On August 15th and 29th, alumni from the Materials Engineering and Chemical Engineering programs gathered for a unique and creative networking event at 4Cats Art Studio. This event offered a refreshing change of pace from the usual professional meetups, as attendees dove into the world of pottery, crafting beautiful and functional pieces while forging new connections.
The group of four alumni represented a diverse range of industries, each bringing their own unique perspective to the table. The participants included professionals working in municipal government, forestry by-product research, building envelope consulting, and fuel cell development. This diversity in career paths made for a rich exchange of ideas, as everyone shared their experiences and insights throughout the event.
The pottery project for this gathering was both ambitious and exciting. The group decided to individually create a large whale-shaped planter and a set of wind chimes. These projects required not just creativity but also collaboration, as the attendees worked together to bring their ideas to life. The project was spread over two separate dates to allow the clay to dry and be fired in the kiln before the final glazing.
The first meeting took place on August 15th, where the group came together to shape their pottery pieces. For two hours, the studio buzzed with activity as everyone worked diligently on their projects. The whale planter slowly took form, and the delicate wind chimes began to emerge from the lumps of clay. Despite the excitement and the joy of working with their hands, there was a sense of urgency in the air. The allotted time flew by, leaving the group feeling a bit rushed and anxious to complete their creations before the clock ran out. Nevertheless, the first session ended with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the next stage of the process.
After allowing the clay to dry and be baked in the kiln, the group reconvened on August 29th for the glazing session. This meeting was all about adding the finishing touches to their pottery, applying colorful glazes to their now-solid creations. The atmosphere was relaxed, as everyone settled into the rhythm of painting and preparing their pieces for the final firing. The transformation from raw clay to finished artwork was truly satisfying, and there was a palpable sense of pride as each person completed their project.
With the pottery safely in the kiln for its final firing, the group headed out for a late dinner at District Eleven. The casual setting provided the perfect backdrop for a deeper dive into conversation. Over delicious food, each attendee shared insightful stories about their workplaces and the specific challenges they face in their respective industries. From the intricacies of municipal governance to the latest advancements in fuel cell technology, the discussions were as varied as they were engaging.
Overall, the event was a resounding success. Everyone agreed that the pottery experience was not only a fun and new activity but also a great way to decompress and express creativity outside the usual professional environment. The hands-on nature of the project allowed participants to step away from their day-to-day routines and enjoy a therapeutic and creative outlet. By the end of the night, there was a unanimous consensus that pottery is something they’d like to try again in the future. This art networking activity not only strengthened professional connections but also reminded us of the importance of creativity and relaxation in our busy lives. We left with not just new pottery pieces but also new friendships and a renewed sense of community within our alumni network.
Submitted by Sophia Chan, BASc '11, PhD '18
