Dustin Nispel
“Art creates art. Art creates change.” Dustin Nispel is a York spoken word artist, Tarot reader, and urban shaman.
From left, painter and teacher Marion Stephenson helps with her Dover Township student Jewel Stough's painting in her home at 721 S. George St., York. Photo by Sonya Paclob
Published for the York Daily Record 11/13/14
An artist's studio can be a place for therapy, teaching and a source of inspiration. The art can be displayed at public galleries, but the artist's creative space is sometimes behind closed doors.
This weekend, several York artists will give the public a glimpse into their homes and studios for the Artists' Studio Tour: Makers Dozen.
The tour is a community collaboration to showcase 12 full-time artists, said Kim Heindel-Toner, organizer and owner of Terra Opera Pottery. The public can walk through the historic homes and purchase paintings, pottery, jewelry and speciality holiday items.
Painter and teacher Marion Stephenson will open her 1890s Queen Anne Victorian home on 721 S.George St. She hopes the visitors will understand that talent can be found at the local level.
"I think people will be surprised that York has highly talented artists," Stephenson said.
Impressionistic pastel paintings of all sizes decorate the white walls of her home. Several pictures are scenes of European alleyways, cafes and market places while other were landscapes of body of water.
Kim Heindel-Toner, organizer of Artists' Studio Tour: Makers Dozen, stands among her handmade pottery items at her studio and shop Terra Opera Pottery in York. Photo by Sonya Paclob
Five students stood at their easels as they worked on individual paintings recently. Jewel Stough of Dover Township, has been studying with Stephenson for six weeks and say she's more motivated surrounded by her art.
"When I walk through the door, I feel inspired and it helps me as a painter," Stough said.
Handmade Makers Dozen banners will be displayed outside of each artist's place. The public will receive a map, which was handmade and designed by the artists. The maps are uniquely folded in a Turkish way that resembles origami.
Heidel-Toner suggest visitors to drive to each location due to distance in the area. Some artists will have light refreshments, give demonstrations, host other artists and sell assortment of handmade items for the holidays. The public is also encouraged to ask questions about their artistic process.
Vince Butera, owner of Butera The Florist has held presentations and enjoys people who are fascinated by his flower arrangements. "I want to educate the flower consumer and show them what I do," he said.
Kim Heindel-Toner, organizer of Artists' Studio Tour: Makers Dozen, points on the original map that was handmade and designed by other artists on the tour in her home in York. Those participating in the tour will be given the map, which marks locations of the artists' homes. Photo by Sonya Paclob
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
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."