It's small and inconspicuous, but the three-story house at 856 Nott Street is a major milestone on campus, especially for folks who get fired up about things like Skutt kilns, throwing wheels and other tools of the ceramicist's trade.
The one-time frat house and daycare center was renovated last fall to become the new home of the College's ceramics studio. For those who remember ceramics' humble – and supremely dusty – beginnings at Union, it's a much-appreciated haven.
“Facilities did an amazing job on the renovations,” says instructor Nancy Niefield, a well-known local potter. “Everything is up to code, well-cared for, clean and neat.”
Niefield proudly ticks off the studio's assets. In addition to having her own office, she's thrilled about the spacious throwing room with eight electric potter's wheels, one for every student, and the hand building room. The new equipment includes a kick wheel, slab roller, extruder spread and two Skutt kilns, including a new computerized kiln.
Weather permitting, students also can use the outdoor, propane-fired Raku kiln to produce the delicate patterns and shining glazes developed by Japanese potters.
The owner of Two Spruce Pottery on Jay Street, Niefield has been teaching ceramics at Union since classes were held in a two-car garage behind the Arts Building.
That was actually Union's second ceramics studio. The first came by way of Jeremy Goverman '96, a biology major who knew his way around clay.
Goverman secured a grant to set up a studio in a campus greenhouse behind North College, and when that space was razed to make way for the Yulman Theater, ceramics moved to the garage. Now a doctor in Boston, Goverman also formed Union's Ceramics Club and gave pottery lessons.
“Jeremy had me come and do workshops,” said Niefield. “Beginning in fall 1999, I taught class for three terms in the garage. The Art Department and Christine Sorum and a number of others decided to make it a practicum, which I've been teaching since fall 2001. Christie believed in the arts tremendously. She would be proud to see this new facility that allows so much hands-on experience for students.”
Niefield currently holds classes for faculty, staff and students on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
“The facility is beautiful,” said Christine Angley, a second-term potter and administrative assistant at the Graduate College of Union University School of Education, while working in the studio recently. “The best part is the 24-hour access. Students can come in here at any hour to work, even on weekends.”
Aaren Hatalsky '99, who lives in nearby West Glenville, agrees. “It's a beautiful, well-lit work space. There aren't leaves blowing in under a crack in the door,” said Hatalsky, who headed the Ceramics Club for three years. Since graduating, she's turned to the organic farming business, but Hatalsky remains in contact with Niefield.
“I'm incredibly proud of Nancy. She's done a wonderful job with the program. Ceramics at Union attracts someone who's interested in art and enriching their education, knowing they may not even get a full credit for their work. They're responsible and creative, doing it of their own volition. They end up with a great sense of clay.”