Autumn at Central United Methodist Church
The people of Central United Methodist Church in Stockton will be hosting their annual Autumn @ Central event on Sunday, October 20 from 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. on the campus of their church at 3700 Pacific Avenue. Truly this is a celebration of the
arts in the city of Stockton.
Studio@ Central in the church’s Fellowship Hall will feature the works of eleven San Joaquin Potters Guild ceramic and glass artists. All of the ceramic and glass works will be for sale, and the proceeds help provide for a scholarship to be given to an art student from Delta College or the University of the Pacific. The San Joaquin Potters Guild is a non-profit organization of approximately fifty ceramic and glass artists from Stockton and the surrounding community’s. The organization has promoted public awareness of ceramic and glass art since its founding in 1991. The eleven members of the Potters Guild who are participating in this exhibit and sale have many years of experience working with clay and glass. They are the following:
J.C. Strote, Lodi—J.C’s work spans styles from jewelry to art pieces that hang on the wall, as well as functional pieces like plates and bowls. All of her work includes glass but she also works with clay; her jewelry pieces use natural stones or beautiful beads from other glass artists.
Dolly Navarro, Turlock – Dolly was first introduced to clay when her daughter brought home a pot that she had made in school. Dolly was so taken by it that she wanted to make pots of her own. After 30 years, she’s striving for that perfect pot.
Pam Ackles, Turlock – Pam’s first encounter with clay was a pinch pot ashtray she made in elementary school. Now most of her work is thrown andaltered or hand built with thrown additions or natural objects. Each piece is made by hand and one-of-a-kind.
Kathy White, Stockton—A native Californian, Kathy has worked with clay for more than 35 years and professionally for 20 years. Her goal as an artist is simple: “I think the objects that we use in our daily lives should be beautiful and meaningful. I strive to integrate function and beauty into my work. My hope is that my pottery will enrich people’s lives through its beauty, whether functional or decorative.
Linda Osborne, Stockton – Linda has been working with clay since the early 70s. She shows and sells her clay and glass work in various venues all over Northern California and works from her home in Stockton.
Glenda Burns, Stockton—Glenda is a multimedia artist who has been working as an artist in Stockton since her retirement from teaching. In pottery work, she endeavors to create pieces that feel good to hold and are decorated in a way that is colorful and cheerful.
Donna Samelson, Stockton—Donna creates functional pottery items from clay. She has always been intrigued by taking raw, formless matter with little intrinsic worth, such as clay, and shaping it into forms with lasting utility and value. Creating something useful from nothing gives her great satisfaction.
Jane Burns, Tracy—AS a functional potter, Jane Burns seeks beauty in the ordinary. “Holding a hand-made pottery piece whose line, texture, and glaze are in balance with each other is a joy.”
Lana Jones, La Grange – Lana was introduce to clay while attending CSU, Stanislaus twenty five years ago. Lana is interested in traditional and contemporary techniques of indigenous cultures. function and form are part of history and Lana’s hope is to bring that beauty into the lives of others.
L.O. Smith, Citrus Heights—My good fortune was to have been educated in the Stockton Unified School District during a time when the creative process was not only encouraged but opened a door to a life time of creativity. I have a BA degree from Stanislaus State University and for the past 20 years have lived in Sacramento County where I paint and do clay work, and on occasion enter competitive shows.
Mitchel Smith, Stockton – Clay and multi-media artist.
Outside in the church’s Central Park a quilt show will be hung between the trees. Gentle breezes provide the opportunity for the quilts to take shape and gently flow in the breeze. Members of the church and surrounding communities provide the quilts that are shown. Another part of the show is antique quilts that each have a history. If you listen closely maybe they will share their story.
Music will be provided in both venues. A baked potato lunch will be served in Central Park while apple desserts made by the church members will be served in the Fellowship Hall.