Small Clay, Big Impact: A Studio Update
Art, Impact, and a Very Busy Kiln!
It has been an absolute whirlwind in the studio lately, and I am finally coming up for air to share some incredibly exciting news. Earlier this year, I was honored to receive an Individual Artist Award from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, and the impact of this grant has been nothing short of magical for Lumps of Clay Studios.
Spreading the Joy (at $5 a Pop!)
This award came at the perfect time. As we all know, the cost of clay and glazes has been climbing, but this grant allowed me to push back against that. It provided the "cushion" I needed to keep my art vending machine pieces at just $5.
Being able to keep original, hand-built art accessible is so important to me. Whether it’s a tiny monster or a whimsical character found at Lahr Block, Homestead Artisans, or a pop-up at The Paramount, I want everyone to be able to take a little piece of wonder home.
By the Numbers:
The studio has been running at max capacity! Since receiving the award, I’ve managed to:
Complete 275 miniature art pieces (fully glazed and fired!).
Prep 81 more currently in the bisque stage.
Keep the Little Free Gift Shop stocked with surprises for the neighbors.
The Summer Balancing Act
I’ll be honest—my kiln is definitely earning its keep this month! Making these 300+ miniatures was a massive undertaking, especially because I’ve been working on them simultaneously with all the new pieces I am getting ready for my upcoming summer shows.
As a full-time artist, these summer festivals are the heartbeat of my year. The connections I make and the sales from these shows are what truly support my practice and sustain me for the entire year. It is so important for me to have a full, vibrant collection of work ready for this season, so I’ve been balancing the grant projects with my show prep to make sure there is plenty of whimsy to go around!
What’s Next?
Watching several little pieces wander off from the Little Free Gift Shop and seeing the vending machine tokens turn into "mini moments of joy" makes all the long hours worth it.
I am so grateful for this grant and for all of you who support my work—whether it’s through a $5 vending machine find or a larger piece from a summer show. You are the reason I get to keep playing with clay!
Stay tuned for my summer schedule—I can’t wait to show you what’s been coming out of the kiln.
With whimsy and gratitude, Jessica
