Our First Ceramics Master

One of our two ceramics instructors, Ali Mayer, is here today to share some exciting news about the Ceramics studio! Ali has a deep connection with the program, as she was an Assistant Counselor the summer we began Ceramics. She shares how the studio has not only shaped her story, but a glimpse into how it is impacting others.

"Hello! My name is Alison Mayer and I am one of the ceramics instructors this summer. 

Ceramics was added to the activity roster in 2010 in an effort to expand the arts at HoneyRock. When I was an Assistant Counselor, I had the opportunity to be in the studio. My experience working with the clay that summer shaped the path of my lif, giving me a vision for the direction that God was leading me. Creating art became passion which has continued to grow since that summer. In order to fulfill my calling, I am pursuing a degree of Fine Art at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. My desire is to become an art professor at a small college or art school.

I am very pleased to introduce the very first ceramics masters student at HoneyRock, Jacob Fisco! Jacob participated in Advance Camp this summer and has been coming to HoneyRock for several years. He has participated in the ceramics program since it’s beginning. As a Masters student, Jacob created a tea set including a teapot, saucers, and tea cups. He also created a series of five mugs, learned how to load and fire the kiln, made glazes and slips, plates, lidded jars, and the list goes on. Another important part of all Masters awards at HoneyRock is the service and assisting hours that the student completes, giving back to the activity area. Jacob served all areas of the studio for a total of six hours in order to receive his Masters. It was a great joy to work with Jacob and share in something we have both come to love so much at HoneyRock!"

The Ceramics studio serves more than our camper programs. During the spring, Professor Hooker runs a Woodfire class, where Wheaton students come to HoneyRock for two weeks to create pieces, firing them in our wood kiln. The studio will also play an incredible role in Vanguard year, coming September 2015.

Wood Kiln Fire Reveal

Today is an exiciting day for the WIN ceramics class! They have been patiently waiting for the wood kiln to cool enough to unstack the bricks and climb inside to unload their work. It has been a long process, one that began Sunday evening and went well into Monday.

We're excited to show some of the pieces that the students created during their time in the new ceramics studio!

Wood Kiln Fire

Remember this? Four years later and we're still firing the wood kiln as a part of the WIN ceramics class. Professor Hooker has led this WIN class each year since 2010. Every summer, students learn about Japanese ceramics, create work, fill the kiln, and take part in the 24-hour firing process.

Around 7am this morning, the kiln read 800*F, and has since risen to 1600*F. The stoking process continues until the kiln reaches about 2300*. It will then be unloaded sometime after lunch on Wednesday after a long cooling process. 

pieces waiting to be fired in the new Ceramics studio

tracking the temperature

stoking the fire

Stop back on Friday to see pictures of the kiln being unloaded and the reveal of the students' work!

2008- 2009 GPA Group Arrives

The Graduate Program Assistantship group has arrived. The Graduate Program
Assistantships are designed specially for people who have a
Bachelors degree and desire hands-on training for leadership in camp or
youth related ministries. The 13 students come from all over the country and have experience in wilderness, ministry and travel. The first three weeks will be spent training and building community with one another. For more information about our GPA group, visit our website at www.honeyrockcamp.org.