Potter's News

Today, we are featuring new cone 6 glazes by Coyote Clay. Click HERE. to view the line.
Just use the back arrow to return.

HOLIDAY HOURS
We will be closed July 4th - 6th for Independence Day. We wish you and your family a
Happy 4th of July. Regular business hours resume on Monday, July 7th.

HOURS
Our hours to 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
We accept Visa & Mastercard. Local delivery available and
we ship via UPS and motor freight daily.
Please call your orders in 48 hours ahead of time and we'll have them here
and ready for you.
On Saturdays we operate with a "skeleton crew".
If you need a little more attention than usual, we suggest you schedule your
visit between Monday and Friday.
If you need private consultation, please call for information on appointment times
and costs.

6th ANNUAL CLAY OLYMPICS
The date is set for October 25th 2008! Mark it on your calendar now.
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ON THE FUN!

5th ANNUAL CLAY OLYMPICS
Great fun was had by all at this years' clay olympics. Click HERE to see some pictures of the fun.

Latest Kiln Winners
At our Clay Olympics in October 07 lucky Craig Tweed (Duncan Tweed's
Dad) won a Skutt KM1018 - 240 Volt Kiln. Duncan Tweed and Mike Sievers are
pictured here.

CONGRATULATIONS !

MARJON CATALOG
We now offer our catalog in a digital format! That's right, you can pop
a CD into your computer and plan your order. Let us know if you need a copy.

ORDER A COMPLIMENTARY CATALOG ON CD

MAYCO'S NEW COLORS
Clay Art Glazes are a collection of specialty glazes developed for clay artists, studio potters,
and anyone who loves to experiment with clay, glazes and firing processes.

These two exciting glaze lines will be here and available for purchase the week of June 2nd:

* Raku Glazes - 5 colors: Black Metallic, Copper Metallic, Patina Metallic, White Crackle and Red
* Crystalline Glazes - 5 Engobes: Dark Blue, Light Blue, White, Black and Pink; 1 Seeding Media and 1 Crystalline Clear glaze

Raku glazes are packaged in 16 oz wide mouth (3" diameter), squat pints. They can be purchased by
the pint (or case of 6). All are all non-toxic formulas.

Crystalline Glazes This product was developed to create macro-crystalline structures in a clear over glaze.
It involves using an engobe, a seeding media - which causes the development of crystals to grow in the clear over glaze - and
the clear over glaze. Same wide mouth, squat pint jar.
The Seeding Media is packaged in 4-oz jars.

DELIVERY CHARGES
Please call for the current rates to your site.

MARJON CERAMICS will meet or beat any local, written
quote on kilns and equipment.
Just bring us the paperwork and we'll go to work for you.

COMMUNICATION, IS EMAIL YOUR PREFERENCE?
We use this method of communication for almost all of our announcements
and we need your response to make this happen. More and more
information is being shared via the internet and we'd like to make sure that
you receive it too. Some of the manufacturers give a sneak peek at their
most current products via email. We'd like to share them with you. Provide us
with your email address and we'll do just that! You can email us by clicking
here marjonpx@marjonceramics.com
or contact the Tucson store by clicking here marjontn@marjonceramics.com
<FONT FACE="VERDANA"size=6><i> MARJON CERAMICS INC. <br> AND ARIZONA SCHOOL OF FIRED ARTS <br> </i></font>

GET TO KNOW RANDY ASHENFELTER!!!
Randy is the Director of "Arizona School of Fired Arts". He has all kinds of interesting
things planned with you in mind. These are just some of the educational classes that
are coming up:
Wheel Throwing, Hand Building, Clay Cooking, Glaze Formulating, How to Fire,
Whistle Making, Slump Hump Molds, Mask Making, Raku Firing, Saggar Firing,
Large Scale Ceramics, Terra Sigillata, Crystalline Glazes, Intro to Kiln Fired Glass,
Tile Mosaic Making & Installation
If there is subject that you want to learn about and don't see it on our
calendar, just ask! We'll do our best to satisfy you.

ARIZONA SCHOOL OF FIRED ARTS
We invite you to come to our ALL NEW teaching & working
FIRED ART STUDIO!
The sessions begin approximately every 10 weeks. Our next handbuilding sessions begin
the June 3rd and are 12 weeks. Throwing sessions begin the week of June 16th and will be 10 weeks.
Registration is now open! Don't wait, sign up now & guarantee yourself a place!
Enrolled students are encouraged to use the studio space for practice during
open studio hours.
If you don't want to commit to a complete session, try some of our one day
classes. Or, if you want to try throwing on the potter's wheel at home,
consider our wheel rental program.
We have some very talented people to teach Wheel Throwing,
Slab Building and Hand Building. There are some beautiful
examples of the instructors' work on display.
Come by and check it out. REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CLASSES
IS NOW OPEN.
Sign up early as space is available first come first served.
Give us a call today and we'll get you enrolled!

Class Descriptions

How to Fire Your Electric Kiln
Are you intimidated by your kiln? Ever wonder the difference between cone 6 and cone 06?
What is kiln wash? learn these answers and more at this informative class designed to take
the mystery out of firing. We will be covering manual and digital kilns, loading techniques
and kiln accessories.
Class # Day & Time Dates Length Instructor Price
EKF0811 Friday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. June 27th one time Randy Ashenfelter $ 25.00
EKF083 Friday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. July 25th one time Randy Ashenfelter $ 25.00
EKF084

Ceramics 101
This class is an intro to ceramics that focuses on wheel thrown pottery
as well as handbuilding techniques. It is the perfect course for the individual
that would like a sample of many techniques in ceramics.

Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
BTM0721 Mondays 9 a.m. - Noon June 16th - August 25th 10 weeks Peter Flynn $180.00
BTM0722 Mondays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. June 16th - August 25th 10 weeks Peter Flynn $180.00

Advanced Throwing
Learn more advanced throwing techniques for throwing larger forms, lidded jars,
and altering thrown forms. This class will also cover other options for finishing
pieces with washes, engobes, and glaze combinations.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
ATW0721 Wednesdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. June 18th - August 27th 10 weeks Peter Flynn $180.00
ATW0722 Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. June 18th - August 27th 10 weeks Peter Flynn $180.00


Handbuilding with Clay
Explore various ways of clay construction including
pinch, coil and slab building as well as a general
knowledge of working with clay.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
BHB0812 Tuesdays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. June 3rd - August 26th 12 weeks Randy Ashenfelter $216.00
BHB0722 Thursdays 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. June 5th - August 28th 12 weeks Randy Ashenfelter $216.00


Advanced Handbuilding
Build larger forms using frames or supports,
experiment with different finishes like engobes and oxide
washes, or explore a creative concept more fully for your artwork.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
not scheduled

Raku Firing Workshop
Come experience this dynamic and unique firing method first developed in ancient Japan and then
modified by Southern California potters during the 1960's. Please bring no more than two bisque
fired stoneware pieces
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
not scheduled watch for fall dates

Tuesday Sculpture Class
Express yourself through sculpture. In this class we will use armatures, slabs and free form sculpting
to create and construct sculptural art. Sculptures can be abstract, whimsical, figurines (animal or human)
, 3-D tiles, busts, etc. Project choice is your decision. Projects must fit on a 12" x 12" wareboard. 25#
of clay and firing is included in class, but you will need some basic tools.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
not scheduled

Musical Clay
Spend an evening learning how to make instruments out of clay while building a clay rainstick.
Students will learn how to make rattles, a xylophone, flutes, drums and even a clay horn.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price
not scheduled

Crystalline Glaze Workshop
Learn the process from start to finish for creating fantastic crystal glazed pots! Learn about
making and attaching catchers, seeding pots, glazing, firing and removing catchers once the
pots are complete. The highly technical glazes are unique and the results are truly amazing.
Spaces are limited and there is a bit of prep for this class, so sign up early.
Class # Day & Time Start Date Length Instructor Price

Glaze Solutions
Ever have a glaze recipe that ran too much, didn't fit or just wasn't the right
color for your clay body? Find out how to fix the glazes you have and, even
create new ones.
Class # Day & Time Dates Length Instructor Price
not scheduled


Basics of Glaze Mixing
Ever want to mix a dry glaze or have a recipe for a glaze that you've
wanted to mix from scratch but weren't quite sure how to do it? Glaze
mixing is a basic and very necessary skill for anyone interested in pottery.
Class # Day & Time Dates Length Instructor Price
BGM071 Friday 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. August 1st one time Randy Ashenfelter $ 25.00

Open Studio Hours
When ever there isn't a class scheduled you may work up until
one hour before closing. Please check with us for classes that
may conflict with your time.
Come and work with our studio equipment for $10.00 per hour (1 hour
minimum) during open studio hours. This price does not include instruction,
clay, glazes or firing.
We also offer "Open Studio Packages". Just ask us for the details!
Potter's Wheel Rentals
Rent a wheel and hone your throwing skills in the privacy of your own home.
Renting a wheel is also a perfect way to practice throwing while you are enrolled
in a class, or to find out if pottery is right for you. Potter's Wheels can be rented
for $25.00 per week with a two week ($50.00) minimum, plus a deposit.

Class cancellations/Refunds
We will make every effort to fill all the classes that are scheduled, but if minimum
registration is not met, the class will be canceled. Participants will be notified by phone
if the class is canceled and will have the option of enrolling in another class if space is
available. Reimbursement checks will be mailed out in approximately two weeks. No refunds
are given unless the class is canceled due to insufficient registration.

MARJON CERAMICS will meet or beat any local, written
quote on kilns and equipment.
Just bring us the paperwork and we'll go to work for you.

MARJON GUEST ARTIST CASE   
The featured Artist for the month of May:

Anne Rasmussen
Artist Statement

There is a natural utility to clay. It has been used for thousands of years to make everything
from vessels to icons and I enjoy being a part of this tradition. There is a challenge in
replicating historical forms suchl as Japanese tea bowls or pre-Columbian seed vessels but even
more a of a challenge is putting my own personal touch on those traditional shapes, giving a well
known form a new voice.
I love the challenge of taking a ball of mud and turning it into something useful and making the useful
artful. Textures, physical and visual, subtle and bold, play a part in our every day lives, and I want to
take that one step further by making my creative experience a shared one with whoever holds my work in
their hands. The dimensionality of ceramics interprets nature in a way that other art forms don't . Like a
tree or rock, it can be radically different or exactly the same from other angles but you cannot know this
unless you look from those angles.
In ceramics, the artist doesn't have the luxury of immediate results. The process of making, drying , firing,
glazing and firing again can take weeks and sometimes longer with alternative methods. The time, effort,
emotional, and intellectual attachment invested in a single piece can end instantly with an unexpected crack,
an unfortunate glaze bubble or simply a loose grip. Entropy is a constant companion - it can be an enemy or a
close friend. Likewise, grace sits close-by. The same elements that invite calamity also dance joyfully with
fortune. When I sit at the potter's wheel, I encourage grace and entropy to work their hardest as I work to
balance the two.

If you'd like to be featured as one of our guest artists, give Eileen a call.
She can let you know when we have space available for you to "strut your stuff".


NEW PRODUCTS

NEW LIGHTER, STRONGER KILN SHELVES
CORELITE Cone 10 KILN SHELVES are available in 10 and 12 sided half and full shelves and in
12x24x1 rectangles. Their structural design and higher mullite content translates to better strength,
more crack resistance and superior sag resistance. Flatter, hollow core shelves means lighter weight
(up to 50% lighter!) & lower firing costs.

NEW IRON PLATE/ART STANDS
Have you been looking for the perfect way to display that over-sized piece of art? Well come on by
and check out these iron stands are 15 3/4" tall X 10 1/2" wide X 6 1/2" deep. The cross support is
elevated above the level of the surface which allows extra clearance for those big pieces. We really
like this item and think you will too!

NEW CANVAS TOOL TOTE BAGS
You can put lots of "stuff" inside of this roomy 13" long X 6" deep X 8" tall tote. And if that's not enough,
there are pockets all around the outside so that you can organize your tools and brushes. This tote
will give the ability to take your tools with you when attending those classes and workshops.

NEW GLAZES
The Coyote Glazes that we introduced in January have been a very popular addition to our selection
of High Fire products. If you haven't been in for a while you'll be happy to know that we've added about
10 new colors to the line. They've had great reception here and at the annual NCECA show.
If you haven't tried them, come in and check them out. They're beautiful!

CLAY TRAPS
The Gleco Trap is perfect for: schools, universities, art centers, hobbyists, studio potters, labs and more! This
handy clay trap provides you with an economical plumbing trap that is easily installed and maintained. The Gleco
Trap is connected below the sink and collects solids in a bottle, which has a fill line. When the solids reach the
fill line, the trap is drained through a valve, the bottle is exchanged with a replacement bottle, the valve shut and
the trap is back in service. Bottle exchange is rapid and done without the need of tools. Most of all, there is no
mess and no chance of water spillage.
There are two different packages available, you choose the model that will fit under your sink. The larger size
requires 15.5" of clearance from the drain pipe to the floor. The smaller size requires 11.5" of clearance.
Key Benefits of the Gleco Trap

  1. Adapts easily to existing plumbing, wherever there is a p-trap (u-shaped joint).
  2. Smaller bottle means less odors generated in and emitted from the trap.
  3. Clear bottle enables you to see the contents of the trap at any time.
  4. Fill line easily and quickly shows when the trap needs to be serviced.
  5. Drain valve allows for all the water above the bottle to be drained prior to
    removal, eliminating spillage.
  6. Replacing the bottle takes less than 2 minutes from start to finish, with no tools,
    no risk of spillage, and no risk of coming into contact with the solids contained
    within the Gleco Trap.

Come and see us or give us a call. We'll be glad to get you the new
items that you need!

NEW & UNIQUE BOOKS
We have a huge selection of beautiful and informative books all on the wonderful subject
of ceramics. Here are the newest titles that you'll want to add to your library.
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SCULPTURE TECHNIQUES by John Mills, 240 pages with 25 color
& 160 black & white illustrations, Retail $19.95
From accelerators (chemicals that speed up the hardening process) to the workmate (a portable workbench
popular in many studios), this key reference contains all a working sculptor needs to know! Not only
does it include details on techniques, but if offers guidance on a wide selections of materials, from bronze
and concrete to polystyrene and glass. Hints on adapting tools and producing unusual finishes all give
sculptors greater versatility in their craft. And the recipes-including one for mixing aggregates-plus facts
about setting, hardening, and curing times will prove invaluable. Numerous photos show sculptors at
work, and showcase famous sculptures, and there are diagrams of tools. It's the definitive guide
to studio practice. Item #BK352.
500 PITCHERS Contemporary Explorations of a Timeless Design, Kathy Triplett
and Suzanne Tourtillott, Lark, 420 pages, all color, Retail $24.95
500 stunning pitchers. Endless inspiration for the creative potter. Think you know what a pitcher
looks like? Well, picture this: a salt- and soda-fired stoneware piece with boldly sensuous lines
or a slab-built "oil can," wood-fired to mimic the appearance of rust. Never before has there been
such an extensive and remarkable collection of ceramic pitchers that simply redefines the art. Juried
by Terry Gess, this provocative color gallery presents 500 breathtaking Images that include everything
from handbuilt to wheel-thrown, practical to sculptural, round to square. A matte-black sake pitcher
whispers simplicity of form. The irresistible surface of an Asian-inspired porcelain piece features
stenciled motifs and luminous gold luster. One pitcher's geometric lines are so dramatic that it's a
challenge to distinguish the handle from the spout. Whatever the approach, the results are all magnificent.
THE FIGURE IN CLAY Contemporary Sculpting Techniques by Master Artists, Lark Books,
176 pages, all color, Retail $24.95
Nine master ceramic artists present their personal approaches to sculpting the human figure in a
spectacular volume that's both technically illuminating and visually inspirational. The outstanding
examples range from representational to abstract, diminutive to heroic. Nan Smith uses a range of
mold-making techniques and precise slab construction, while Akio Takamori coil-builds a simplified
figure inspired by a Velásquez painting and Christyl Boger creates a lavishly decorated, classically
formal figurine. Each featured sculptor discusses the unique attractions and challenges of his or her
method, and a series of detailed color photographs follows the artwork as it takes shape. In addition,
there's a gallery of contemporary pieces selected by the major contributors. Glen R. Brown, a noted
writer on ceramics, provides an insightful, thought-provoking introduction.
OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS Surface Embellishment Techniques of a Studio Potter,
by Halldor Hjalmarson
91 pages, some color, Retail $30.00
Halldor and Gail Hjalmarson have maintained a pottery studio in the Roosevelt Historic discursive of
central Phoenix since 1973 and produce a body of creative work which reflects the imagery and feeling
of the Sonoran Desert. This local artist shares many of his techniques and experiences in this all
encompassing book. He talks about the clays he uses and the methods available to create additional
surface imagery, texture and interest. In addition to numerous black & white photographs showing the
work in progress, there is gallery of the artist's work in full color. This book is a very helpful guide
for intermediate to advanced potters, complete with step by step instructions and a listing of necessary
materials. Because Hal is a local potter, each issue is signed by the author!

USED EQUIPMENT-COME & GET IT!

In addition to the highest quality new equipment in the industry, we get a
variety of used equipment too. When we take in used equipment and our technicians
go through them replacing worn out or broken parts. When the item has passed inspection
we offer it for sale at an extremely reasonable price.
Come by and check this out if you're in the market!

MARX HIGH FIRE MENDER
If you've used Marx Magic Mender you know what a terrific job it does.
Now you can get the same quality mender in a high fire product.
Marx High Fire Mender is formulated to be mixed with your own slip or clay.
This way it's the same color as the piece you're working on and, it fires at
the same temperature! We know you're going to like it.

MARJON CERAMICS will meet or beat any local, written
quote on kilns and equipment.
Just bring us the paperwork and we'll go to work for you.

INTERNET-CURSE OR BLESSING?

MARJON CERAMICS is dedicated to supporting a method
of distribution which supplies both the products and the support
that enable the consumer to be successful with those products.
In this fast paced age of communication and internet usage we all
need to evaluate our priorities when making our buying
decisions. What is necessary to make you successful with your
ceramics? Do you want the convenience of having a store in your
neighborhood (or city for that matter) that will not only provide you
with product but is a source of expert information? Your local
merchant may also hold classes or seminars that are a major part
of the learning process. At the same time providing you with
a meeting room/classroom that is a place not only to learn but to
enjoy contact with others who enjoy what you enjoy! The fact is,
the storefront where you shop is only there because of you and
your visits. It's easy to surmise that if you don't trade at that store,
they may not be able to meet their overhead and won't be there next
time you want to run over and pick something up!
YOU are the most important part of any business.
All successful business owners know this. Without YOU the independent
business operators and their stores are gone!

NEW DUNCAN COLOR BROCHURES

Duncan has come out with all new, absolutely FREE color brochures!
These brochures feature separate product lines ie: EZ Strokes,
Concepts, Cover Coats, Envision Glazes, Opaque Stains....
There's no reason everyone shouldn't have a complete set
for their own reference. Come in today and pick yours up.

What would you like?
We all see things from time to time that we'd like to add to our selection
Marjon's is working hard to be the kind of distributor that you need to
help you be profitable business people. Discounts aren't the only way
to make you profit! We schedule orders frequently and keep inventory
levels high enough that you don't experience stock outs. (Summer
ordering is less frequent.) There are of course those exceptions to the
rule that no one can predict. Don't get caught without product to sell.
Review your best sellers for the upcoming season and make a commitment
to stock heavier in those supplies.

Let us deliver your merchandise while it's great to see you here shopping and picking up new ideas, we
realize that sometimes you can't take time out of your busy day to
run after supplies. We will bring your order to you! A $250.00 order will
get you FREE delivery (exceptions are clay, slip, molds, bisque and other bulky
merchandise). Our truck goes to a different area of the valley daily, just
give us 48 hours and we'll have it ready. We use UPS for smaller orders and, to outlying areas.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Please allow us to service you the best way possible. Call, fax and
email orders 24 - 48 hours prior to picking them up. We like happy
customers and will have your order ready for you when you get here.
If time has gotten away from you during your busy schedule and you just
can't allow 24 hours, bring your shopping list and be prepared to take
advantage of our beautiful self service show room. If you have materials
that will have to be pulled & staged from our warehouse, bring a book
and relax while you wait.

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