The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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  • Brent Skinner (left) helps student David Reeder, of Joplin, with a clay pot during a pottery class on Tuesday. Globe | Curtis Almeter

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February 3, 2012

Concept for new studio forged by fire

By Joe Hadsall Globe Features Editor

JOPLIN, Mo. — Heather Grills was tired of having to drive all the way to Nixa to pick up her favorite clay sculpture supplies. She had even tried to form a communal studio in Joplin with other artists.

But the May 22 tornado spurred her to action.

“When something happens like that, you evaluate your priorities,” Grills said. “You stop just talking about your dreams and you have to do something to make them come true.”

Grills’ dream is now reality: Phoenix Fired Art opened this week at 1603 S. Main St. and is hosting an inaugural exhibition today.

The front part of the studio will feature the work of 16 artists from six states. All of the exhibits will feature creations forged by fire, from pottery to glass and occasionally metal, Grills said.

But anyone who goes will quickly grasp what’s more important about the studio. Only about a fourth of the studio is devoted to the gallery Ñ the rest of the space is devoted to creating the works of art featured.

The studio features 12 spinning pottery wheels, two of those equipped especially for handicapped people. Also available are several kilns, an extruder and more that pottery artists will be able to use.

Grills said a studio like this has been in demand for a while. Though facilities at Missouri Southern State University are good, they are constantly in use. And pottery classes are tough to find.

“Spiva has no room for this, and the college is maxed out,” Grills said. “There is a strong ceramics community in this area, but only one class for non-degree-seeking students. It fills fast, and has had a waiting list for 10 years.”

Grills partnered with Brent Skinner, a professor at MSSU who will teach classes at the studio. The instructor and facilities will make the art available to many more who don’t want to invest in a $1,000 pottery wheel.

“It’s hard for individual potters to get equipment at this level,” Grills said. “The facilities will allow more artists to expand what they do with the work.”

A variety of classes will be held throughout the week, including classes for senior citizens, with Freeman Health System for physical therapy and with Franklin Technology Center for credit. There will also be plenty of classes for fun, including a class aimed at multigenerational work Ñ parents and children can work on joint projects.

And Grills said that she will soon offer professional clay supplies at the studio.

The studio should offer an experience she has seen around the country, she said.

“I’ve been to similar studios in Atlanta, Indianapolis and Seattle,” Grills said. “Joplin needs a place like this. We have a community big enough to support the arts, and it can be an important part of economic development.”



Want to go?

Phoenix Fired Art will host an inaugural exhibition opening from 6 to 9 p.m. today. The studio is at 1603 S. Main St.

Details: 417-437-9281.

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