News from Sheri Marshall, January and February 2010

Both January and February are a busy time teaching for VSA Arts at Ripley High School. During the 4 workshops sessions we will create pinch pots, coil pots, tiles, and sculpture. The students will also learn to glaze their pottery, learn the science of clay and experience their artistic side!

News from Sheri Marshall, November and December 2009

Both November and December were busy months in the art studio. Several pieces were donated to local charities including the Byhalia Lions Club and Marshall County Forestery Association for Christmas auctions. Participating in a juried invitational group exhibit at a gallery located in Water Valley, MS was one of the highlights of the season.

News from Sheri Marshall, October 2009

The outdoor show held September 26th, 2009 in Oxford, MS was a huge success. The day started out with rain, then as the morning progressed, turn to sun. We had a good turnout along with a steady stream of interested art lovers. Our next show will be prior to Christmas.

The fiber piece I submitted to Bryn Mawr Art Ability exhibition was accepted. The show begins November 7, 2009 at the rehab hospital in Malvern, PA. This is the third time I have participated in the show. Proceeds from exhibition benefit hospital programs.

News from Sheri Marshall, September 2009

The Oxford Artist Guild will be holding their fall art show and sale in Oxford, MS in the Chancery parking lot, September 26th from 10:00 am until 3:00pm. I am looking forward to participating in this show.

News from Sheri Marshall, July 2009

Recently I was asked to enter an exhibition for Art Ability at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital located in Malvern, PA. Below are photos of the two entries. The first photo is of a turquoise porcelain tea bowl that was thrown on the potters wheel, then altered while wet. The second photo is of an abstract fiber piece.

News from Sheri Marshall, June 2009

From December 2008 through May 2009 I spent nearly every other Friday conducting a clay workshop in the school system. The every other week routine allowed me the chance to dry projects in preparation for firing and/or firing student projects. Typically I start a clay workshop with a lecture, then information about the project, finally the project and clean up.

The lecture incorporates science because there is SO much science that is a large part of working with clay. Specifically, with the application of heat, the clay is physically changed forever. Glaze formulation incorporates Earth science what with the use of Earth minerals such as glass formers, clay and fluxes. Lectures are usually very specific and focused on one aspect of creating pottery.

The projects ranged from easy to complex and became more complex as the weeks went by. Throughout I emphasized eye-hand coordination and the creative process. I conducted workshops in Ripley, Sarah, New Albany and Ecru, Mississippi. In the end I conducted workshops in conjunction with VSA Arts, Mississippi, the Sycamore Arts Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission. Below is a photo from a workshop sessions with New Albany Middle School students.

In February 2009 I worked with residents at the Baddour Center in Sentobia, MS creating table centerpieces for their 30th anniversary celebration. The celebration took place in April. This three month process involved many residents placing their creative designs into round slab that was ultimately molded into a garden planter. Each bowl used approximately 8 pounds of clay. Firings were conducted every 3 days. Over 100 bowls were completed. The centerpieces were sold at the anniversary dinner. Below is a photo of residents creating the large centerpieces.

In April I was asked to make 30 silver clay pendants for the Frog-A-Nanny event held annually in New Albany. This event is for mentally challanged students within the public school system. The event is a picnic, with games and a BBQ. Perfect weather, local support in in form of contributions made this event very successful!