We invite you to join us at our opening meeting for this year on Monday February 16, 2026 for fun and fellowship. This is our regular monthly members meeting. Refreshments begin at 5:30pm.
The Meeting starts at 6pm.
Hope to see you there - members and guests welcome!
This month our presenter, Diane Gilbert, will present:
cheminement
Diane's practice is rooted in a long personal cheminement — one shaped by time, experimentation, and a deep listening to the material itself. She will share what led her to where she is today, the techniques she uses, and the philosophy of clay that guides her work. For her, clay is not only a medium, but a living dialogue between hand, earth, and intention.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Diane Gilbert’s sculptural work is inspired by the natural world, where mosquitoes can be just as fascinating as monkeys and snakes. Her clay creatures—large and small—emerge from a lifelong curiosity about living forms and a desire to give them presence, character, and sometimes a quiet sense of humor.
Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Gilbert trained in multiple art forms before working for many years as a professional designer creating costumes, mascots, movie props, and museum objects. After relocating to the southeastern United States in 2000, she discovered clay and never really looked back. Drawn to its physicality and responsiveness, she approaches the medium as both powerful and grounding—something that pushes back just enough to stay interesting.
Gilbert works with a range of clays and surface treatments, often firing her pieces multiple times to build depth and nuance. She frequently incorporates mixed materials, including wood, wire, feathers, and found objects, allowing each sculpture to evolve beyond strict realism. At the heart of her practice is a belief that clay is a conversation—between hand and earth, control and surprise, seriousness and play.
Learn more at:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DianeGilbertSculptor
