This Section covers commonly asked Questions about our Guild
Q:Is the Guild for Professionals only or are Beginners welcome too?
A: The term "guild" may be misleading to some; the guild is simply a group of people of all skill ranges that share one common thing, an interest in polymer clay. Beginners are more than welcome. Come to a Guild meeting even if you've never used polymer --- all you need is an interest in the medium and a yen to find out what the possibilities are.
Q: Do you teach basic techniques to beginners? - Does the guild have classes?
A: Every meeting features at least one demonstration on some topic and the guild also hosts classes several times a year with visiting artists. These classes/workshops, while not covered in your membership dues, are an excellent way to learn many techniques and are for all skill levels. We are also joined by Guest Artists from time to time which is a terrific free benefit of Guild Membership. If you decide to join the guild you also can borrow books and videos from our extensive library at minimal cost. Best of all, though, you gain access to many people who all share a love of polymer and are more then willing to share knowledge and help out someone new to the medium.
Q: Where and When are the meetings --- and what happens when we get there?
A: We meet the third Sunday of each month from 10AM-4PM at Hillman House at 22nd and Market Streets (with the exception of December, July & August). Meeting attendance ranges from 10 to 40 people.
After announcements, a demo will be presented by either a Guest Artist or a guild member, followed by claying time. During the lunch break people typically wander over to the library to peruse, borrow and return books and videos, and visit the Craft Freecycling table of items no longer needed by a member, and available for others to take as they like. More claying time, a second or third demo and a show and tell session fill out the afternoon. Show and Tell, where members display and tell how they created some of their recent work, is a great time to pick up helpful tips and tricks for working with Polymer Clay. All this goes on amongst friendly conversation, sharing, teaching, laughing and mingling. It is very relaxed and informal. All too soon, we're all wondering how it got to be 4 pm so quickly.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Your enthusiasm and interest in art and polymer clay! People bring clay tools to work on their own projects or to take part in the techniques being demonstrated. A basic tool set includes a work surface, clay blade, acrylic roller and/or pasta machine, a needle tool and an assortment of clay. You can bring a lot more than that! Check the calendar to see if there is a particular theme or if a Guest Artist suggests particular materials. Bring your finished work, and any items you want to "Freecycle." The Guild has a convection oven to cure your work while you are at the meeting.
Q: How do I get to the meetings? Where do I park?
A: The meetings are held at Hillman House Apartments, 22 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. There is a guard who will buzz you into the building and who will ask you to sign in. We meet on the Second Floor; turn right off the elevator and keep going through two sets of double doors! There is an interactive map on the Calendar. We are a healthy walking distance from Penn Station. (30th St Station.)
On Sundays, there is parking in the lot at Market and 23rd Street which is usually sufficient for our members. There is a fee for parking on Sundays in Philadelphia, and street parking is timed. We recommend you use the lots.
You can drive to the front of the building for unloading before you park if you like. When there is a major downtown event such as a marathon, parking can be more difficult. Radio station KYW-1060 will announce traffic pattern changes.
If you have never attended a meeting, email ahead of time to info@papcg.org so we can exchange cell phone numbers in case you have any trouble finding us.
Any cancellations for inclement weather will be announced on our blog by 7 AM on the day of the meeting.
Q: What are the benefits of joining the Guild? Are there any restrictions?
A: Guild members are entitled to attend meetings, including those with visiting Guest Artists, attend Master Classes (additional fees), borrow books and videos/DVDs from the Guild Library, and can post their work on our Guild photo website. Guild Membership and activities are open to those 15 years old and older. Anyone can come to one basic meeting (i.e. no Guest Artist) at no charge as our guest. Additional meetings require membership. You can pay your dues online here.
Q: What is The Clay News?
A: The Clay News is a newsletter published in PDF format every September and January by Martha Aleo on behalf of the PAPCG. We send it out by email, and the most recent copy is linked from the index page (and here as well!) It's a great read! Take a look!
Q: What if I have a question not answered in these FAQs?
