Dennis Schmoker - per Mary 11/6 - Dennis dropped out
Instagram: Sticks and Stones and Fire

Currently I am a part time potter and clay sculptor. This means I work a full time job in home building and the rest of my time is spent working in clay. I have spent my whole life working in art in one form or another as a desire but not always as a job. Whatever medium that has been, I have tried to start at the basic elements or materials. This is the reason I came up with “Sticks and Stones and Fire” for my business name. To me that is the origin for any tangible object that mankind has invented or created. Everything can really be broken down into these basic elements. In my current work this translates into making and using clay bodies that include local clays and materials. Also mixing my own glazes to include local wood ash and minerals for interesting glazes. This is then fired in a kiln that I built using gas with wood reduction for color development, The pieces I make are utilitarian in nature and include mugs, cups, bowls, flasks, and bottles. In addition I do some sculpting and tile making. I find a deep connection with the things I make because of the process that I use, and find great satisfaction when I am able to share them with others.

Emily MacFarland
Emily MacFarland Ceramics.com

I am a potter living in Des Moines, Iowa. I make elegant functional porcelain pottery that is hand painted and hand carved with bright lively designs.  I am a mother to three teen aged children. I studied ceramics at the Art Institute of Kansas City, The University of Wisconsin - River Falls, and Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids. I currently work at the Des Moines Art Center in the ceramics department as an open studio instructor.

Nash Cox - Not Coming
Facebook Nash Cox Art

Chariton Iowa resident Nash Cox joined his passion for vintage automobiles with his love of art and found a full-time career. This self taught artist uses his skill with watercolors to communicate the character and story he finds in old and often tattered automobiles. His stunningly detailed paintings of vintage cars and trucks remind us of a simpler time, Nash is Chair of his local Arts Council and a signature member of the Iowa Watercolor Society."
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Ian Van Schepen - Photography
Set Apart Images

Ian Van Schepen is originally from Northwest Iowa, but now resides in Central Iowa, currently calling his home in Boone. Ian picked up his passion for photography while studying Graphic Design in Northwest Iowa. When he chose to continue his fine art studies, Ian moved to Ames for further undergraduate coursework at Iowa State University. He graduated in 2014 with a BFA in Integrated Studio Art, with an emphasis in photography. Ian focuses primarily on landscape, nature, and fine art photography, and has exhibited his imagery through various physical venues, as well a continued online web presence. He continues to enjoy capturing new imagery, as well as exhibiting and sharing his work with others; with past shows for exhibition at different locations in Iowa, including the Octagon Arts Center. Photography allows me to explore the world in a consistent and satisfying manner. In the pursuit of well crafted images I am continually furthering my technical repertoire towards the goal of creating tight compositions, strong contrast, and a thoughtful use of light in the images produced. Over the last several years, I have seen a progressive shift in my personal body of work to a focus on landscape and nature imagery, as I find myself drawn to and inspired by this subject matter time and again. It is my intent to represent the inherent beauty of these everyday surroundings, while furthermore attempting to reproduce the broad scope of my environment, and allowing the viewer to fully experience the moment as well. In this regard I hope that the photographs I capture will resonate and stay with them, even but for a short while.

Juliana Jones - Mixed Media
Jewel Starz

I create 3-dimensional miniature worlds from 2-dimensional paper. I use my artistic background and life experiences to design and hand cut each unique piece. And the addition of light gives my art life in darkness. My goal is to delight people through my art and to shine a light in this world. My paper art is inspired from nature, animals, people, and places. It seeks to capture a moment in time, connect to an experience, or evoke an emotion. Some of my art pieces include color changing lights that can be set to fit the mood of the viewer.

Anna Gilbert - Jewelry
Angilstone

I am Anna Gilbert. I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. I arrived to America many years ago on April 22nd. Since then, I celebrate this great day as my second birthday. I consider myself an artistic person, even though I have chosen accounting as my professional occupation. I began to express my artistic talents and attraction to natural stones since I was a child. My favorite game was to gather in the yard as many stones as I could. While other kids were playing hide-and-seek, I was arranging my stones in piles of various shapes and colors. As a child, I also enjoyed mastering my painting skills. I was practicing with my father’s paint brushes while he was building wooden shed in our back yard. I still paint occasionally: mostly cats and only in abstract images. But my real love and passion is making jewelry from natural stones. During the summer time, me and my husband attend small craft shows in Iowa selling my jewelry creations and sharing my life stories with anyone who is willing to listen. On Facebook page “Photos” you can see some examples of my jewelry work and pictures form craft shows that I attended over the years. ​

Erin Hill - Ceramics

My degree is in art education from the University of Northern Iowa. I have taught art for fifteen years. I took up learning more about ceramics nearly four years ago by taking a few classes. I am now working as a full time artist and mom, creating and developing my skills with ceramics. I focus on the beautiful forms of thrown bowls and hand built plates and trays