Open Studio Group displays for Artist Spotlight
The Warehouse Community Arts Center in downtown Eagle River has a new Artist Spotlight display, as part of their public art initiative to share artists work. The current display comprises five local ceramic artists from the Open Studio group at the Warehouse. Doug and Patrice Armato, Rom Hom, Kris Preboske, and Kathy Schuh will have their work up now until the end of October. A reception open to the public will be held on Friday September 20 at 5:30pm, with music from Zoey Raen following for the Warehouse’s free Friday Night Music series.
Open Studio is a monthly membership to the Warehouse ceramic studio, with monitored times throughout the week to use the space and equipment. There are roughly 20 members, with numbers swelling in the summer with visiting artists. It’s a fantastic way for ceramic artists to create without having a home studio with lots of expensive equipment. It’s also a great place to connect with others; says Kris Prebroske, “I was so pleased to join a community of like minded people embracing the arts. I have been able to pursue my interests in ceramics and watercolor painting. The other members and guest artists have been so supportive and inspirational as they share their experiences and passions.”
Some open studio folks are new to ceramics, others have been practicing for years. The five artists displaying during Sept/Oct Artist Spotlight have been around the Warehouse for years. “This pottery journey thus far has taught me humility, patience, and a big dose of determination. I’ve met so many kind & talented artists (now friends) here at the Warehouse where we all share the love of creativity. I try to throw with intention and integrity for each piece, and hear the many bits of wisdom & humor from John Langer in the back of my head,” says Patrice Armato. Langer, of Bear Paw Pottery, was an instrumental figure in the creation of the ceramic studio at the Warehouse (aptly named the Langer Studio) in 2015 and has taught many of those showing in this Artist Spotlight.
Patrice’s husband, Doug Armato, is also a member. It’s been 50 years in the making for Doug, who saw the magic of the potters wheel at 8 years old, but never got chance to try until four years ago while taking a class at the Warehouse when he retired. “I managed to make a shot glass,” he laughs, but “four years later and I’ve learned some more of the magic and really enjoy it. I’m sure that I’ll never learn it all, but I’m pleased with my progress and look forward to that next “aha.” Kathy Schuh also retired, and “since picking up clay two and half years ago, there have been only a few days that day that I don’t have dirty hands.” She finds her inspiration from nature and her grandchildren.
Rob Hom has perhaps been the longest Open Studio member of the Artist Spotlight, taking a beginner class with John Langer back in 2016. He quickly fell in love with the medium of clay, and enjoys experimenting with glaze applications on geometric forms he creates. While Rob is slowly collecting all the necessary pieces to create a home studio – he still considers himself a hobby potter and loves being a member of the Warehouse Art Center’s Langer Ceramic Studio. He also takes on extra duties like firing the kilns and washing rags and aprons, while many of the other exhibitors are also open studio monitors.
This Artist Spotlight shows a variety of ceramic pieces, both hand built and wheel thrown, with different inspirations, processes, and surface treatments, displayed in the the Warehouse Gallery. Enjoy this public art exhibit during front desk hours Tue-Fri 10am-3pm, or during live music events (or while taking a class during nights or weekends).