ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Studio molds special place in the community

Alice Eakin gazes affectionately at a sculpture of a cat whimsically sitting in a full laundry basket at ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Studio. It's just one of many creations the Bloomingdale artist has produced since rediscovering her passion for pottery 30 years after leaving it behind.

"I wasn't sure if I loved ceramics like I did 30 years ago, but it turns out I loved it even more," she said.

After learning about the Warrenville studio a year ago during a Wheaton Park District class, the Pennsylvania native now spends at least fours days a week as a full-time potter and resident artist at the work space.

ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Studio, 28W210 Warrenville Road, is a not-for-profit organization that provides opportunities for area artists like Eakin to express themselves while building a community of their own. The studio offers public classes, an art gallery and various shows throughout the year.

Forty resident artists play a large role in running the operation while getting 24-hour access to the space and equipment.

Without such an outlet, Eakin says she would not be where she is today.

Eakin has always been drawn to the endless possibilities of working with clay, and even majored in ceramics at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

"Almost anything you can imagine, you can create in clay," she said.

She remained active in the field for 10 years until finally giving it up for a career in profit administration.

Upon retiring, she decided to pick up pottery again, a decision that ultimately led her to ClaySpace. She calls it a "wonderful dream come true."

It wasn't always so easy for local potters to share their passion with their community.

When Linda Kiepke moved to Naperville 14 years ago, she was surprised to find very few outlets for 3D artists outside of an academic setting.

"When I moved here from Arizona, I really felt like I lost my community," she said.

While taking classes at the College of DuPage, she and a teacher decided to start a club called Clay People in 2001, filling the niche she felt was lacking. She was the founding president.

"Ceramic artists tend to be the type of people who gravitate toward community," she said.

The group grew and after six or seven years, they dreamed of having their own studio and the opportunities that would come with it.

After several months of planning, their dreams finally came true. Now three years later, a number of artists frequent the studio to work on their art, attend a class or visit the gallery.

Some sit as they gently work the clay between their brown clay-stained hands. Others stand, carefully putting the last touches on a piece. No matter their art style, they share a passion for ceramics that can be seen in their work.

"It's astounding to me how far we've come so quickly," said Kiepke, who is currently vice president at ClaySpace.

ClaySpace President Marie Gnesda's goal is to translate the studio's success thus far into a long-lasting and sustainable future in the community.

For information, call (630) 393-CLAY or visit clayspace.net.