Brett Beasley
BeasleyCeramics.com

Beasley makes wheel thrown utilitarian pottery intended for everyday use. He also makes one-of-a-kind ceramic sculptures.

Earning a Master of Fine Art degree from East Carolina University, Beasley is currently a full time studio artist located in Ames, Iowa. Brett has assisted top-ranked, professional artists such as Ayumi Horie, Justin Rothshank, Steve Loucks and Lynnette Hesser at various nationally recognized craft schools. He has been an active member of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) since 2011 and attends the annual conference. Beasley exhibits his artwork at both the national and regional level. Although art is the chosen profession, fishing is his primary passion.

Description of Work: Four years ago, my life was flipped upside down when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the nervous system through demyelination of nerves in the brain. Fortunately, medication allows me to carry on a normal life. Unfortunately, flare-ups still occur. Though it may not be apparent to others, the destructive internal effects have physical consequences on my body. Through my sculptures, I reference this disguise of wellness. Internal damage is caused by a disease, but on the exterior, there is a deceptive rigid structure. The coil-built framework is cloaked in a metallic bronze glaze to imply strength and integrity. Conversely, the interior geometric shapes erupt with a volcanic and reactive glaze suggestive of a growing illness. All the while, the entire piece is susceptible to destruction, as ceramics is fragile and easily broken if mistreated- similar to an ill patient. The vulnerability of a structure, whether it be the human body, or a work of art, can be an opportunity to express empathy and communication.
 

Theresa Bockenstedt
www.tbockdesigns.com

I AM T. BOCK! ? Well, it’s not like Iron Man, lol, but I am Theresa Bockenstedt and that seems to be a mouthful some times so I frequently go by T. Bock. I started creating ceramic projects in high school and then moved on to a real career of dental hygiene. After being a dental hygienist since 2004, getting married, and becoming debt free I am finally able to pursue a dream… to be an artist.

​Growing up in a house full of fabrics and sewing, picking out different colors and prints on fabrics, has inspired the textures and colors on my pottery bringing the fabrics to life. I am use white stoneware firing it to cone 6, wheel throwing and hand building, finished with brushed on glazes. Thank you for letting me share my work with you

Steve Boyd

I am a retired art teacher and now have time for my own work. Clay is the medium in which I work the most. My work reflects my sense of adventure as I like to explore the almost infinite variety of forms and textures that clay offers. Wood fired clay is my favorite way to fire because of the spontaneity and surprise that the fire brings.

Linda Folden
www.lindafolden.com

I was born in Macau and raised in Hong Kong and have lived in the United States for many years. Drawing inspiration from my life experiences all of my pieces represent a piece of who I've been, who I am, and most importantly who I am becoming. From functional pieces with hand carved motifs to figures with emotions that many people have experienced; each piece reflects my thoughts, feelings, reflections and emotions. Using pinch pot, coil, slab built, carving and cutting techniques, I hand create each piece while employing various glazes, stains, oxides to enhance each timeless work of art.

Caroline Freese
https://www.carolinefreesedesigns.com

I categorize myself as a multimedia artist. I focused in ceramics and woodworking at Iowa State, graduated in 2016, and pursed an interest in developing a business and a brand. I have an interest in many different areas of fine art, but connect all of them with my interest in animals and bringing animal art into many homes. In 2017 I focused on my business, Caroline Freese Designs, and completed over 200 original animal paintings on wood. Using these unique designs and computer tools, I create reproducible products like coloring books and greeting cards. I also take this imagery and apply it to my pottery using printed decals. My pottery is often whimsical, but functional. With modern forms and simple palettes, I hope to continue expanding my brand through ceramics.

Linda Hardie
www.hardieclay.com​

I studied ceramic art at Kent State University, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Alfred University (NY). I'm currently living in Ames, Iowa where I've setup a large clay studio and showroom to both create and sell my work. I love to make unique and functional pieces that can brighten up your day. My work ranges from favorite coffee mugs, butter dishes, cookie jars, and extra large bowls to leave on your kitchen counter (fruit, veggies, mail...). Some of my work is created on the potters wheel and some is created using hand-building techniques. All of my pieces have textures juxtaposed with smooth surfaces. I then use both satin and glossy glazes to enhance these differences

Lisa Jontz
​backyardpottery.webs.com

Wheel thrown pottery fired in gas reduction kiln. Inspired by the beauty of nature in her own backyard, potter Lisa Jontz founded Backyard Pottery in 2001. After moving to a Baxter, Iowa farm in 2006, she found herself creatively stimulated by the gorgeousness of God’s country – the bountiful Midwest plains. Lisa designs highly functional yet artistic pieces so people can incorporate art into their daily lives. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are guaranteed to encourage enjoyment of life’s everyday moments. Alongside Lisa in her studio you may find her husband, son or extended family. She considers their practical and aesthetic advice a treasured component of her creative process.

Greg Lamont
www.lamontpottery.com​

My work references Korean and Japanese folk pottery traditions and their influence on western potterymaking in the last half-century. I make vessels that relate primarily to the preparation and serving of food and drink, and the beautification of one’s surroundings.

I believe a substantial part of the beauty of handmade pottery lies in its use, and the pottery I create is intended to take an active part in one’s daily life. I strive to create pottery that is fresh and alive in its form, color and surface, and performs its intended function well.

My journey in pottery began with a college ceramics class in 1972. In the ensuing years, I took occasional pottery classes at various community art centers and, following a move to Ames, Iowa, I took ceramics classes at Iowa State University, then joined the legion of “basement potters”. In 2001, I had the opportunity to establish an artists’ cooperative, Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA), with some other local artists.

​As a potter, I am a designer, a maker, a chemist, a business owner, an electrician, a plumber, a laborer, and a salesperson. Every day, I can share my knowledge, experience, resources and perspective with my fellow ceramic artists at CASA and to my students at CASA and through the Workspace on the Iowa State University campus. I hope you sense the excitement and pleasure that pottery making continues to give me and I appreciate your continued support.

Marion Nehmer
www.marionnehmerpottery.com

Marion Nehmer is an artist working and living in Des Moines, IA. She works primarily with porcelain clay creating one of a kind utilitarian pottery that is both functional as well as beautiful. Her work reflects the form and movement of the human body influenced by its fluidity and grace. Each piece is carefully thought out from the beginning shape to the finished surface. Using the pottery wheel to begin the shape, the clay is often altered by cutting, carving or bending. She has been a professional potter since 2003 when she exhibited at the Des Moines Art Festival as one of the first Emerging Artists. Her work is also found at galleries and shops throughout Iowa.

Eric Peterson

Housed in a new shop downtown on 2nd Street in Perry, Eric Peterson is known for his functional kitchenware as well as wood fired pottery and local material glazes. The barn houses both a gallery and working studio.

Ruben Ruiz

My fascination with nature is a major influence in my work. My aim is to create pieces that inspire a smile. It was in 2005 that I came in contact with clay for the firs time, at the Irvine Fine Arts Center in California where I learned wheel throwing. The hand building part of my work is a self-taught process. My work is made with porcelain or stoneware clay. I wheel throw most of my pieces and then either alter them, add texture, and/or create sculptural details. Each piece is individually glazed and then fired in a reduction atmosphere at a temperature above 2200 degrees.

Dan Sorensen

Dan attended Luther College where he studied Art with a concentration in Ceramics under Dean Schwarz.  Following graduation and with Dean's recomendation enrolled at Pond Farm Pottery in Guerneville CA where he studied under the master Potter, Marguerite Wildenhain.  

In the fall of 1968 Dan began a career as Art Instructor in the Swea City, IA School.  Dan met his wife Judy, a kindergarten teacher.  They made their home in Swea City where they raised their family.  It was in this home with a stone foundation that Stone Cellar Pottery was born and for 35 years Dan balanced a career as teacher and studio potter.  Dan retired from teaching in 2003 and now devotes his time to making pottery. 

​Dan has exhibited in many shows.  Most notably the 2002 "Ripples Exhibit" which was shown in three venues in the United States, "The Legacy of Marguerite Wildenhain in Sabastapol CA.  His work is in th collection of the Mcnider Museum in Mason City, IA, The Pond Farm Collection at Luther College, the Nobles County Arty Center in Worthington, MN, The Stinson Prairie Arts council in Algona, IA and many private collections. 

​Dan's work is wheel thrown, functional and the surfaces are often carved and decorated.  ​​