Cultured ceramic connoisseur Published June 1, 2010 By 1st Lt. Kidron B Farnell Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- Clay-molding involves hours of shaping a substance that does not want to be shaped. However, with time and persistence, a piece of malleable clay will respond to the strokes of pressure surrounding it and take on (hopefully) the intended form. However, when time is rare, there are accommodations available to still enjoy the craft. In the city of Minot, there is a crafts studio where the clay comes already fired--in shapes of all sorts, ranging from pots and platters to ornaments and household decorations. The hard work has already been done, and only the creative and colorful portions remain. A person enters the basement of Margie's Art Glass Studio and may select a pre-made ceramic object, the glazes of their choice, and use the paintbrushes and tools available on-site. The cost for the entire project is included in the low-price tag listed on each ceramic piece. Employees make themselves available for questions, and will help see the product to its last firing. Once the gloss is applied to the desired coverage, the object is ready to be placed on the back table for firing. Staff members take care of the process from this point on, so technical expertise is not required here. After the initial phase in the kiln, the object is re-glazed and fired again by an employee of Margie's. The owner of the studio, Margie Bolton, opened-up shop six years ago and calls the opportunities there, "old-traditional to the new and trendy." There's something for everyone and a class for any novice. Margie said that her clients get excited about recreating something artful, but some are not as concerned with the 'how' and 'why' behind it. "They just want to have fun," she said. Many of the projects are one-day in length. The ceramic pieces arrive at Margie's fired and ready to be glazed. These ceramic items come from a local producer, which saves costs to the client. To stay sharp, Margie attends conferences and workshops that teach the latest skill. While her clients might not be as fascinated with technique, they sign-up for a variety of classes and leave with pieces that are truly unique. Margie's family has been in the glass business for over one hundred years--with her roots sprouting from Lauscha, Germany. Hundreds pass through Margie's Art Glass Studio monthly, for a variety of classes, coffee or gift purchases. Minot Air Force Base offers pottery classes, to find out more, contact the Arts and Crafts shop at 723-3640.