Kirsten Firlik, co-owner of Clay Path Studio, uses her fingers to guide the clay as it spins on a potter's wheel in York. The studio holds classes for beginners, advance and children. Photo by Sonya Paclob

Published for FlipsidePA

A Pandora radio station plays in an otherwise quiet room as students work on their potter's wheels, learning the tricks of the pottery trade.

Remnants of dry clay dot the floor and seats, playing a stark contract to the bright lime green and purple walls.

Fourteen students, most pottery beginners, work diligently — though sometimes frustrated — on their pieces. It's something that wasn't possible in the previous Clay Path Studio location in Central Market.

But since co-owners Kristen Firlik and Brooke Teter moved to 33 W. Market St. a few weeks ago, they have not only space for students to learn the craft, but a gift shop full of local art for sale.

If you want to come take a crack at the potter's wheel, you might want to wear old clothes, Firlik advises.

"You just end up getting dirty," Firlik said, using her wrist to push her glasses up as she worked at the potter's wheel with wet clay hands. "There's just no way around," she added, a clay smudge left on the bridge of her glasses.

They offer single, four-, and eight-week sessions. Anyone can sign up and attend a three-hour class offered weekly. Students have individually guided instructions and have access to eight pottery wheels and glazes to help color the clay. Tools and blocks of clay are sold separately.

Beginners can make mugs or vases, but should not expect to make a dinner set in an eight-week session. Firlik encourages her students to be creative and not be frustrated.

Sarahjane Posner, of York, has three years of experience working with pottery. What's most difficult for her, she said, is centering the clay as it spins on the wheel. She adores the craft and feels satisfied in making a functional piece. "I'm hooked on pottery," Posner said.

Danny Scarborough, of York is a beginner who signed up two weeks ago. He hopes to make personal gifts for his family and friends, just in time for Christmas.

"I haven't done this since I was a kid," he said "And it's still fun."

isa Middendorf, Paint Nite instructor guides her participants in painting the "Decorative Wine" on canvas at Bogey Macaws. The event encourages non painters to come together with friends and have a drink, Middendorf said. She holds sessions at the restaurant every Monday that can host at about 40 participants in a private room. Photo by Sonya Paclob

Paint Nite is not your typical art class. For one thing, it's for adults. For another, it takes place in a bar.

Across southcentral Pennsylvania, painters of all levels gather to create art, drink and be merry. At the end of the night, they have a 16-by-20-inch artwork to take home.

Instructor Lisa Middendorf recently taught her 100th class. She's been teaching since March for the national organization that has the slogan, "Drink Creatively."

"It's so gratifying for me," she said. "I have helped someone achieve something that they're proud of."

Last Monday at Bogey Macaws American Grille in York Township, about 44 participants gathered for an evening of fun.

Each lime green apron-clad participant sat in front of a tabletop easel with water-based acrylic paints. They listened to Taylor Swift and Usher as they painted. Chatter and laughter filled the room.

Naomi Munkittrick from Dillsburg paints on her canvas with a brush and holds her burger in the other hand during Paint Nite at Bogey Macaws American Grille in York Township. Munkittrick admitted she was starving and said, "When you are a mom, you learn to multitask." Photo by Sonya Paclob

For two hours they followed Middendorf's step-by-step instructions, sipping cocktails and eating appetizers. They took a 15-minute Drink and Dry break to let the paint dry, buy another drink and admire one another's work.

Everyone's techniques are unique, Middendorf said, "You have about 30 people and 30 different paintings."

Jennifer Hull, licensee of Paint Nite, brought the events to Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland last year. She conducts classes around the county and has seen an increase in popularity among women. She understands not everyone is a painter but wants people to relax and start with the basics.

"It's like Bob Ross in a bar," she said, referring to the popular PBS TV painter.

There are five Paint Nite instructors in Pennsylvania, according to Middendorf. Tickets are available for 34 classes in November with venues in Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg, Gettysburg, Hanover, Camp Hill, New Cumberland, Carlisle and Etters.

Post by York Daily Record/Sunday News.

I participated in the illest, most awesomest event called the 24 Hour Comics Day Challenge in Lancaster, PA. It’s an event where students and artists build their own 24-page graphic novel within 24 hours. It seems like an impossible deadline. But, did I survive the challenge?

Yes, I did. However, I failed miserably.

My workspace during the 24 Hour Comics Day Challenge.  

I’ve been a fan of graphic novels since I was 10 years old. I dreamed to be a comic book artist, but I didn’t fully believe in myself to be successful. However, I still appreciate the art form. I’m thankful for Bob Hochgertel, professor at the Pennsylvania Art & Design, who invited me to the challenge. I know my inner child would be so stoked.

I was rusty when I started the challenge, but I only drafted one page of my comic book within the 24 hours. I did fail at the challenge, but I was awarded with many inspirational insights from professionals.  

Jamar Nicholas doodles on my page. 

I asked Jamar Nicholas, cartoonist from Philadelphia, “If you met your younger self in a elevator, what would you say?”

He laughed at first, but then deeply reflected on the question. “I would say, ‘with all the things that you're thinking, you are going to be just fine,’” he said, “Don’t worry about it.”

He thanks his mother, who was a designer, for pushing him to believe in himself. He admits that he didn’t get the overall arching positive reaction from her as a kid. However, he understands that she was pushing him to strive better and still continues throughout his career.   

It was also true for Big Al Gruswitz, president of Boundless Creativity. He pushed his colleagues to reach a better version of their work. Even when you have to deal with other client’s input.

“Take their (clients) input and make it even better.” He stressed that it’s important to also own your work from start to finish. If you don’t, someone else will, Gruswitz said.     

Work by Mike Hawthorne

Mike Hawthorne, an artist for Marvel and DC comics, was the only artist that stood as he worked. He taped his Deadpool art on the window and jammed to his music on headphones. At one time, he didn’t feel he was the best artist out there during his college years. He stressed that with great practice and persistence, it’s possible to make it.

“It’s so heart breaking that people stop (drawing) for a living,” Hawthorne said, " I knew people who were so much better than I." 

Savanah Myers watches on my computer. 

Savanah Myers, freshman at PCAD, felt she was not good enough compared to her classmates. We sat next to each other during the challenge. When I looked at her own work, I was impressed by her creativity. 

Work by Savanah Myers

“Don’t you ever give up because you are talented,” I said, “I mean look at me. I’m struggling trying to do one page in 24 hours.” We laughed it off and got back to work.

Throughout the night we shared stories, food, and even drawing supplies.  She shared her makeshift pencil sharpener with me. I shared my first comic book, Sailor Moon #4 by Nako Takeuchi, which got me into drawing. 

That one day gave me a better appreciation for graphic novels and artists. It actually inspired me to draw more and get back to the basics.

Would I participate in the challenge next year? Of course.

My goal for the next challenge is to finish two completed pages. It’s a small step or sketch in the right direction.