Pottery Classes Offered at the Orange County Senior Center

A little known treasure in Hillsborough is the pottery studio in the Orange county Senior Center next to the Sportsplex.  The studio hosts a large, naturally lit room equipped with 6 new pottery wheels, tables for handbuilding, glazes, and a large, electric kiln.

The pottery studio got its start 4 years ago when the Senior Center moved into its new building adjoining the Sportsplex.  Adults of any age may sign up for either of the currently running 3 hour classes given on Monday 12:30 - 3:30 or Friday 11 - 2.  Student abilities range from  beginner to proficient.  The monthly sessions are inexpensive ( $65/month).  The enrollment is ongoing and includes the 3 class hours, firing ( bisque and glaze), use of tools, and 6 hours of studio time (Wed.  and Thursday from 1-4)

The instructor , Pip Merrick, tailors the class to student goals.  Some clay projects have included tile making, wall hangings, kitchenwares, sculpture, figurines and well as traditionally wheel thrown forms.  Each class begins with a demonstration of either wheel throwing/handbuilding/glaze or surface decoration.  Local ceramic artists have also donated their time to give demonstrations.    

Lisa Flinn, a member of the Monday class says: "Wheel throwing has been a life long goal. Pip teaches and encourages us in our individual efforts, helping us to find the creator within.  The members of the class are open , friendly, supportive and we have a lot of fun."

Pip Merrick is a ceramic artist specializing in hand painted large bowls.  She earned a City and Guilds certificate from Llandrillo College in North Wales in Ceramics and Design in 2005.