June 2, 2003 – "The tyranny of life is there is too much to do and too little time to do it," said Bob Carmody of Maho Bay Camps, outlining om detao; the "much to do" at Maho.
Even though the summer months are "off-season" in the Virgin Islands, said a release, St. John and Maho Bay Camps have a summer full of activities and things to do. Classes for kids in clay ceramics and painting, and classes for adults, also in ceramics and clay, will be offered. (Kids under 16 stay free at Maho to December 14.) Glassblowing demonstrations will be offered all summer and glassblowing classes will also be offered. And during a period when boat concessionaires take time off for maintenance and vacations, Maho provides a complete but reduced schedule of activities.
And, of course, there is the annual St. John festival this summer. A tentative schedule is at the end of the article.
May 1 to December, 2003
Activities assistance: Full-time service with suggestions and recommendations is available 8 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. seven days per week, in person or call 776-6240 Ext. 212.
Boats: At least one sailboat offers day snorkel sails and sunset sails several days each week. One sailboat and one motorboat offer British Virgin Islands trips. Check in advance for dates as the schedule is not consistent at any time of the year.
A dive boat offers scuba diving and/or snorkeling several days each week. (Maho has one boat providing this activity, but it could be necessary to go to Cruz Bay during boat maintenance.)
Taxi trips: Taxi tours to island destinations are available several days each week.
National Park: Ranger-led Reef Bay trail hikes three times a week are scheduled. Reserve directly with park at 776-6201 Ext. 238. There's ranger-led snorkeling and hiking several times a week.
Beach shop: Maho site has a full-service shop with equipment, snorkel, sailboat, and kayak rentals.
Evening activities: Evenings are generally quiet. There's always a possibility of talent shows and guest-generated programs. Board games and movies are available.
And more: Yoga and massage are offered three times a week, although the schedule may be reduced during vacation weeks.
New! The Art Gallery: Open from 8 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, you'll find gifts for yourself and friends, birthdays and holidays, from our glassblowers and potters.
Information 776-6226 Ext. 226
Registration 776-6226 Ext. 248
The Maho Bay Clay Studio has expanded to about 900 square feet and will soon include 12 potter's wheels. The shipping-pallet, wood-fired kiln is producing remarkable ceramics.
June 21 & June 22 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A two-day workshop, Saturday and Sunday, Heaven & Earth/Stars & Clay with Kelley Hunter and Gail Van de Bogurt. An astrological overview and a discussion of planetary cycles for 2003-2004 in relation to your own birth chart, which you will design in clay. Stargazing on the beach Saturday night will follow dinner.
June 24 – July 1 1 to 4 p.m.
A one-week workshop will be given in intermediate to advanced hand building and throwing for adults, with Gail Van de Bogurt. Applicants must be able to center a ball of clay and raise a four-inch cylinder. Projects include composite slab and thrown bottle, covered jar or teapot; use of slump and hump molds; more on glazing and surface decoration; Raku clay. There'll be lots of room for personal expression.
July 9 – August 6 1 to 4 p.m.
Raku class with Lynn Berry, well-known clay-artist and potter, of Ridvan Studio at Tillett Gardens, who'll guide you through her techniques of forming and firing.
July 10 – July 31, Thursdays 6 to 9 p.m.
Majolica painting with Liberty Bryer, well known on St. John for her colorful, fun Majolica pottery style. This very old Italian glazing technique is traditionally done on red earthenware clay that is covered with an opaque white glaze and then hand painted.
July 14 & July 21, Mondays 2 to 4 p.m.
Introduction to studio techniques, an overview of how to use studio equipment, will be taught by Gail Van de Bogurt. This demonstration and hands-on workshop covers coil, slab, pinch and hand-building techniques, and also very basic wheel throwing, trimming and glazing.
July 15 – August 12, Tuesdays 6 to 9 p.m.
Beginning Wheel Throwing will be taught to high school age and adults. It's all about "throwing" on the potter's wheel, how to prepare the clay, center, throw a basic cylinder, trim and glaze. Learn bowl, mug, pitcher, vase, plate and pulled handles.
July 19, Saturday 6 to 9 p.m.
Mosaic wall workshop with Liberty Bryer.
August 4 & 11, Mondays 2 to 4 p.m.
Introduction to studio techniques with Gail Van de Bogurt, is an overview of how to use studio equipment. A demonstration and hands-on workshop will cover coil, slab, pinch and building techniques; also very basic wheel throwing, trimming and glazing.
August 7 – 28, on Thursdays 6 to 9 p.m.
Pottery fixtures for the home with Anna Foote, well known for her beautiful lighting scones and house signs made at her Cruz Bay Studio "Sunset Ceramics". Learn to make beautiful pottery fixtures for your own home. Sessions include wall sconces for lighting, home signs tiles, etc.
August 13 – September 10, Wednesdays 1 to 4 p.m.
Beginning hand building & sculpture with Gail Van de Bogurt. Must be able to center a ball of clay and raise a four-inch cylinder. Projects include composite slab and thrown bottle, covered jar or teapot. Use of slump and hump molds, more on glazing and surface decoration. Lots of room for personal expression. Raku clay.
August 26 – Sept. 23, Tuesdays 6 to 9 p.m.
Intermediate to advanced hand building & throwing with Gail Van de Bogurt. Must be able to center a ball of clay and raise a four-inch cylinder. Projects include composite slab and thrown bottle, covered jar or teapot. Use of slump and hump molds, more on glazing and surface decoration. Lots of room for personal expression. Raku clay.
Private Throwing Classes. Call for times.
Basic wheel techniques of centering and raising a cylinder and variations on the cylinder form and trimming the foot. Glazing will be demonstrated on bisque ware. Also a good opportunity for intermediate potters to work with more advanced forms. All classes are 3 hours.
1 person $100, 2 people $60/ea., 3 people $40/ea.
Call clay studio at 776-6226 Ext. 226 for times and date.
Paint your own Raku Pottery Parties, Saturdays by appointment
Sessions with Gail Van de Bogurt or Maho staff, 10 to 11:30 a.m. with Raku firing at 1:30 p.m.
Open studio sessions
Workshops are all three hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monthly Memberships for Virgin Island residents: $85/mo. Includes first 25 pounds of Raku or red earthenware clay. Get a 10 percent discount on classes.
Through the end of August:
Sunday – Wednesday, 2 to 3 p.m. Production pieces such as sun catchers, starfish, Christmas ornaments.
Monday – Wednesday, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Demonstrations of creative glassblowing, turning waste glass into art and craft objects.
Monday – Wednesday, 5 to 6 p.m. Classes at $50 per person per hour.
Information 776-6226 Ext. 226
Registration 776-6226 Ext.248
June 10 – July 17
— Six-week summer art classes for kids, ceramics & painting
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays for ages 7-12, Thursdays for ages 13-17.
— Maho Bay Clay Studio, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
— Painting with professional island artist, Viki Brown, at the dining pavilion, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Participants will learn to paint with watercolors and acry
lics exploring a variety of techniques. Viki will guide the class in producing seascapes, still lifes and fantasy while providing the tools for producing fine art.
Cost: $240 for 6 weeks includes Ceramics and Painting, Can sign up for one or two.
July 9 – August 6,Wednesdays 1 to 4 p.m.
Young person's (for ages 10-15 years) beginning clay classes. Raku-style clay, glazes and firing techniques will be learned. Students will also learn basic hand building techniques to create self-portrait clay mask, Raku tropical fish, covered box, candle lantern and more.
Partial Scholarships are available through the Artists Association of St. John. Call Viki Brown at 693-5308 for scholarship details and parental release forms. Register with Maho Bay Art Center 776-6226 Ext. 248. Sign up early, class size is limited (minimum 5, maximum 10 per session). Payment is in advance of the class. Parental release form needs to be signed prior to starting classes. Bring a lunch (lunch is not served at Maho); snacks and drinks can be purchased at the camp store. Water is available in the dining pavilion. Shuttle service is available from Mr. Frett for $5 each way/per day. Viki Brown will supervise Tuesday lunch times; there's no supervision for Thursdays.
June 14: Calypso Show, Bike Race
June 15: Prince and Princess Show
June 20: Block Party
June 22: Boat Race
June 28: Musical Mix
June 29: Gospel Show
June 30: Festival Village
July 4: Carnival Parade, Fireworks
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