Integration through pottery

Residents of Mazowszany had an opportunity to take part in unique classes. It was Mrs Barbara Kołodziejczyk, a village administrator, who encouraged them to take part in the workshop. The idea to organise such an event came from he LGD Association "Common Road" and the Kowala Commune Office. Coordinator of the Local Activity Programme, a worker of the Local Social Welfare Centre, helped to organise it. Thanks to a friendly cooperation between numerous institutions, over ten ladies from Mazowszany and Huta Mazowszańska could take part in the meeting moderated by Ewa Dąbrowska, who lives in Kowala and owns a ceramic studio "Gliniany Dzban".

During the pottery workshop the instructor taught how to shape clay and offered advice to all the participants. Everybody was working hard, participants created their clay masterpieces and successes were the source of satisfaction both for the participants and organisers. Clay objects will be souvenirs and a proof of engagement and diverse talents, and the meeting itself may be the beginning of other, important meetings integrating the Mazowszany community.

Pottery is a tradition which dates back to thousands of years ago. Clay was used by the first Egyptians to make cutlery, decorations and to build houses. Clay modelling is very easy and the quality of clay is very important. If the quality of clay is good, when it's thick and smooth, one can easily create beautiful things from it. Before we begin modelling, we have to powder the clay or crumble the blocks in a bucket with some water (the same with powder). Next, we add as much water as is necessary to give the clay medium-thickness, i.e. to make it quite stable so that it could be modelled with fingers. We model the objects on a plate or a board.

The first method of making ceramic objects know to mankind. It allows for creating dishes with the use of one's hands, mind and a ductile sedimentary rock. The objects harden in the temperature of 1,000 °C. Clay is a surprising material. It's a muddy goo which changes its shape when touched.

Thus, clay became a way of spending free time, extending one's skills, discovering unexpected talents and, first and foremost, integrating inhabitants and getting to know each other, which contributes to building good atmosphere and increasing social activity.