For our featured friends: Waterworks’ workshop teaches birdhouse building

Published 12:10 am Saturday, March 30, 2024

SALISBURY — According to the North Carolina Extension website, spring brings not only a change in the weather and lots of blooming flowers, but also songbirds that migrate to the area. It shared that from early April to mid-May, multiple species come from tropical countries to their breeding grounds in the United States.

Those who enjoy watching birds and would like to attract them to their yard and provide a place for them to nest can receive some help at an upcoming event at Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 East Liberty St., Salisbury, during its second Saturday workshop.

Scheduled for April 13 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the workshop, entitled Clay Birdhouse, will be offered during which time participants can learn how to make a birdhouse from clay slabs.

The event, designed for ages 6 and older, costs $60 for nonmembers and $45 for members. Class size is limited to 12 students, and those wishing to attend can sign up online at https://www.waterworks.org/shop-classes/p/second-saturday-junior-artpops-clay-birdhouse

It is described as being easy and fun, and in addition to learning how to build, attendees will be taught about glazing and firing and making the birdhouses safe for birds to use.

As noted on the center’s website, “this birdhouse may be enjoyed in your home or put outside for your featured friends to nest.”

This workshop will be led by Brenda Gariepy, who, according to information shared by Diana Cummings, Waterworks’ marketing and outreach coordinator, studied at Alfred University, New York and has experience teaching in New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina and currently teaches art in the Rowan-Salisbury Elementary schools.

She has also specialized in teaching hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery classes at Waterworks for the last 13-plus years and was the 2017 recipient of the Waterworks’ Lucille P. and Edwin O. Norvell Family Art of Teaching Award “for her significant and generous contributions and outstanding work in art education through Waterworks and its educational studio programs,” as was provided in the information.

Cummings shared that the “staff all agrees that Brenda is a joy to work with.”