The physical boundaries have no end. Anywhere that an internet and computer are available, CLAYART exists. It is one enormous club. There are no dues, no initiation, no jury, only the requirements of civility and everyday grace you would exhibit and experience.
After a NCECA convention in Las Vegas about nearly 20 years ago, an email discussion group that would evolve into CLAYART was formed to carry on the dialogue that had been started by the conference. The initial group wanted to continue the flow of information about all things clay.
It is a great resource receptive to beginners and old pros alike. Ask the CLAYART "Brain" an open question. The avalanche of replies or opinions will almost fall from the screen. We are a helpful and giving folk in the main.
A subject archive can be accessed for research on past discussions and questions.
Check out the easy enrollment page below, then sit back and observe the dialogs until you're comfortable, but it you have a bad problem or want to respond right away, that's okay too.
Mel Jacobson (or "The Mayor") has honchoed the mob for many years; basically hands-off moderators run the background. Mel always knows when 'send us to our rooms' when things occasionally get too hot or protracted. In other words, telling us to 'ride that dead horse outta here.' But in a good way.
Make a visit by joining. (link below) Get your toes wet. Follow the directions and wait. It won't be long until your mailbox will be bubbling with a plethora of subjects and one is surely going to interest you.
Beside being an internet discussion group, CLAYART is also a sub-community that meets within the yearly NCECA (National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts) convention.
Depending on the year and circumstances, CLAYART secures a large meeting-type room at the location for the group meeting place throughout the time of the convention in order to relax, talk, show our work, trade, present mini-programs and meet in real-time with members manifest in the flesh who we have come to know from the ether.
At the end of the convention, we have a mug exchange drawing which is great fun.
We all walk around NCECA with our nametags showing a hint of who we are. Putting names to faces is great. each other amid the masses. (People involved in clay are for the most part a truly friendly lot anyway.)
Clayart@lists.clayartworld.com
http://lists.clayartworld.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/clayart
Mel's page - http://www.melpots.com New Book http//www.21stcenturykilns.com
