Main fundraiser photo

Support The Edinburgh Pottery Studio & the arts

Donation protected
Did you know that  initial results show that there is a strong correlation between participation in art activities and memory retention as we age?  I was employed by Heriot Watt University to teach introductory, pottery classes to people 65 and older, who had never done any ceramics, as part of a cognitive study on ageing and memory. Initial results showed that there is a positive correlation between participating in artistic activities and memory retention as we age. This small part I can play by offering free ceramic workshops and discounted classes to help those 65 and older to age better is, especially important to me. My father suffered dreadfully from semantic dementia and this arm of my business  is a tribute to him.

I am Yvette Orieji Cunningham-Hunwick, a university qualified (UW Madison) ceramic artist, who has taught ceramics, in all its forms, for the City of Edinburgh Council’s Adult Education Department for the past 16 years. I was the main teacher and sole pottery technician, responsible for ordering all supplies, managing of stock and assessing future needs.   I am currently without  work for the first time in 20 years  due to the indefinite closure of my workplace after COVID_19 struck in mid  March 2020

For several years, my vision has been to set up my own pottery studio but I have struggled to find a viable venue until now.  A small unit  has recently become available in Edinburgh, that would suit my needs  to teach affordable classes, offer inexpensive membership access to aspiring potters as well as host as a community outreach programme for people aged 65 years and older. I aim to launch The Edinburgh Pottery Studio ltd in February/March 2021.

I am used to doing things by myself, but I could definitely use your help to get my dream off the ground and initiate my free senior workshops and discounted classes ASAP! Unsurprisingly, money is tight after my job ceased and a pottery is very expensive to start up.

I have savings that I am investing in EPS ltd  and I am applying for a loan, however, kilns are £5000 each (two needed) , wheels are £1,350 (5 needed) and glazes are anywhere from £180-£260 for a 25kg bag (6 needed).  I will also have to cover £6,700 for initial renovations  as well as output for tools as well as electrical and carpentry work.  In total I must raise £30,000 to make the studio fit for purpose as an exciting, new, community centred ceramic studio.

If the ethos of The Edinburgh Pottery Studio, is something you would be interested in supporting and/or have relatives who could benefit from the free workshops or discounted classes, please take a moment to make a donation and track its progress on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/EdinburghPotteryStudio/

Please don't  be shy about giving any amount because I will be eternally grateful.

FYI: 
£5 will buy a tool and the studio will need many!
£15 will purchase 3  bags of clay (100 needed), a bucket of slip or cover materials cost  for one  senior  in my free workshops.
£25 will cover Facebook advertising for a week
£36 will buy an adjustable stool
£65 will  cover the cost of a place in my discounted senior classes or buy 10% of all the clay needed for a term 
£100 will cover all materials for a free senior workshop
£300 will cover the cost of disabled toilet fixtures
£500 will by an electric mixer for slip and glazes
£1300 will buy a pottery wheel 
£5000 will buy a kiln

There is 6-8 weeks delay for delivery so, I would like to begin orders before the new year begins.

    YOUR NAME ON A TOOL, FURNITURE, WHEEL OR KILN!
For every amount given, I will name a tool, a piece of furniture or machinery after you (type 'opt out' if this isn't for you ), photograph it and post it @edinburghpotterstudio Facebook page to celebrate  and remember everyone who has helped to make The Edinburgh Pottery Studio the centre for learning and community that it will become. 

This is a long read, but thank you for taking the time to read it through. Enjoy your holidays and may your new year be better and  brighter leaving behind this difficult past 2020

Yvette x
Donate

Donations 

    Donate

    Organizer

    Yvette Cunningham-Hunwick
    Organizer

    Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

    • Easy

      Donate quickly and easily

    • Powerful

      Send help right to the people and causes you care about

    • Trusted

      Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee