from the desk of David St. Lawrence

News from the Jacksonville Center - June 19, 2006

Good things are happening at the Center and we have adopted this new format to keep you informed of late breaking developments. Let us know if you would like to see additional information.

Things are heating up in the pottery studio

Gene Marrano of WVTF was on hand Saturday to see students of Tracy Dotson's "Raku Kiln Building and Wheel Throwing Class" as they pulled smoking hot Raku pots from barrels full of pine needles.

He toured the campus and interviewed several of us for his Studio Virginia show which airs on Thursday evenings. Those of you who listen to NPR might be interested in hearing what he has to say about the Jacksonville Center.

Your spare equipment can make a difference at the Jacksonville Center

You could really help us out by donating some items to help the Jacksonville Center present a better appearance and provide better service

1. If you have a spare riding lawnmower in operating condition, you can donate it to the center where it will get good use and you will get a tax deduction. We can also use any gas-powered weed whackers that you aren't using.

2. We can also use several boom-boxes for use in various teaching studios. Some students find that music helps them concentrate and we'd like to make their classes as productive as possible.

3. If you have any computers, tools or equipment that you no longer need, we will be happy to put them to use. Call Wayne or David at the center to arrange a pickup.

Summer volunteers gain skills and valuable experience

If your high school aged children want to work in a creative and stimulating environment, they might well follow the example of Molly Jones who was a volunteer in the pottery studio last year and has been promoted to studio assistant this year.

Creative young people can work in a supervised environment on the many tasks that go into keeping a non-profit art center running. They will get exposed to the challenges of helping staff meet deadlines, setting up workshops, in short, all of the challenges of business but in a supportive and artistic environment. Adults must sign a release for any volunteer younger than 18 years old.

Exposure to real life organizations as a volunteer staff member goes a long way towards preparing students for professional careers. Call David St Lawrence at 540-745-2784 for information.

There is still time to register for July Classes

There are classes in blacksmithing, pottery, stained glass, and watercolor starting during July. You can check the course schedules online at http://jacksonvillecenteronline.info.
Call 540-745-2784 to register.

This week's events - Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm

An artists reception will be held in the Community Hall on Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm for the Earth and Stone exhibit in the Hayloft Gallery

An exhibit will be held in Studio 124 on Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm to celebrate the beginning of the Traces 2006 summer show.


Thanks for your contributions and your continuing support.
Let me know what we can do to make the Jacksonville Center more useful to you.

David St Lawrence
Executive Director
Jacksonville Center

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tags for this post - floyd, virginia, jacksonville center