This Saturday, May 7th from 1pm-7pm please join the Screw Factory Artists for our Annual Spring Open Studio Event! Artwork will be on display and for sale.

Tray Making Workshop

Until the weather warms up I am offering workshops in my studio. Longer session classes will start up again in April. Its a good opportunity to try a class for a lower price and see if you enjoy working with clay. All the info is below. I hope you can join me. I only have five spots left. Its not a big studio and I like to make sure everyone has enough space work comfortably.

All classes are held at 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, Ohio. Studio 328 (3rd Floor). Email Gina at artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register. Cash, check or credit is accepted at the time of registration. You can also call me at 440.785.5409 to sign up.

Refund policy: I need to maintain a certain number of students to run a class. You must cancel no less then one week before the start date of the class or workshop. A $10 processing fee will be deducted if you cancel. Cancellations will less then one week's notice will not receive a refund with the exception of a medical emergency.

Two-Day Tray Making Workshop (All Levels):
ONLY 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE! REGISTER ASAP!

Saturday, February 5th & 12th, 10am-12pm, $65

Learn to make basic hand built trays with and without handles in this two-day workshop. We will use stoneware clay to roll out slabs, then stamp and texture our trays or plates. The second class we be will spend glazing our pieces. The fee includes clay, glazes and firings. Pieces will be available for pick up on February 19th or after.

Winter 2011 Class Schedule

Until the weather warms up I am offering workshops in my studio. Longer session classes will start up again in April. Please keep in mind my studio can be drafty in the winter. Its not so cold you will be uncomfortable but I am in an old factory.

All classes are held at 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, Ohio. Studio 328 (3rd Floor). Email Gina at artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register. Cash, check or credit is accepted at the time of registration.

Refund policy: I need to maintain a certain number of students to run a class. You must cancel no less then one week before the start date of the class or workshop. A $10 processing fee will be deducted if you cancel. Cancellations will less then one week's notice will not receive a refund with the exception of a medical emergency.

Two-Day Tray Making Workshop (All Levels):
Saturday, February 5th & 12th, 10am-12pm, $65

Learn to make basic hand built trays with and without handles in this two-day workshop. We will use stoneware clay to roll out slabs, then stamp and texture our trays or plates. The second class we be will spend glazing our pieces. The fee includes clay, glazes and firings. Pieces will be available for pick up on February 19th or after.

Two-Day Ceramic Jewelry Making Workshop (All Levels):
Saturday, March 12th from 10am-12pm and Saturday, March 19th from 10am-1pm, $70

Learn to make beads, buttons and pendants with stoneware clay. The first class will be spent cutting, carving and stamping our pieces. The following week we will refine the edges on our pieces and add glazes. Please note the 2nd day of this workshop is longer to accommodate for the finishing of our pieces. The fee includes clay, glazes and firings.

Classes for April and May will be announced in February.

Ceramic Ornament Workshop!

Create ceramic ornaments in this one day workshop for teens and adults! I will provide the clay, glazes, tools, cookie cutters and kiln. You provide imagination (and cookie cutters if you have some too!)

Students will roll out slabs out clay to cut out ornaments in a variety of shapes and size. Then we will glaze and carve to create one-of-a-kind pieces. I will fire the pieces once dry and then they can be picked up at a later date.

Cost: $50
Times/Dates: Saturday, October 23rd from 10am - 1pm.
Pick up on Saturday, November 6 from 1pm - 8pm during our studio open house!
Payment is due at time of registration. Cancellations up to one week before class minus a $20 supply fee. No exceptions.

Email artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information.

A day of artsy craftiness on Cleveland's west side!

Screw Factory Artists' Annual Holiday Open Studio When: Saturday, November 6th from 1:00pm to 8:00pm Where: The Lake Erie Building located at 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107. The Lake Erie Building is quickly becoming one of the Cleveland area’s most popular artist enclaves. Nestled in the Bird Town neighborhood of Lakewood this building houses a variety of studios. Many artists have worked in this space for over ten years. Media ranges from fine art to eclectic crafts including printmaking, mosaics, fiber art and wearables, painting, portraiture, ceramics, glass and mixed media collage and installation. Participating artists include: Ann Brown, Libby Chaney, Gina DeSantis, Robb Durr, Katie Hanrahan, Michael Hudecek, Karen Jewell-Kett, Marc Konys, Sam Meador, Michelle Mowery, M.C. Nagel, Shannon Okey, Ann Onusko, Arabella Proffer, Ursula Ryan, Ryu no Sakebi, Kate Tobin, Achala Wali & Dorene Warner. Visit http://www.screwfactoryartists.com for updates and a list of visiting artists. Artist studios are on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The Templar Autos will be on display on the 3rd floor along with Lakewood is Art. Friends of Madison Park will be providing gift wrapping for guests. For more information regarding this event contact Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com. For rental information contact Ralph Lukich of Omni Management at rlukich@omniprideone.com.

Wheel throwing classes at Art House!!!

They start next Monday. Have you signed up? My classes have been reformatted to 6 weeks rather than 5. I am very excited about this because I feel the students will be able to get a lot more work and one on one time throughout the session. Its a great class that is always a mix of new students and some regulars. Try your hand at making cups, bowls and plates. Intermediate to advanced students can work on lidded vessels, vases and teapots.

Visit Art House's site for all of the info. Contact them to sign up.

For any specific class content questions feel free to drop me a line at artzy_grl@yahoo.com.

CLAY ON THE WHEEL - All Levels

with Gina DeSantis Sooth your mind by throwing bowls or cups on the pottery wheel. If you are more advanced, try plates, lidded vessels or teapots. Classes are small to allow for individual instruction and to provide every student the opportunity to delve into their creative side. Become a part of one of the most popular programs at Art House! All clays are food, microwave and dishwasher safe. Mondays 6:30 - 8:30pm, 6 weeks Session I: Sept 13, 20, 27, Oct 4, 11 & 18 Session II: Oct 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Class fee: $150 Class fee includes: 25 lbs of clay, glazes, firings Registration deadline: Session I Sept 7 Session II Oct 19 These classes are offered at Art House in Cleveland, Ohio. Call 216.398.8556 to register today!

Hand Building with Clay. All levels.

These classes are taught at my studio in the Lake Erie Building (AKA The Screw Factory Artist Studios). Sign up soon. Spots are limited.

This 4 week class is perfect for beginners or more seasoned students. Basic methods of hand building including slab building, coiling and pinch pots will be covered along with decorating techniques. Students are encouraged to bring ideas to class. Demonstrations will be given at the beginning of each class then students will work independently on their projects. Its a small class therefore you will have a lot of one on one instruction.

Cost $105.00. Payment must be made to secure your spot in the class. Cancellations will be refunded minus a $25.00 charge for supplies up to one week before the class. No exceptions.

Class minimum size is 3 students. Maximum is 8. Sign up early to secure your space! Please note there is no air conditioning in the space. It can be toasty sometimes. If for some reason its too hot to hold class I will provide multiple make up times.

Email artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information.

Times/Dates: Wednesday evenings from 7-9pm.
Session 1: Aug 25, Sept 1, Sept 8, Sept 15
Session 2: Sept 22, Sept 29, Oct 6, Oct 13

***no classes will be held in Nov or Dec due to my holiday shows.

Sometimes this is a cooking blog. 

I signed up for City Fresh in Lakewood this year. If you are not familiar check out the LEAF site. I get fresh local produce once a week. But you never know what you are getting.

This week I got kohlrabi, a veggie that is new to me. If you like broccoli then you will like kohlrabi. I googled for some recipe and I found a great set of links from Simply Recipes.

I made stirfry with one to try it out. My stirfry sauce was a combo of Cha-cha Chinese Chicken salad dressing (from Heinen's and so amazing to cook with!, Rooster Sauce for heat and soy sauce. The dressing is a combo of sesame oils which makes everything taste amazing. I added the rest of my veggies and some jasmine rice courtesy of Trader Joe's.

I have one left in the fridge as well as the greens from the plant which I found out you can blanche then cook down with garlic and olive oil. Mmmm. I'm excited to try the kohlrabi squash and empanadas this week too. So many new recipes to try. I think this will help me along my path to healthy eating. I'm almost half way to my weight loss goal. I'm trying to add more and more veggies to my diet.

Now if I can just find a cheap mini fridge for the studio I bring my healthy snacks with me.

New Ceramics Classes!

I have some new classes starting...
First next week my wheel throwing class begins again at Art House. You need to register with them for the class. Call 216.398.8556 or visit their website for more info.

Then I have a hand building class starting in June at my studio.
Session 1: Wednesday Evenings from 7-9pm

June 2, 9, 16, 23
4 SPOTS LEFT!

Email me at artzy_grl@yahoo.com for registration or visit my site for all the other info. 

I wrote an article for the Lakewood Observer about 3 great events on May 1st in Lakewood including the Lake Erie Building Open Studio. Check it out here.

Spring Session:

Wednesday evenings (Only 3 spots left! Spots are not held without payment)
Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Summer Session 1:

Wednesday evenings
June 2, 9, 16, 23
4 weeks/ 7-9pm


This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchased for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.

Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.

Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions. 

Hey Lakewood! 

May 1st is a day of awesome art filled goodness!!!

Little did we know when planning began for the next open studio event at the Lake Erie Building that it would turn into a whirlwind day of art. A group called the Cleveland Craft Coalition is holding shows at Bela Dubby the 1st Saturday of the month. Check them out from 12-4pm and grab a cup of coffee. Then head over to the Lake Erie Building (or more affectionately called the Screw Factory Artists) from 1-8pm for our annual spring open house. More art. And wine, of course. Can't forget the wine. Or our auction to benefit the Friends of Madison Park. Then hang out and purchase tickets to LEAF's Rutabaga Nights fundraiser from 7-midnight. Hope to see you at one or all of these events!

Next round of Hand building classes with clay starts March 24th!

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 2: Wednesday evenings
March 24, 31 and April 7, 14
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Session 3: Wednesday evenings
Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12
4 weeks / 7-9pm

Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.

Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.

Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions. 

The next open studio event at the Lake Erie Building...

I am going to be a bad blogger this week. I'm flu-ish and have some stuff going on to share so this is my only post for the week...

If you are interested in taking my class on Wed nights it starts this week! Everything you need to know:

Handbuilding Class

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.
Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings
Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3
4 weeks / 7-9 pm

3 SPOTS LEFT!!!

And don't forget to stop by the Bazaar Bizarre Valentine Show this Friday and Saturday. Here's what you need to know:
Bazaar Bizarre Cleveland is hosting a Valentine's show next weekend at 224 Euclid, on Public Square (the old Bang & Clatter theatre space, across from the Starbucks in the BP building) -- come check it out! Event hours are 11-8 Friday and 11-6 Saturday.

You can RSVP here on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?invites&eid=215849410442

30+ vendors makes this the perfect alternative to the mall.

This class is designed for beginning students as well as more advanced students wishing to expand their hand building skills. Using stoneware clay you will earn how to create functional pieces and sculptures using slab, coiling and basic mold techniques. Decorative techniques and glazing techniques will also be addressed.

Tools are available for use. There is no need to purchase any tools separately.

Session 1: Wednesday evenings

Feb 10, 17, 24 and March 3

4 weeks / 7-9 pm



Session 2: Wednesday evenings

March 24, 31 and April 7, 14

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Session 3: Wednesday evenings

Apr 21, 28 and May 5, 12

4 weeks / 7-9pm



Cost $105. Includes (1) 25lb bag of clay, glazes and 2 firings. Additional clay may be purchase for $15 for a 25lb bag. Payment is due upon registration. Class size is limited to 6 students. Spaces cannot be held without payment. Please note: There is a $25 withdrawal fee. Notice of withdrawal must be received no later than 7 days prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after that time.



Class location: 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, OH. Studio #328.



Please email artzy_grl@yahoo.com to register or with any questions.

Hand Building Class with Gina DeSantis

 

This class will focus on creating hand built clay vessels (both functional and sculptural). We will also integrate texture and pattern to create one of a kind pieces. Topics will include carving, sprigging, stamping, inlaying, stencils, and sgraffito. This class is designed for all levels of ceramics artists from beginners to more seasoned students.

Dates: Mon evenings 7-9pm, Jan 4th - Jan 25th (4 weeks) 2 SPOTS LEFT!

***just added OR Thurs evenings 7-9pm, Jan 7th - Jan 28th (4 weeks) 3 SPOTS LEFT!
Fee: $105 (The class fee includes one 25lb bag of clay, all glazes and firings.)
Payment is due upon registration.
 
(Sign up soon. Class size is limited. Maximum 6 students.)

Location: Lake Erie Building at the Templar Industrial Park
13000 Athens Ave
Lakewood, OH 44107

Contact Gina DeSantis at artzy_grl@yahoo.com for more information and to register.

More work by another visiting artist Elizabeth Emery. She has a show this Friday at SPACES Gallery.