Recruiting New China Painters suggestions?

[Jan Morrow]

Good morning, painters.  I'm turning to this great site for suggestions and ideas on recruiting beginner China painters.  I am the secretary of the Huntsville Porcelain Artist Club in Huntsville, Alabama, and, like so many groups, we're losing older members at an alarming rate.  Years ago there were at least 5 porcelain painting clubs in north Alabama and now the Huntsville group is the only one still active.  

Our club has been painting at the Huntsville Senior Center for 20 years and they provide a wonderful, dedicated China Painting classroom complete with lockers, kilns, tables and chairs.  It's a great 'set up' but you guessed the down side: painters have to be at least 60 years old to attend the Senior Center.  We need young painters!  So many potential artists are reluctant to begin learning a new skill at 60 or have other commitments.  While the Senior Center will allow anyone to attend classes, those under 60 must 'trade' class hours with volunteer hours and most younger people are either working or have family obligations that limit their available time.

So, put your thinking caps on and spin the propellor!  We appreciate any suggestions.  -- Jan

[Ang]

You will need to have a committed teacher and some place else to teach them. When I began teaching it was on my kitchen table.
Start out by giving a free day with a 1 fire project. Ask members to invite someone they know to come and try it out. It would be unwise to advertise publicly to invite into your home.

[Jan Morrow]

I think you're right - we'll have to start small, maybe one new painter at a time.  Huntsville is blessed with 4 colleges in the area.  We were thinking about contacting the art departments of these schools and asking if we could give a demonstration to the art students.  I don't know of any college or university that offers classes in porcelain painting.

[Celeste McCall]

It's hard to find a teacher. PPIO on Facebook is the easiest way to get things going in your area. Someone somewhere will know what to do about anything anyone needs help of information about.
Glad to see you, Jan.

[Celeste McCall]

I believe a course in Arizona college is the only one unfortunately.

[John bergman]

Just a hello celeste