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Digging a Deeper Well of Creativity
There is a wellspring of unique creativity within everyone. Those who know this and tap into this well daily are known as “The Artists”. The Artist is one who has chosen to take risk, to be an explorer. The artist digs and drinks from their deep well of creativity as a way of life.
An artist that teaches is an exceptional gift. To teach a person how to tap into their own well and find their own expression is in itself a unique form of creativity.
The artist teacher leads the student to discover that they too have a deep well of creativity. Teaching is a noble pursuit. Teaching in the arts requires a unique approach that stirs the waters within the student and allows the student to discover their own source. By nurturing the pursuit of excellence in skill and technique, the teacher gives the student the tools to dig their own well. They equip the student to successfully begin their own creative pursuit. Then, the teacher encourages the student to dig even deeper.
l-r: Lori Theriault, Melanie Mitchell Robertson, Judi Harwood
The Village Potters has three such resident teachers. Melanie Robertson, Lori Theriault, and Judi Harwood are all full time professional potters and artists who live this lifestyle of creativity and choose to nurture this in others as well.
In addition, Mellie Lonnemann brings great energy and skill to her classes for children and adults. They share skills, techniques and hands on experience with the purpose to help students discover their own path.
Beginning students rarely refer to themselves as an artist, but usually after just one class they discover the desire and passion to create is a deep well within them too. The discovery continues as one finds that their well of creativity is endless and timeless.
Melanie Robertson, the Director of The Village Potters Teaching Center has been an educator for decades and teaches children primarily. She is a potter, painter, pastor, and educator with a desire to foster the creative stream in children and lead them on their journey of creativity that is life long and translates into every area of life.
Lori Theriault is a potter and servant to her community, and has been teaching pottery for years and nurtures excellence is skill and technique. She has students that she has mentored that are now professional potters.
Judi Harwood, a potter, sculptor and musician teaches on the potter’s wheel and sculpting. She teaches adults and children as well.
Mellie Lonnemann has spent the last six years teaching art to children in art centers, camps, and her studio. She recently began teaching adult classes and is passionate about fostering creativity, teaching new skills and facilitating problem solving.
Exploring clay at The Village Potters Teaching Center makes it possible for a student to evolve into an artist. An environment of creativity, the studio, is where relationship and community can exist and the studio can be a remarkable place for growth.
Come by and visit!