Susan Ward, director of Boulder Mountain Clayworks, announced her Ketchum business has recently become a nonprofit educational organization with the state of Idaho and has applied for nonprofit status with the IRS.
By becoming a nonprofit organization, Ward is ensuring there will be always be a studio and classes for the community's use.
Founded in 1996, Clayworks was created primarily for the purpose of gathering artists together in a studio setting and creating a vibrant clay art community.
"She wanted a view to inspire, a space big enough to encourage big ideas and a creative atmosphere to engender great works," said Mary Anne Chubb, who is handling publicity for a benefit to be held Saturday, Aug. 18.
Lauren Street, a clay graduate of Otis Parsons in California, was hired as the first studio manager and helped implement Boulder Mountain Clayworks classes for adults, children, teenagers and parents with children. Summer Clay Camps focus on teaching about the history of ceramics through the hieroglyphics of the Egyptians, the Totems of the Northwest Indians and the Triptychs of Picasso. Guest artists are regularly brought in to enlighten the community and to provide a creative jolt to the studio potters. Clayworks potters exhibited in shows and eventually opened a small gallery next to the studio where potters exhibit their work.
"Clayworks is a buffet where all manner of creative experience is offered and the community is invited to partake," Ward said.
Over the years, Ward's administrative work time doubled.
"The time has come when I want to work more and direct less," she said. "We think this facility serves a need in the community for a creative space that is available day in and day out."
In fact, the organization is one of the most open and accessible places in the valley for creativity, since students and clay artists can work on their own schedules.
"This is an exciting time for us and for the community," said studio manager Julie Singer. "The studio is about a hands-on creative experience. We reinforce the importance of individual expression and promote appreciation for other points of view."
Courtesy photo
Vanessa Fry and Susan Ward show off works in progress at Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
