Hawaii Potters' Guild and Palama Keiki Unveil Undersea Mural

The Hawaii Potters' Guild's Education Outreach teachers have been working with our Palama Keiki in a free after school clay program for almost 2 years. Up to 23 children attend the once weekly class to learn the basics of clay hand building: pinch pot, coil and slab.  It was the desire of teacher Pam Tagariello to share with the Palama Settlement community the outstanding work of our talented young potters.  In the summer of 2011 the children began designing and creating slab tiles in the shape of fish, whales, sharks, or whatever sea life they desired. As each piece was completed, the student placed his/her tile on a 5' x 9' white piece of paper laid out on the floor. In this way, the children helped design the layout of the tiles and determined how many creatures were needed. Each child made several pieces. The sea life theme seemed appropriate to celebrate the many Pacific cultures that come together in the Palama/Kalihi area.

The tiles were bisque fired in our on-site kiln, then the children glazed them in the colors of their choice and  they were fired again. Square tiles were made for the border to carry the names of the participating students.

During the fall term work began on assembling the mural. The instructors, Rayna K. Galati, Marty Sellars,  Pam and a few volunteers worked over 100 donated hours in one week to tile, grout, polish and seal the mural. They worked on tables set up in the Rath Building. The children in Miss Lyn's classroom next door watched and often helped with the process. After a week of drying and curing, the mural was installed on November 12, 2011 on the wall near the swimming pool.

For the latest news happenings with the clay crafters, stay in touch with the Hawaii Potter's Guild on Facebook or visit their website for more information on classes and events!

Click on the mural for photos of HPG, our keiki, and the creation of the mural from start to finish.

The Hawaii Potters' Guild will hose a 'Projects in Clay' - a 5-week introductory class at Palama Settlement. Students will learn the basic techniques to create unique clay projects. The 5-week session is FREE for keiki agesd 8 and older. Limited spots are available. To sign up, contact Donna at 848-2517 after January 9.