2017 Alaska Claycation - Aug 15-22, 2017

Event Details

2017 Alaska Claycation - Aug 15-22, 2017

Time: August 15, 2017 at 12pm to August 22, 2017 at 12pm
Location: Gallery Lodge, Kasilof, Alaska
Street: 22536 Terrace Dr,
City/Town: Kasilof, AK 99610
Website or Map: https://www.google.com/maps/p…
Phone: (907) 229-2999
Event Type: retreat, conference, vacation, workshop
Organized By: Dot Hagen
Latest Activity: Feb 17, 2017

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Event Description

An intimate un-conference for ceramic art mentors and clay artists -- to recharge in the larger-than-life environment that is Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. We want there to be some clay, but as a side dish, rather than the main course. We are turning the typical clay workshop on its head. No big Kahuna will get paid for sharing his/her wisdom. Rather all guests will enjoy lodging with self-serve breakfast provisions included for just $50 per night per person. Thanks to Dot for this deep discount off her high season rates. Other meals will be self -prepared or communal, according to guest preferences, and we have much time to organize some memorable meals.

Each participant is asked to give a brief talk or demonstration of some essential kernel of his/her ceramic process, that might be of interest to others attending. Presentations should be 2 hours or less. All participants are invited to create several small pieces during the first two days, so they can be dried and bisqued before the final evening’s raku party. The clay studio will be open for the entire week, and participants can make arrangements to have works bisqued and shipped home after the event. You just know that someone will be pressing a salmon into some clay.

Getting there will be half the fun. We anticipate that most people will want to attend this event as part of a larger Alaska vacation. Whether you drive, fly, take a cruise ship, or the Alaska ferry system, there will be more to see on your way to and from than you will believe possible. 

Even though the renowned King salmon run will be over, it will still be possible to walk from the lodge down to the river bank, and catch very respectable silver salmon (Coho), and have them on your plate at your next meal. Attendees will be able to book:

  • Share charters for halibut fishing in Homer, the Halibut Capitol of the World, just over an hour south of Kasilof
  • Drift fishing down the Kasilof River.
  • Half or full-day sea kayak tours in Homer, or from Seward, or stay local and paddle the Kasilof River.
  • Go sightseeing on a bush plane
  • Guided or self guided day hikes
  • Glacier cruises along Kenai Fjords National Park, 2 hours away by car in Seward

 Registration is now open for enough guests to fill the lodge to its 20 person capacity. The lodge can accommodate an additional 10 tent campers on the grounds at a reduced rate of $25 per night per person. So sign up early, and we will have lots of time to plan the details around the desires of our participants.

Comment Wall

Comment by George Lewter on February 17, 2017 at 9:14pm

All planning activities should now be happening as group emails and comments on the participants spreadsheet and the Master Planning document. Invitations to the two documents were emailed to everyone except Daniela Matter, for whom we have no email address. Email addresses can be found on the participants spreadsheet. Please get active in one or several activity planning areas to help make our adventure unforgettable.

Comment by Diane Stirling on February 17, 2017 at 1:57pm

The book covers, Amber-Tinted Ferric Chloride Reduction, High Contrast Horse Hair Reduction, Rust Red Reduction, Terra Sigillata Reduction, Gunmetal Black Reduction, Copper Matte-Alcohol Reduction, Iridescent Lustre Fuming 7 Low-Fire Salt Fuming. All the materials and equipment requirements are listed as well as the instructions.

Comment by Diane Stirling on February 17, 2017 at 1:48pm

Hi George and Sandy, Please include me in everything that is to be organised. I am like Cathleen Sullivan and would like to be involved in what ever is going. I have just bought a book called Alternative Kilns & Firing Techniques by James C Watkins & Paul Andrew Wandless. It covers different techniques for different affects. If you are interested I could bring it along. Really keen now.

Comment by Jon Higuchi on January 25, 2017 at 3:05pm

Hello George Lewter,

My friend Sandy has recommended the workshop to me and my wife. Can you please tell me if space still available for both the workshop and lodging? I did send a request to the Gallery lodge contact page, but have not received a response.

Comment by Cathleen Sullivan on January 21, 2017 at 6:17pm

Hi, Is anyone interested in going to Denali at the end of the Claycation for a few days?  Would love to see The Tall One before leaving Alaska!  Shari and I will be arriving into Seward the morning of August 13th.  Not sure if that would be enough time to get up there and back for the Claycation.  Any advice?  Any interest in going up there or will the weather be uncooperative at the end of August to even consider going up there?

Comment by Cathleen Sullivan on January 13, 2017 at 9:34am

Cathleen Sullivan will be a designated driver and part of the gig for the rental; I am in for fishing excursion Dot is organizing; I want to do the Kenai Fjiords National Park day trip; and everything else possible.

Anyone doing anything post- or pre-trip?

Comment by George Lewter on January 8, 2017 at 12:52pm

It's good to see activity ramping up around this event, both here on the comment wall, and privately by email. I will compile the info I have and post here. I think it would be very good to start an email group to keep everyone in the loop. Will be seeking your permission individually via the C6P email system, but will need emails of non-member participants to include them.

  • I plan to rent a vehicle and am willing to share it with more people, but don't want to play chauffeur too much (will need another authorized driver). Large 4-wheel drive SUVs are pretty standard up there, unless you plan to always be on good pavement. 
  • We will see spectacular scenery around the Kenai Peninsula, but Denali is a whole different range of environments, and Denali itself is incredibly massive. (Like most of Alaska, it is often socked-in with clouds, making for less than post card perfect vistas.)
  • There will be at least one fishing trip for salmon/halibut in salt water, that Dot or I will organize. Details to follow. 
  • Kenai Fjiords National Park is also a day trip from the Gallery Lodge. This would be good for a group to book together depending on whether you visit the park by tour boat or want to paddle a sea kayak.
  • One of our members is looking into bringing along a chef/potter who may want to act as our chief cook. Delicate negotiations are under way.
  • Be sure bring rain gear including footwear if you want to defy the weather.

That's it for today. Watch this space for new developments.

Comment by Cathleen Sullivan on January 6, 2017 at 9:29am

Okay, I am so excited for this trip and am planning a cruise up there.  What to do, do an inclusive land package with the cruise and head up to Denali and Mt. McKinley or will we have enough Alaska experience with the Claycation group?

I really want to get up to Denali and Mt. McKinley before or after claycation...

Also, looking at car rentals and they are running 500 per week through Thrifty, has anyone else considered car rentals yet? 

Anyone like to share what they have planned thus far or give advice for what would be best to do?

Thanks!

Cathleen

Comment by George Lewter on October 20, 2016 at 3:15pm

Sandy, Have her sign up/pay deposit with Dot. Send her email address to me in a private message, so we can be sure to include her in any communications. I expect a lot of organizing to start just after the holidays.

Comment by George Lewter on October 18, 2016 at 10:36am

It would be great to get a few more people to sign up for our upcoming get together in Alaska. If you've never been to Alaska, you have been missing out on a great adventure. We can begin to start thinking about the activities that will be taking place at the lodge . . . clay presentations, the raku party, and dining events. It's never too soon to think about food!

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