Mindaugas Rutkauskas (ceramicist) Vygantas Vasaitis (ceramicist) Indre Rutkauskaite (master of history, preserver of heritage)
Educational programme
Demonstrative process of craft is performed constantly in open workshop-gallery of ceramics "Amatu gildija". Each visitor always can see the process of creation in our workshop: throwing of ceramics, modelling, decoration, also visitors can get ideas in their heads about workshop of ceramics and to familiarize with all work environment of potter. In the open workshop potters model using traditional work tools, throw on foot throwing tool, use old means for browning and decoration. Historical exposition of ceramics works constantly. In 2004 "Amatu gildija" was visited by 10 excursions of schoolchildren of secondary schools, in 2005 – about 15 excursions of schoolchildren of secondary schools. In 2006 schoolchildren of secondary schools also went very often to the open workshop-gallery of ceramics "Amatu gildija". In this way our ceramicists perform educational activity and popularize craft tradition of Vilnius city.
Open workshop-gallery of ceramics "Amatu gildija" renders services of burning of ovens for ceramicists, secondary schools and studios of ceramics.
Excursion for one person costs 3 Litas Lesson (1 hour) – 25 Litas Services of burning of ovens – little oven – 30 Litas, big oven – 80 Litas
History and presentation of activity
Vilnius town was a space, where the activity of craftsmen concentrated the most positively, with professional specialization of European level, because it joined the craftsmen of different nationalities, different faith and cultures. The term "craftsman" from the late Middle Ages till XIX century meant position in the society, because craftsmen believe that they are not producers firstly and that they are members of estate or rank. The workshop of potters in Vilnius was established in 1634. The development of workshops proclaimed, that reached higher level of professional crafts, the most important functions of it were to ensure the rights of craft, high quality of articles and security of production in the market.
"Amatu gildija" is a public institution, it was established in 2001 and it seeks to continue the traditions of pottery in Vilnius. Its activity is developed in social, education and cultural fields.
In the open workshop of ceramics potters model using traditional work tools, throw on foot throwing tool, use old means for browning and decoration. Historical exposition of ceramics works constantly.
