Friday, July 5, 2024 – AN ART STUDION DOING GOOD FOR THE WOMEN OF ATLANTIC CITY

By admin

A TRIP TO


ATLANTIC CITY


SHOWS A


CREATIVE WORKSHOP


FOR WOMEN


FRIDAY, JULY 5,  2024


ISSUE # 1265

I learned about MudGirl Srudios from a NJPBS program featuring the studiol. Last Tuesday after arriving on a day trip bus visit, my friend Ranyee and I ventured two blocks from the Boardwalk to find MudGIrls Studios.  Located on the second floor of a church, in the space of a former school we discovered the studio. We were met by founder Dorrie Papademetriou.  She was surprised to have visitors and welcomed us warmly introducing us to the women artists at work. (Arrangements have to be made to visit this working studio)

“MudGirls Studios is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that empowers disadvantaged women through training and employment. MudGirls Studios helps women transition onto a pathway towards self-sufficiency and out of poverty. We use clay as our vehicle to change lives through their own creations and sales of functional art and aesthetic utilitarian objects. These women gain a source of long-term supplemental income along the way”

Dorrie  showed us finished products that are sold to retailers, custom designs, and at markets.  This is the display area with the beautiful articles on view.

The windows look out on the casinos with the ocean just a few blocks away.

Clay come in large cubes, which are cut and pressed to sizes that are used to press molds into tiles and flat designs.  (No potter’s wheels here)

The  tiles on the table will be fired, glazed and fired again.  After completed they will be a a wall installation at a New Jersey organization. Many people commission special objects for events.

These custom coasters with a tree design are commissioned for wedding gifts. Lovely gifts for the guests.

Some of the staff are professional artist, but most are women looking for a better life for them and their families.

The products range from large platters, vases to wonderful earrings.

The building’s past is visible in the hall and the former classrooms. There are move improvement and community arts groups in the area now and hopefully more will blossom soon.

To learn more about MudGirl Studios, check out their website:
https://www.mudgirlsstudios.org/

A block away from MudGirls, was the Roman Forum at Caesar’s Resort.  A fun trip to Atlantic City for all participants. Ranyee and I followed our tradition of off the beaten path discoveries.  

CREDITS

JUDITH BERDY

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