UKIAH – The Mendocino College ceramics program will hold its annual ceramic sale on Friday, Dec. 7 at noon in the gymnasium on the Ukiah campus.

The ceramic sale has been going on for over 20 years and was started by Gary Medina. Medina, who retired in May, started the ceramics program at Mendocino College over 30 years ago.

“The purpose of the sale is for our students to have an opportunity to interact with the public. It reinforces the vocational aspects of the program and gives students opportunities to give back to the community that supports them through the college,” Mendocino College ceramics instructor Doug Browe said.

The sale is student organized and proceeds benefit the ceramics club. Proceeds are used to bring in guest lecturers and support the ceramics program with books, magazines and instructional aides.

Those visiting the sale will not only get to see some impressive work, but also get to meet some of the artists behind the work.

Pottery Valley residents Jerry Irwin and his wife Linda, have been involved with ceramics for 11 years. Jerry, who is a retired game warden, always wanted to work with clay. He and his wife decided they wanted to do something together and pursued classes at the college.

“It is a great learning experience here at Mendocino. We are getting inspiration and we are learning different concepts and different facets. Overall, it is an excellent program with real depth,” Jerry Irwin said.

Originally from New Hampshire, Megan Mitchell has been involved with the Mendocino ceramics program for three years.

Mitchell is applying to graduate school at Ohio University, University of Minnesota and Southern Illinois and is using her time in the program to work on her portfolio.

“I enjoy the community of students, the facilities and resources. It is a good place to try new things. We are fortunate to have this program in this town,” Mitchell said.

Belle Hicks, who lives in Ukiah and has been involved with the program since 2002, has a passion for ceramics and making things.

“This is an excellent program. There are great teachers, a great studio and the visiting artists are outstanding,” Hicks said.

Satoko Barash, who grew up in Japan, has been involved with the program for five years.

Barash mentions that she is getting ideas, inspiration and new teachings through her involvement in the program.

“This is a great program. The professors are very supportive and they really care about our success,” Barash said.

Those involved with the Mendocino College ceramics program all share the passion for ceramics and learning and sharing with other artists.

Individuals are encouraged to come early to the sale, since the popularity of the sale brings out a vast number of people. This is the first time that appetizers will be offered to those waiting in line for the sale.

For more information on the ceramics program or the sale, visit www.mendocino.edu, or contact Browe at (707) 468-1003.

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