Jonathan Kirkendall on tue 10 oct 00
This DC boy is growing tired of sweeping up used condoms and needles in
front of his studio, and tired of not living near family!
My partner and I are exploring the possibility of moving to the Grand Rapids
area in a year or so, where family and land abound. I'm wondering if there
are any potters on this list from that area who would share with me their
experience of potting in central Michigan. I'm especially interested in who
the clay suppliers are in the area, how sales are, how much classes
typically run. You can answer me offlist.
Thanks!
Jonathan in DC
Yearning to end emails with something like "Jonathan in the country, not
quite as envious of Joyce in the Mohave now that he can watch the sun set
over green fields..."
jonathan@miriamskitchen.org
OWLPOTTER@AOL.COM on tue 10 oct 00
I live and work about two hours from Grand Rapids, Michigan. My brother, an
attorney, has lived and worked in Grand Rapids for 15 years. We love
Michigan - the seasons are bit more extreme than around D.C., but I think the
economical aspects and opportunities are just as good as anywhere, and better
than many places.
One thing I know about Grand Rapids is that it is mainly settled and
populated by Reformed Dutch, who are extremely conservative. A while back I
did a show at a very posh, upscale mall in Grand Rapids and it closed at 5 pm
on Saturday and did not open its doors until Monday morning in observance of
the Sabbath. This was during the busy Christmas shopping season. I quote a
recent statistic: " ...over 75% of school age children attend private,
Christian schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan...."
Where I live, in Hillsdale County on U.S. 12, property is dirt cheap and
there are very few zoning rules or regulations. If you would like to live in
the real countryside, I would recommend it.
Clay suppliers are everywhere. I am certain someone will let you know who
sells what and what classes are available in the western part of Michigan.
If no one does, contact me off list and I will do some research for you. Or,
feel free to contact me for more information.
Carolynn Palmer, Somerset Center, Michigan
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