Stephanie Firestone
Organization
The Clay Connection exists as an organization because our members generously donate their time and energy to support our numerous programs. Volunteers from the membership perform all leadership tasks, including administrative functions and management activities.
Founded in 1991, The Clay Connection became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 1996. Its Board of Directors, consisting of the Executive Committee and Members-at-Large, is responsible for conducting the normal and routine day-to-day business of The Clay Connection. Its members are elected by the membership for a one-year term during the annual elections meeting.
Planning Teams and the Communications Team ensure that The Clay Connection remains an active and focused organization. Organization Liaisons ensure that The Clay Connection and its interests are represented to Artisans United and the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington.A Volunteer Coordinator matches organizational needs and volunteer capabilities and interests.
History
The Clay Connection began shortly after Jane Cullum, George Brown, and Linda Boman participated in the 1991 Fairfax County Fair during a hot, slow day. They were able to spend a lot of time talking and exchanging insights and ideas about pottery in the local region. All were local potters: Jane was teaching in the basement of her Fairfax home, George was teaching in Alexandria at Lee District Recreation Center, and Linda was throwing pots in Reston.
They had such a good time at the Fair that they decided to meet again to discuss the possibility of establishing an inclusive forum for potters to meet, talk, and generally network among themselves. They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. They held a planning meeting, put together a list of all the potters they knew (about 100 names), and invited these potters to meet in Jane's family room. About 20 potters attended the first meeting.