Fall Pottery Classes on Amelia Island

Chris Jones and Jim Tipton have opened a new studio called Amelia Pottery Works to teach clay classes that start September 1

Once again things have changed for the better for the art lovers of Amelia Island. Chris Jones and Jim Tipton have opened a new studio called Amelia Pottery Works to teach clay classes that start September 1. They will be offering both beginner and intermediate classes in wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Newcomers to clay will want to start with hand building where you learn about clay and how to items that are either functional or artistic – or both. In wheel throwing – sometimes referred to as spinning pots or turning clay – you learn how to use a potter’s wheel to create pottery. The classes are kept fairly small, with only about 4 – 6 people, so students have plenty of room to work and get more personal instruction.

Clay classes are $175.00 for a six week term and run 2 hours each scheduled day. They have day and evening classes, so it is convenient for all schedules. Classes are taught at their studio at 821 South 8th Street in the Pelican Palm center next to Redbones and include 6 hours of open studio time for practice. For those who want studio space, open studio time is available in packages of 10 hours a month for $100.00. Visit their Web site at: http://www.ameliapotteryworks.com to view their schedule and get more information.

About the instructors:

Chris Jones took art classes at Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL. It was there he received inspiration from his instructor, Mike Galetta that opened up the world of clay to him and fueled his lifelong love of clay. He also learned the realities of making a living as a full-time potter. He moved to Amelia Island in 1997 to continue college classes and started working with his father who also has a love for pottery. They worked hard to improve their skills and ventured out to sell at local galleries and art shows. Eventually they parted ways and in 2002, Chris began a pottery residency at Atlantic Pottery Supply in Atlantic Beach, FL. In In 2005, he built his first real studio and gas kiln. In 2007, he teamed up with Andrea Adair-Lasserre to open a teaching studio we called StudioArt. It was a shared space where they taught classes – she art and he clay. He also started teaching on cruise ships. In 2009 he teamed up with Jim Tipton and together they formed Amelia Pottery Works. Chris exhibits at fine art and craft shows around Florida, and has work in several galleries, including Amelia SanJon Gallery at the corner of 3rd and Ash Street, the Ritz-Carlton, and The Greyfield Inn.

Chris can be reached at 583-1948 or chris@jonespottery.net and their new Web site is http://ameliapotteryworks.com.

Jim Tipton has a master’s degree in education with a major in art from East Central University in Oklahoma. He was an art educator for 30 years and lived in Fernandina for 12 years. He built the Pelican Palm Center where the classes will be held. In his free time he helps his wife, Judy Tipton doing theatrical productions at Fernandina Beach middle school. Their daughter, Jayme Taylor runs Amelia Awards and his son, Jeramy Tipton lives in Jacksonville. Jim has worked with clay all his adult life and participates in many art festivals and accept commission work. He can be reached at 753-0608 or ameliaawards@comcast.net.

Written By Suzanne Batchelor – Suzanne is a writer, designer and artist on Amelia Island. She can be reached at www.ameliaislandartist.com