All Fired Up

All Fired Up" is Clayworks' annual fundraiser fest. This year, Mother Nature graced us with a thunderstorm for the event. But it didn't dampen anybody's spirits. Strands of Christmas lights transformed classrooms into a wonderland. There was a silent auction...door prizes...music...dinner & dancing...and an Xtreme clay demonstration. Much better photos will be on the Clayworks website in the days to come, but here are a few pix my sister and I took at "All Fired Up 2008."

The photographers.  As you will see, neither of us should give up our day jobs to pursue new careers at National Geographic.  But we sure had fun snapping photos of the Clayworks instructors during the Xtreme Clay demonstration.  

Julie and Greg know what the ultimate design will be.  But we didn't.  
Ron pulls a handle.  Julie pulls a pot.  Greg collars in.  In the past, they created a giant teapot...and last year, a giant basket.  Pot after pot was thrown while guests watched and wondered what are they making?

Jen knew.  But she wasn't telling.  



While guests enjoyed dinner, they continued to throw.  Outside, Joe tended the raku kiln in the rain...  



Sherri managed the door prizes...



Fred and Greg discussed a possible upcoming project that will marry music with clay. (More on that as the project develops)



The resident artists were all smiles...



And Kit and Cinder danced.



Back in the classroom, Greg, Julie, Ron and Jen continued their Xtreme work.    

Ron looked especially dashing with his clay moustache.
 
Amy snapped pictures as the artists neared completion. 

Greg added some finishing touches, including pieces that were made by All Fired Up guests..  

Voila!  The newest addition to Clayworks' Xtreme Clay demonstrations - a stacked kiln!  I can't wait to see it once its fired.  

(And I'm sure glad I don't have to figure out how to glaze it. )