Activities & Events
Crafts & Pottery
Craft Center Ministry
Over 30 years ago, Marilyn Jones, with the help of church volunteers started the Montreat Craft Shop Co-Op. Marilyn, a potter herself, taught in those early summers using one old kiln and her trusty wheel, “Big Blue.” She was joined by many other crafts persons, and over 15 years, saw her vision become a true ministry at Montreat. In 1989, upon Marilyn’s retirement, Montreat renamed and dedicated the “Sally Jones Pottery” in memory of Marilyn’s daughter, Sally.
The Wilbur Hoke Currie Craft Center was dedicated in memory of Mr. Currie in the summer of 1993. Most recently, in 2000, the “Potters Porch” was given in memory of Mr. John Updike.
Greetings from the Sally Jones Pottery & Wilbur-Hoke Currie Craft Center at Montreat Conference Center.
As you enter the new year, and continue planning for congregational activities, please keep us in mind!
The arts ministry has growing opportunities for recreation, fellowship and ministry for your congregation. Working with intergenerational groups, circles, youth and adults we can tailor activities to suite your needs. With clay as the venue play, self-renewal, and spiritual growth are the possibilities. Contact Martha Nelson, potter in residence, to plan a workshop at Martharnelson@gmail.com or by phone 828-215-2435. The following are samples of possible workshops. Inquire about weekly lessons.
Time required per workshop session is 2 hours unless otherwise noted.
Unearthing Our Creativity: Creative expression can invite a child-like openness and spontaneity. Working with slabs we will pinch and paddle the clay to shape vessels then add texture. Finished forms will be reminders to make space for creativity in our daily lives in order to give Spirit a pathway in which to flourish. (One or two sessions if pieces are to be glazed by participants.)
Peaceful Potters: Using clay as a meditation tool we will learn to focus inwardly, quieting the mind in order to listen to the still voice within. Hand-built bowls will be formed from balls of clay using pinch pot and coil techniques. (One or two sessions if pieces are to be glazed by participants.)
Transformation- Clay and Soul: Can working with clay help us learn to become the clay in the hands of the Creator, yielding to the pressure and molding of unseen hands, metaphorically being created and destroyed in order to be perfected in God’s image? The work of a potter can be seen as a path which cultivates spiritual growth. Using a potter’s wheel we will aspire to become more “centered.” (Three sessions required in order to trim and glaze finished pieces.)
Bringing Clay to the Table: Creating sacramental pieces for communion is a way of deepening our understanding of this ritual. Using both hand forming and wheel technique we will make chalices and patens for the serving of Lord’s supper. This course is recommended as a compliment to confirmation classes. (Three sessions required.)
Advent Time: What better way to celebrate advent then to gather families and create nativity scenes, advent candle wreathes, or ornaments. (One or two sessions if pieces are to be glazed by participants.)
Creative expression can invite a child-like openness and spontaneity.