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BJ Schmidt, Editor
The Clay Connection Newsletter
THE CRACKED POT
Winter 2012
~~~~~~~~~
President's Corner
With the holiday season in full swing, I hope your homes and families are full
of joy. One of the things that is characteristic of the season is giving and
receiving gifts. As we contemplate our lists for Santa, we should also begin
to consider a gift of pottery that we all can give in the near future. The Clay
Connection has over the years participated in many Empty Bowls charity
fund raisers, with primary support recently going to The Giving Circle of Hope
annual soup-supper for Food For Others, usually in late April. In 2013, The
Giving Circle of Hope will be collecting the donated bowls directly from the
principal public pottery studios in the area rather than having the Clay Connection as an intermediate collection point. They still need your contributions
of bowls, but you should look for pickup information at your usual studio
location. For those who work in their own studios, we can have a Circle
representative pickup your contributions or make other arrangements to
collect them and pass them on. In prior years, our membership has collectively provided over 200 bowls, and I hope we can match that again this
time.
~Dick White
~~~~~~~~~
Table of Contents
President's Corner ................................................................................................ 1
Clay Connection Workshops and Events ............................................................... 2
Mike Swauger (The Kiln Doctor) — Setting Up a Home Studio and Maintaining Your
Equipment. .................................................................................................... 2
Jane Cullum — Handle Making — A Hands-on Workshop ....................................... 3
Featured Area Potter — Terry Debardelaben ........................................................ 5
Upcoming Shows and Workshops ......................................................................... 7
47th Annual NCECA Conference Earth/Energy: Houston, Texas .............................. 7
Member News and Achievements ......................................................................... 9
Studio Tips and Shortcuts ..................................................................................... 9
SPRIGS ................................................................................................................. 9
Volunteer Opportunities ..................................................................................... 10
Classified Ads ..................................................................................................... 10
Virginia Suppliers — visit these websites or plan a day trip with friends! ................ 10
Maryland Suppliers ........................................................................................ 10
The Clay Connection DVD Library ....................................................................... 14
A Note from the Editor ........................................................................................ 14
The Cracked Pot
Winter 2012
1
Clay Connection Workshops and Events
Mike Swauger (The Kiln Doctor) — Setting Up a Home Studio and
Maintaining Your Equipment.
In October, Mike Swauger, better known as The Kiln Doctor, presented information on
how to keep your pottery equipment in good
repair so that it serves you well for years to
come. About 15 area potters gathered at the
spacious Kiln Doctor store in their new location. Most of the information that was presented only makes common sense, yet we all
need to keep it in mind so that we maintain
good studio practices. To get a feel for the
workshop, take a good look at the photos.
There is a classroom area in the corner of the
store from which Mike showed video slides
and demonstrated pottery tools. He explained
the optimal set-up of a studio to achieve
‘flow’. He spoke of the need for cleanliness in
relation to a potter’s health, and how a
nearby water source and plenty of sponges, as well HEPA filters (for face and vacuum) are
essential for maintaining a dust-free environment. The use of safety goggles when mixing
dry glaze ingredients and using the grinding wheel was also a topic that was covered. We
learned how to adjust counter heights and wheel heights to protect our backs.
For those in the audience who are also teachers, Mike talked about contacting Assistive
Technology in Richmond to accommodate the special needs of students as well as products that are available, such as the adjustable Brent wheel.
Mike added information on how to achieve and maintain an ecologically sound studio.
Proper disposal of possible environmental contaminants can be accomplished without any
additional costs, or you can find products, such as the Glecko trap, that can aid in the
process. Having a water-bucket system for sequential clean-up is recommended. Reclaiming clay manually or using a pugmill will help
make your pottery production EPA approved.
Electricity was another topic during the workshop. Proper electrical connections and lighting
assures the longevity of the pottery equipment
as well as the potter. A working studio needs
enough power to be able to use a wheel, fire a
kiln, use a heat gun and have proper lighting
since these activities have the potential for happening all at the same time. Generally, residential wiring is not enough to handle this type of
‘load’. Now who would want to blow a glaze firing because of too little electrical power?
Mike also spent a lot of the workshop time on
how to select the best wheel and kiln that suits
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Winter 2012
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you, your needs, and where you are headed with
your involvement in pottery. He highly recommended consulting a supplier before purchasing
an expensive piece of pottery equipment. Suppliers tend to know the ins and outs of their
products and can be essential for getting the
right item for you.
Among the most useful information that Mike
presented was to conduct regular and careful inspections of your kiln. Clean and intact kiln firebricks and elements help assure your kiln’s longevity and accurate firings. He recommends that
at least once a year, look for cracks, snug up
your bands, and check for sagging and bulging elements. Regularly (compressed air) vacuuming of the kiln and its elements will help
preserve proper functioning. Be sure to cut
off the power and wear a mask while cleaning! Circuit board checks can help aid in accurate firings. If you notice burnt out numbers or numbers are only partially showing,
there is a problem. That is a time to call The
Kiln Doctor!
Thanks to Mike for not just useful, but essential, information that helps us maintain our
health and the health of our studio equipment! BTW, the store carries anything and
everything a potter has ever seen or heard about! ~bjs
Jane Cullum — Handle Making — A Hands-on Workshop
Jane Cullum presented a handle making workshop in November
at Manassas Clay. The handle workshop with Jayne sparked
some wonderful responses from Clay Connection members!
Their combined input is provides a real understanding of the
rewards of attending our (free to members) workshops. Here
are some of the many responses we received from attendees.
We've added some photos:
I really enjoyed the handle workshop with Jane Cullum. The
class was easy to find. The demonstration was very informative. Learned lots of new techniques and was then able to practice them and ask questions. Wonderful experience!
~ Tammy S.
I wanted to just send a note about the workshop I took with
Jane last week. It was absolutely inspiring! I left with so many
ideas of ways to enhance my work — I couldn't wait to get going
afterward. ~ Karen R.
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Winter 2012
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Trying to absorb everything Jane shared with us during her excellent handle workshop was like trying to drink from a fully opened
fire hydrant. Digital cameras were not fast enough, note taking
was not fast enough, and I really must practice listening faster
and not blinking. Jane packed a lot of great information and
inspiration into a short period. I was happy to have been able to
attend. ~ Jackie S.
I absolutely loved it. I came away with great ideas. I wish we
could have made one of each type after each demonstration so
we could remember. So much information to try and acquire. Hope there are more
workshop to come. ~ Thanks Linda T
Stuck with basically one handle since high school, I've
now got more than a dozen solid handle methods due to
Jane's great workshop. The class also inspired me to invite Jane to our studio (Guy Mason Recreation Center in
DC), where my students are still complimenting the
workshop she did for us.
Jane's rapid fire demonstration of thrown, pulled, rolled
and cajoled handles is reinforced by one-on-one work
with students applying the lessons to their own leather
hard pieces after the demonstration — this really
brought to life her ideas with tangible take-homes.
~ Jon Kerr, Guy Mason Recreation Center
Jane explained simple ideas which made such a difference for the pot ... Really
made sense & I shared it with my class @ Wakefield! ~ Kathie B.
I don't get out much, working at Creative Clay all
the time. I was totally excited to hear about Jane's
workshop and wasn't disappointed.
It was great to see her making such a variety of
handles, on the wheel and hand built.
A few of my students came along and we've been
applying what we learned and trying other new
ideas.
It was also wonderful to walk around Manassas
Clay and see what all their artists have been up to.
Thanks to the Clay Connection and Jane Cullum. ~Cheers, Ed Bull / Owner Creative
Clay Studios & Supply Store, 5704D General Washington Drive Alexandria, VA
22312, 703.750.9437
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Winter 2012
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Featured Area Potter — Terry Debardelaben
When you meet Terry, you immediately feel that special warmth and acceptance that only
potters tend to generate. She extrudes, you might say, a down-to-earth quality. Yet if you
stopped there, you would be missing the majority of the integrated person that Terry is.
Besides knowing how to carry a conversation and tune in to her listener, Terry has the
background and accomplishments of a celebrity. She has been teaching 3D arts including
clay work since 1988 in various capacities and places;
most notably as an adjunct professor at Howard University, but also at UDC, New Community Art Space, St.
Stephen and St. Agnes in Alexandria, and the DC public
schools. She has served as juror and has exhibited her
sculptures at various national shows and universities.
She has lectured at NCECA on indigenous use of clay and
has been awarded numerous grants for research into international humanitarian efforts using clay as the medium for understanding third world cultures (Ghana, China, and Peru). Additionally, in 2006, Terry received
guidance from Dr. Matos, Director of Latin America, Museum of Native American, Smithsonian Museum for clayrelated travel and research in the Andes Mountains in
the Village of Raqchi, Peru.
Terry literally got into clay early when she would make
and ‘taste’ mudpies as a young child. One of her childhood memories is building clay cities. She was exposed
to African art when she lived in Englewood, New Jersey across the Hudson River from New
York City. Her mother, a jazz singer, would take her to the openings at Merton Simpson
African Art Gallery. She visited the gallery so frequently that she affectionately refers to
its founder as Uncle Mert.
Over the years, Terry relates many influences on her work. She relates that Giovanni Cimatti helped her learn terra sigilatta techniques. Winnie Owens-Hart, her ceramics professor at Howard University, arranged for her to travel with her to Ghana, West Africa, where
the African women tend to be potters and have very efficient and unique pottery techThe Cracked Pot
Winter 2012
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niques. On her China clay excursions,
she met many master potters,
learned how to make brushes and
decals and how to print on clay using
Chinese calligraphy.
Terry completed her own 4th Annual
Empty Bowls initiative on December
6th. She and her high school students
raised $1,000 (and awareness of the
need for community service) from the
bowls they made in her class. Their
efforts have helped the Arlington Food
Assistance Center meet their burgeoning holiday needs. Terry’s students
also participate in the Clay Connections’ High School Exhibition. Twelve
of her students won the Juror’s Award
for the Peruvian hand-building technique she taught them. She relates that these students
especially liked receiving the pottery pieces donated by area potters.
Teaching seems to come naturally to Terry. She likes the satisfaction that comes from
‘students learning how to express their creativity; not just replicating a vessel’. She has
an ability to look into the essence of who the student is to help guide them gently into the
direction of their natural talents. As she puts it, some students need an emotional outlet
through the medium, and others may only need the logic of a technique, but all students
tend to gain from the balance clay-work brings into their lives.
Terry is currently working on a book funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Artist Fellowship Program on the clay practices of the women in the Village of
Kuli in the Upper Volta Region of Ghana that engenders humanity and culture. She relates
that art in any form tells a story of an institution, a culture, a people and we need to
document what that story is.
You can check out Terry’s full repertoire of work at
www.adaclay.com
~Article by Bj Schmidt
~ Photos by Terry Debardelaben
~~~~~~~~~
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Winter 2012
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Upcoming Shows and Workshops
47th Annual NCECA Conference Earth/Energy: Houston, Texas
George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010
Mar 20, 2013 08:00am – Mar 23, 2013 11:00am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Ceramics and Ceramic Process bring together two essential elements: EARTH and ENERGY.
The theme of NCECA's 2013 Conference in Houston, Earth/Energy pays tribute to the places
we live and create, the materials we use, and the ENERGY that drives our process as ceramic artists, educators and enthusiasts.
 Call For Presenters
NCECA seeks a diverse group of presenters that will appeal to conference attendees involved in K-12 education. Proposals for NCECA’s K-12 programming strand, Teaching and
Learning on the Edge, may incorporate content and discussion on best practices, arts integration, curriculum or program design, and/or other contemporary issues in K-12 education
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Winter 2012
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Hood College Ceramic Arts Program offers advanced studio experiences and grounding in the science and technology of the ceramic arts, leading toward a personal aesthetic expression.
 Courses offered this summer:
Please go to www.hood.edu/ceramics for full descriptions, details and online registration for these courses or contact Karen Taylor, Ceramic Studio Manager 301.696.3526
Jeff Oestreich: All About Tea. A three-day workshop (1/19 – 1/21/13) focusing
on the nuance and history of tea as it relates to pottery. Participants will examine the collaborative relationship between surface, form and purpose specifically teapots, Yunomi tea
cups and caddies. There will be demonstrations, discussions and hands-on practice. Basic
clay experience is required. The cost is $300 for members; slightly more for nonmembers. Check out this Baltimore Clayworks event at their website:
http://www.baltimoreclayworks.org
Now is a great time to experience clay for yourself! Winter
and Spring classes have just opened for registration, click
here to view over 30 class topics and sign up today!
Not a member? Join today so that you can enjoy the benefits of membership: discounts
on classes, events and ceramic art; special invitations to preview parties, lectures, slide
talks; and more! Plus, your membership will help ensure our continued success as an
artist-centered community that provides outstanding educational, artistic and collaborative programming in the ceramic arts. Become a member today!
Take care and enjoy the holidays, Sarah B. McCann, Interim Development Director,
Baltimore Clayworks, [email protected] , T. 410.578.1919 x14
F. 410.578.0058, http://www.baltimoreclayworks.org/
LaMeridiana (ala Pietro Madelena) in Tuscany, Italy, is featuring a conference by John
Colbeck titled “A Funeral, Two Weddings, and a Birth — A Selective Survey of Ceramics.”
For more information, contact [email protected]
Sideways Studio is having a show and sale December 22nd and 23rd from noon to 5 PM
— or by appointment. Hayne Bayless is known for his unique, textured slabs that he
conjures into teapots and other amazing creations. Located in Ivoryton, Connecticut, the
studio also features other artists. Check out Hayne’s work at www.sidewaysstudio.com.
~~~~~~~~~
The Cracked Pot
Winter 2012
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Member News and Achievements
Congratulations are in order for the Bowman House potters in
Vienna! They held their Annual Student Pottery Sale on November 10th. Lines for the event began to form around 9:30 for the
10:00 opening. They had an estimated 150 customers streaming
in throughout the day. By 3:00, this association of potters had
together garnered sales totaling over $2K with some of those
proceeds directly benefitting the historic Bowman House and
Vienna’s pottery program. The friendly and personable potters
chatted with their customers and learned from a number of them that they appreciated
the opportunity to purchase quality hand-made pottery items.
Hey, did you know that there is a new source for potters to sell
and display their wares? Art and Frame of Falls Church has
opened a pottery gallery. Proprietor, Tom Gittens, says the
gallery is new and permanent and is open to accomplished
artisans, hobbyists, and students for an annual fee. Tom is
hoping to get up to 8 more potters into this new local consortium. The gallery is located at 111 Park Avenue near the State
Theater. You can go to the website to download a membership
form. Unfortunately, no pottery is yet displayed on the website, but plans are moving
right along. So check it out soon — even if you are not planning on joining the enterprise.
For more information, you can contact Tom at [email protected] To visit the
website, go to: http://www.artandframeoffallschurch.com/potter_gallery.html
~~~~~~~~~
Studio Tips and Shortcuts
Although sponges are quite useful and serve the purpose well, have you ever noticed that
clean-up is quicker and easier with a wet, old terry-cloth towel?
~~~~~~~~~
SPRIGS
Giovanni Cimatti is associated with LaMeridiana in Certaldo,
Italy. He devised a special process for making a magnificent
orange terra sigilatta that could be made only from the clay
soil in the blood-orange groves in a certain part of Italy. After speaking with Terry Debardelaben, there is another way
to get the vibrant orange color! She has deduced that adding copper to a refined slip which achieved a burnt orange
visual delight. If you try it, please report back on your findings!
The Cracked Pot
Winter 2012
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~~~~~~~~~
Volunteer Opportunities
The Clay Connection is involved in many community events; most notably Empty Bowls
and the High School Exhibit, yet there are many other ways potters can volunteer their
time and become an active member of our local pottery community. If you’d like to
volunteer, but feel you can’t spare the time, please consider contacting Ann Granger, the
CC volunteer coordinator, to see if there is a way you can become involved that is comfortable for you.
Ann’s e-mail is [email protected]
~~~~~~~~~
Classified Ads
Virginia Suppliers — visit these websites or plan a day trip with friends!
•
•
•
•
•
•
www.craft-n-spin.com (Glen Allen)
www.tinbarnpottery.com (Manassas
www.claysupply.com (Campbell’s — Richmond)
www.thekilndoctor.com (Front Royal)
www.creativeclaypottery.com (Alexandria)
http://www.cityclaycville.com (Charlottesville)
Maryland Suppliers
•
•
•
www.baltimoreclayworks.com (Baltimore)
www.ceramicsupply.com (Chesapeake Ceramics —
Baltimore)
www.clayworkssupplies.com (Baltimore)
 A used Brent C pottery wheel for sale. Several years old;
hardly used; practically new. $750 (firm). Comes with a stool.
If interested, contact Terry Young at 703.407.7519
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Winter 2012
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 The Kiln Doctor
Remember that The Kiln Doctor is at 100 East 8th St, Front Royal, VA. Just 8 blocks from
their former location. They have gift certificates to give as presents!
THE KILN DOCTOR IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
We have moved to a new location! As of September 1, 2012 our new location is:
Shipping Address
100 East 8th St
Front Royal, VA 22630-3414
Billing Address
PO Box 721
Front Royal, VA 22630-0016
Contact Information:
Social Media:
Store Hours:
Phone: 540.636.6016
[email protected] Monday thru Saturday 9:30 – 5:00
Fax: 540.622.6016
www.thekilndoctor.com
Toll Free: 1.877.kilndoc (545.6362)
Check us out, like and share us on Facebook.com/thekilndoctor
We look forward to seeing you at our new location.
laurenreclayworks.org. So much to learn
You probably found out by now, clay lovers enjoy trying out new things all the time.
Maybe it’s the clay that inspires creativity or that creative people love clay. Whatever the
answer, clay lovers simply come up with exciting new and creative techniques all the time.
The problem is deciding which ones you'll want to try first — but that's not such a bad
problem.
The Cracked Pot
Winter 2012
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Give 2 subscriptions for the price of 1!
Ceramics Monthly is the resource clay lovers rely on
for staying up to date in the world of ceramic art. Exciting new work, hot current shows, talented emerging
artists, the latest trends, exhibition reviews, artist
profiles and in-depth features provide it all. Ceramics
Monthly is the best gift you can give to yourself or a
friend.
And now, during the Holiday season, you can sign up
for Ceramics Monthly and give a 1-year subscription
for no additional charge! Or sign up two friends or
loved ones for the price of a single subscription. Either
way, everyone enjoys a monthly dose of creativity!
Order a new subscription and sign up a friend for only
$34.95
(US orders only)
Order 2 gift subscriptions for only $34.95
(US orders only)
 Baltimore Clayworks
Wants to introduce their Lormina Salter Fellowship clay artist, Brett Freund. Brett creates
sculptures and vessels that remind one of the crystals from Virginia’s caverns. Brett hails
from Pittsburgh, PA and has been involved with clay art since high school. His formal education includes a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA from Southern Illinois University. Baltimore Clayworks, through the Lormina Salter Fellowship regularly
sponsors budding potters’ residencies at the Clayworks. By the way, they accept taxdeductible donations that help sustain this outstanding educational program. For more information, contact Sarah B. McCann at [email protected]
Baltimore Clayworks has an ongoing Winterfest and Holiday Sale until January 5th. It is
free to the public. The gallery is located in Baltimore at 5707 Smith Avenue. Their hours
are Mon–Wed 10AM–5PM, Thurs–Fri 10AM–7PM, and Sat–Sun 12Noon–5PM. Check out
their website: www.baltimoreclayworks.org
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Winter 2012
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2013 Juried Show
2013 Call For Entries
2013 Calendars
Potters Council
2013 Call For Entries
Sign up for your FREE subscription to the Ceramic
Arts Daily Newsletter and
we will give you Wood Kiln
Firing Techniques & Tips
FREE!
Check out the ‘freebies’ on
the website! Amazing
information at no cost; no
obligation.
www.potterscouncil.org
 Teaching DVD's from Nan Rothwell:
Wheel Throwing with Nan Rothwell Two discs — 2 hours & 32 minutes retail cost
$69.95 includes postage
•
Covers throwing basic cylinders and bowls, then several special projects.
Glazing and Decorating Pottery with Nan Rothwell A one-disc DVD retail cost $49.95
includes postage
•
Covers the basics of glazing and decorating, and touches on the aesthetics and
science of glazes.
Available from the publisher — Ceramic Arts Daily, or direct from Nan's webstore at
NanRothwellPottery.com
 Jayne Shatz, PHD Videos:
In addition to her last two videos, Jayne has added a second edition of her video
“SLABS, SLABS, AND MORE SLABS — Easy Methods for Constructing Molds and Producing Ceramic Platters, Roasting Pans, and Fine Bistro Ware.” You can go to her website to preview a 15 minute clip of the $34.99 video which includes S&H. Check out
this video as well as all of her other videos at www.jayneshatzpottery.com.
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Winter 2012
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~~~~~~~~~
The Clay Connection
DVD Library
Please be sure to check out the Clay Connection’s DVD listing on our website! Better than a
County library, you can request DVDs for up to
3 weeks and receive/return them to/from Dana
via mail. www.theclayconnection.org
~~~~~~~~~
P.O. Box 3214
Merrifield, VA 22116-3214
http://www.theclayconnection.org
email: [email protected]
The Clay Connection is a nonprofit organization of
potters mainly from the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Members range from beginners to hobbyists to full time professionals who work in a
broad range of styles. The organization offers programs designed to provide its members educational
and networking opportunities.
2012 Board Members
A Note from the Editor
President
Dick White
We, on the Board, really want to hear from you!
Vice President for Programs
Laura Fall
How about writing to us about how you got
started in pottery and how you feed your addiction? Other potters want to hear your story. As
you may have noticed, we are pretty open and
flexible to almost anything you want to put in
the newsletter. We will not turn away any input
due to writing ability. In fact, whimsy and humor are a plus. Content is a slightly different
story, but it is your newsletter! Take part in it.
Contribute. Get involved — in whatever way
you are able, but do try your best to make this
newsletter contain information you want to
read. Anything you submit will go through an
edit which you will informally approve before
issue publication. Photos and ads will be edited
to fit format, and placed as space permits.
~ bj
Vice President for Membership
Linda Vroegindewey
Recording Secretary
Laurie Erdman
Treasurer
Kay Belisle Rutkowski
Conference Planning Team Leader
Marianne Cordyack
High School Show Coordinator
Joan Bickelhaupt
Empty Bowls Bowl Collection
Committee
Volunteer Coordinator
Ann Granger
Past President
Marianne Cordyack
Hospitality
Vacant
Internet Resources
Jim Dunning
Lending Library
Dana Lehrer Danze
Email Coordinator
Twila Johnson
Database Coordinator
Dick White
Newsletter
Bette J (BJ) Schmidt
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Winter 2012
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