Technology-oriented maker spaces are the rage these days and the ceramics facilities at the Belger Crane Yard Studios combine new tech ideas with good old-fashioned, handmade ingenuity. The craftsmanship and artistry of the ceramic arts have always had a strong reliance on science and technology. Advanced ceramics techniques, processes and materials present a steep learning curve, which has helped to make it one of the most community-oriented mediums out there. Makers come together to aid each other in problem solving, whether it’s troubleshooting glaze chemistry, finessing handle attachments to mugs or helping a complicated sculpture survive a firing.
Kansas City is fortunate to have a professional community ceramics studio in the East Crossroads. Belger Crane Yard Studios was created to foster an environment for makers to come together and exchange ideas. The ceramics studio comprises the largest footprint within the complex; however, there are also professional lithography and metal studios. Some involved in the studio came by way of a class or workshop; others were seeking a professional environment in which they could continue to grow their own body of work and be a part of a supportive community. Additionally, the Red Star Artists-in-Residence seek studio space and time to develop their individual professional practice while providing the studio with their expertise.
In all, the studio houses over 70 makers, ranging from hobbyists and enthusiasts to professional artists. Some have master’s degrees and prepare for various exhibitions around the globe, while others come to pursue a hobby that they are passionate about, enjoying the creative outlet. There are those that prefer wheel-throwing, while others enjoy the pace of hand-building or sculpture. There are designers who use slip-cast molds to create production lines and those who never make the same thing twice. Instead of focusing energies on a specific art form or method, Belger Crane Yard Studios focuses on bringing in creative people of all stripes so that they can inform and inspire one another.
The studio gets its name from the Belger Cartage crane yard, which can be seen from the northern windows (in addition to a beautiful view of the Kansas City skyline). New Resident Artist Sarah Olsen discusses the studio aesthetic: “There is definitely a welcome amount of natural light. I think it feeds the positive energy and vitality of the studio. And I think the exchange of energy and ideas relates to not just the art work, but the social part of our being.”
In addition to being the home base of many artists, Belger has classes and workshops for every level of interest. Fun classes like Date Night, Kids and Kids+1 workshops are a great way for adults and kids to work with their hands and give clay a try. All introductory classes involve the pottery wheel, something a bit uncommon for introductory classes. More advanced sculpture and specialty classes are offered as well. Every class starts with a bag of clay. Sign up to see where it takes you.
The studio provides year-round access for those looking to buy studio members’ work, and will convert into a sales gallery for special occasions. In the months that lead up to the end of the year, the studio is buzzing with life as the members prepare for the annual Holiday Open House and Studio Sale. The wheels are spinning and kilns are firing day and night in preparation. During the First Friday and Saturday of December, the fruits of all of these labors are on display – think holiday gift giving with a local flavor. Studio Manager Tommy Frank tells us that he has witnessed continual increases in attendance for this annual sale, with a nice mix of first-time and long-time attendees. Tommy tells us, “The Kansas City community has been very supportive of our local artists and all signs point to December 2nd and 3rd being a busy couple of days.”
Whether you’re looking to purchase beautiful work by local, national and international artists, or you want to flex your creative muscles, Belger Crane Yard Studios has quickly shown that it’s the place to be.
–Tracy Noyer
Above: A view of the beautiful Belger Crane Yard Studios community ceramics area (photo by Tommy Frank)
