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The Creative Spirit: Fire Arts Center satisfies the need to create and get dirty
by Frank Shelley

You can do it too! Gayle Collentine, Frank Shelley and Denise Hisel demonstrate aspects of their craft at the Fire Arts Center. Shelley and Hisel are instructors as well as artists, and Collentine is rediscovering her love of making pottery. Photo by Barbara Clark k.

Whether a passing hobby or a lifelong devotion, once the ceramics bug has bitten you, it's almost impossible to get a cure. While both College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University have excellent programs in art, the pottery classes can be almost impossible to get in to. Now there is an alternative for Northern Humboldt County-the Fire Arts Center at 520 South G Street in Arcata.

The Fire Arts Center was set up by a group of dedicated potters and community minded backers-they saw a need in this area for an alternative ceramic program and outlet.The Fire Arts Center was designed for adults who couldn't get into either of the two colleges, as well as those who had graduated from either CR or HSU with ceramic experience, but who weren't ready to open a studio of their own. The Fire Arts Center also offers kids classes, adult beginning and advanced classes, special workshops, and is the only place that offers formal lessons in warm glass working (such as fusing, slumping, casting glass and painting on glass.)

Like most areas of art, one can find people who are second and third generation potters, learning the craft while still in grammer school, as well as those who take up the art well into their retirement years. Many start in ceramics in their 40s or 50s as a second career, while others in their 70s and beyond are just looking for a more challenging hobby. Having between 24 to 42 years experience each, the instructors at the center specialize in teaching adults who have no experience in the craft. The center also offers beginning classes on Saturdays that combine adult and children classes for people who want to take a class with a child or grandchild.

In addition to their regular schedule, the FAC can also custom design a class in either clay or glass if six or more people are interested. The center is planning to put together special one- and two-day workshops for people who would like to make small items for Christmas, such as tree ornaments. For further information, give the Fire Arts Center a call at 707-826-1445.

Frank Shelley is four years into his new career of ceramics since retiring from the Coast Guard after 21 years. The current president of the Potter's Guild, his work is on display at the Morris Graves Museum as well as the Ferndale Artists' Co-Op. Franks works part time at the Fire Arts Center boosting studio participation and teaching beginning ceramics. His e-mail is sandpeep@dotplanet.com.

One-time article Copyright 2000 by Humboldt Senior Resource Center .