www.georgeohr.org.

RICHEY BELLINGER has been chosen as the new instructor at PCC Rock Creek. Congratulations, Richey!

TAMAE SAWANO has moved to Fountain Hills, Arizona (near Phoenix). She says "If OPA members are doing shows in the area, please call me and hopefully you can stay with me." She misses her potter friends from Oregon. Her phone numbers are 503-307-9812 and 480-473-9812, tamae.sawano@sumcousa.com.

JAMES TINGEY had slides selected for the new Lark Books "500 Cups" to be published in Spring 2005.

BRUCE FONTAINE is a featured artist at the Silverfish Gallery, 2064 Sherman Avenue, In North Bend, June 1 through July 3.

Two OPA members won awards this year in the Strictly Functional Pottery National.  DONNA COLE won the "Award for Innovation" from the PA Guild of Craftsmen for her Teapot.  DEBORAH SHAPIRO won a "Purchase Award for Permanent Collection" from Bailey Pottery Equipment for her Platter. 

DAVE & BONI DEAL will teach a Raku Ho’Olaule’A workshop in Oahu, Hawaii August 2-9. It’s a fun event, with wet clay work, glazing, firing and camping on the beach. $95 registration due July 19. For info call 808-256-3420, www.hawaiicraftsmen.org

TERRY INKUMA, JACK WALSH & TOTEM SHRIVER have a show called "Fire and Grain" at the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E Main St in Hillsboro. June 1-29, Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. JOHN GROTH had a show there in May.

Cowboy potter JAMES DEROSSO posed for the most recent Skutt kiln ad with a few of his ceramic monsters. He replaced TED VOGEL who posed for the previous ad and showed us his amazing fingers.

FOR SALE: Bailey Wheel & 18 assorted bats, $400. Shimpo 2327 auto kiln well furnished, $800. North Star Slab roller, 24", $300. SuperDuper extruder and forms, $300. Giffin Grip $40. Triple Beam $50. Also small tools and many books. Offers welcome for all items. 503-223-0470   

STUDIO SPACE FOR RENT: Large, very clean garage space w/ northern light available in my quiet Hawthorne/Mt Tabor neighborhood. Electricity & water available. Linda, (phone in newsletter) (Portland)

July 1-5: Empty Bowls in Portland

July 9: OPA General Meeting

August 3: OPA Board Meeting

August 10: Newsletter Deadline

July 1-5: Empty Bowls in Portland

July 9: OPA General Meeting

August 3: OPA Board Meeting