Fellow Members,
The fall season is almost here welcoming the members and friends back to GCA.
A few housekeeping items need to be addressed this month including a conversation concerning the new kiln room. Plans for the structure remain in place. I'm optimistic the project will proceed this fall.
New Kiln Room Equipment
A kiln replacement plan will be presented during the upcoming September general membership meeting. The plan covers upgrading and expanding kilns from 6 to 8 units. Following a group discussion, a membership vote will be held on the proposed plan.
The GCA Board of Directors reviewed and supports the proposed plan. The goal of the plan is to proceed with a timed introduction schedule for new kiln units while protecting the club's ongoing financial position.
Please take a few minutes to review the condensed version of the proposed kiln replacement plan prior to the September 15 general membership meeting.
Step 1: Purchase 2 Skutt PK kilns
Cost: $4,870 x 2 units = $9,740 (with trade in)
Cover kilns costs: $4,870 from checking account, $4,870 from reserve account
Projected units arrival upon new kiln room opening
Step 2: Purchase 2 Skutt PK kilns
June 2023: Replace oldest kiln (checking account)
December 2023: Replace next oldest kiln (reserve account)
Step 3: Evaluate remaining carry-over kiln units
June 2024: Evaluate remaining 3 full size kilns
Consider replacing a single unit if needed
Continue to evaluate existing units on a six-month basis
Step 4: Increase monthly reserve account deposits
Increase monthly reserve account deposits from $250 to $350
Added growth to annual reserve account contribution: $1200
Updated reserve account annual total contribution: $4,200
Recap
Two new kilns upon kiln room opening
One new kiln in June 2023
One new kiln in December 2023
One small kiln (carry-over, not to be replaced)
Three existing kilns evaluated on a 6-month basis
Eight total kilns
For your review, please find the following on the studio bulletin board:
- Complete copy of the kiln replacement plan outline - Document details offering rationale for the proposed plan.
- Final architectural kiln room plans - 32 page detailed document of prints covering all aspects of design and scale.
- New Skutt kiln details - Photo and manufacturer's spec sheet of the new Skutt 1227-3" PK 3 phase kiln.
2023 Board of Directors
The July Newsletter mentioned that a majority of GCA Board of Director members will be retiring from office in December. The board openings offer a wonderful opportunity for new blood and fresh ideas to take the club to the next level. A search committee will be formed post September membership meeting to help build the new 2023 team.
Members Living the Dream!
MarkPowell
3D added mug design
Mark has completed the 3D mapped mug handle attachment. The next step is to design and attach a wood handle to the single top 3D designed mug bracket. We'll check on Mark's progress next month!
Diane Palley
Bird House Neighborhood Sanctuary
Now it begins...
The pieces and parts for the 6-foot bird sanctuary are beginning to take shape. The construction process will work its way well into the fall season. The lucky birds may receive occupancy permits before the December holidays! For sure we'll check in with Diane for the October newsletter!
Retraction
Oh my, how embarrassing can it possibly get! In the August newsletter, credit was heaped upon member Cecelia Kelly for her incredible morning monitor shift when, in fact, the monitor to be honored for the outstanding performance is Brenda Holt! Thankfully, Brenda took my mistake in good humor as noted by her great photo!
Gallery Art Call
Take a moment, should you have a great pottery creation, share it with fellow residents. Consider posting the work of art on the Gallery website. GCA gallery lobby and window displays are shopped constantly. Residents are searching for a unique creation for their home or a gift!
We look forward to seeing you at the September 15 General Membership Meeting.
