Art Chowder January | February 2018, Issue 13 | Page 53

MUDDY HANDS IN A TECHNO WORLD
T
By Amy Wharf and Ann Contois
he Gonzaga interns are joining
the nurturing environment provided by
one of the most respected art galleries
in town. Pottery Place Plus opened in
1978 in the Flour Mill, energized by the
cultural and artistic revival following
the 1974 World’s Fair held in Spokane.
Founded by a group of 16 potters, with
Jill Smith as president, the members
have created an on-going, successful
venue for marketing fine art and craft.
The cooperative moved in 2005 to its
current location in the historic Liberty
Building. The gallery now enjoys close
proximity to the Convention Center, hotels
and restaurants, enabling participation in
downtown arts events like First Friday. The
co-op invites all to share their love for the
quality and beauty to be found in hand-
made art.
“We have prospered for 40 years due to
the many community residents and visitors
to Spokane who find their way to our
gallery—people who appreciate the local
art we sell,” says long-time member Nan
Drye.
“We also owe our amazing longevity to the
talent and dedication of our member artists
and a prime “location, location, location”!
Today, the Pottery Place Plus cooperative is
comprised of fine professional artists who
create unique, eclectic artworks reflecting
passion for their media and dedication
to excellence. They are a diverse group
encompassing many different artistic paths,
styles and visions, but are united in a desire
to maintain a successful retail showcase for
art—that allows their Northwest creativity
to enhance the lives of all who enter.
The gallery offers works in pottery,
fused and stained glass, fiber arts, and
a wide selection of jewelry, as well as
handmade candles and bath products.
Two-dimensional works include callig-
raphy, mixed media, and photography
featuring images of Spokane and the
surrounding countryside.
Pottery Place Plus provides not only
a beautiful year-round local venue for
member artists to market artwork to dis-
cerning customers, but also a supportive
environment where they pool resources,
time, and knowledge to benefit the pro-
fessional career growth of members.
To maintain the stunning 1600 square
foot gallery, each member designs an
eye-catching display of their art and
handles an aspect of running the busi-
ness. As an integral part of the gallery’s
charm, members take turns “manning
the store”—nurturing personal relation-
ships with appreciative customers.
The Pottery Place Plus cooperative
continues its mission of sharing the joy
of the creative process by demonstrating
at various venues. These include First
Night, local schools, and the Garland
and Perry Street Fairs.
This community interaction helps raise
awareness of the gallery while sparking
excitement about the value of imagina-
tion as an enhancement to all our lives.
The new Young-Fell Memorial Intern-
ship Program is a natural extension of
this community outreach. The program
is a realization of the desire of co-op
members to mentor up-and-coming
young area artists—to pass the baton of
their knowledge on to the next genera-
tion and in so doing build a strong and
vital local arts community. Welcome to
the Gonzaga Interns!
Young-Fell Memorial Internship
Program - Intern Display
Opening Reception:
Friday, February 2, 2018,
5pm-9pm
Location: Pottery Place Plus
203 N. Washington Street,
Spokane, WA 99201
[phone]
For more information about Pottery
Place Plus, the Young-Fell Memorial
Internship Program, becoming a
co-op member, or receiving the
monthly newsletter, visit:
www.potteryplaceplus.com
www.facebook.com/potteryplaceplus
January | February 2018
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