1 minute read
CLAY ATELIER
by René Groom | Photos Meghan Rickard
atelier//noun. A workshop or studio, especially one used by an artist or designer.
Arlene Custer in her studio
Arlene Custer’s introduction to pottery came as a gift from her husband in the form of a class celebrating her retirement from a successful career in the restaurant business. “Pottery wasn’t love at first sight for me,” Arlene shares. “More than the love of using clay, I truly fell in love with the people that I met in the class and with the creative energy I found there. While it was the people that kept me going back, as time went on, I began to see that I had a knack for creating with clay, and as my confidence got stronger, so did my commitment to the art.”
Arlene hosts classes for both novice and experience potters.
Arlene’s creations are hand-built with soft slab clay. They begin as rolled, flat pieces of clay that are then hand-molded and cut into beautiful collectible French butter jars, flowerpots, bowls, platters, whimsical village houses, and more. While Arlene uses a variety of clay, she especially enjoys working with porcelain.
From her beautiful private studio named Clay Atelier /Atelier/ means “workshop” in French: Arlene offers three artisan shows a year highlighting her beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces as well as those of fellow artists in her ever-growing community of creative friends. She also hosts classes for both novice and more experienced potters.
Arlene’s love for her community is brilliantly displayed on her gallery walls along with the signature works of those artist friends who continue to inspire her.
Arlene’s art and class schedules can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/clayatelier and clayatelierstudio.square.site
Signatures of inspiring artists decorate the walls of the studio.
