Fire Arts Center

Arcata, CA, USA

Information	The idea was to create a place where students and artists of all levels could explore various fire art forms, continue their education and experimentation, and sustain the facility through economies of a cooperative studio. It was further recognized that Humboldt County is an area rich in artistic talent, but many artists—including recent graduates of CR and HSU—lack the substantial investment capital necessary to develop a sophisticated working studio on their own. A core of interested people began searching for a community facility that could accommodate artistic expression in the areas of ceramics, glass, metal casting, and blacksmithing. In partnership with the Arcata Economic Development Corporation and the Ink People Center for the Arts—through the efforts of Barbara O’Neal, Maggie Gainer, and others—a grant for a feasibility study was obtained by the Center for Environmental Economic Development from the Pacific Telesis Foundation. After the study determined that a center was indeed financially feasible, a steering committee began a lengthy search for start-up funding and for a suitable facility with the industrial zoning required for foundry and kiln operations. The City of Arcata was supportive throughout the search. The original plan was to finance the facility through economic development and art grant programs but, for a variety of reasons, the committee succeeded in obtaining only one economic development grant, from Pacific Gas and Electric. With the help of Maureen Hart, the Center later received a small grant from the Department of Commerce Division of Recycling for window glass recycling, but art grants never materialized. Meanwhile, the steering committee formed for the feasibility study continued to raise funds through “seconds sales” in partnership with the Potters Guild. Guild members donated many art pieces, and sales were conducted with the help of Alex Stillman and Celebration Hall. Despite these efforts, the project stalled until Peter Brant decided to purchase the property on South G Street in Arcata that is now the home of the Fire Arts Center, the Fire Arts Foundry, and Brant Electric. When Peter and Peggy put out the call, all members of the original steering committee rallied and became the founders and original investors in Fire Arts, Inc. Peter Brant, George Bucquet, Peggy Dickinson, Bruce LeBel, Noel Munn, Barbara O'Neal, Cathy Ray Pierson, and Alex Stillman put countless hours into organizing and financing the Center's startup. They were joined by Libby Maynard from our nonprofit partner organization, Ink People Center for the Arts, and later by Shelley Mitchell. Today, the Fire Arts Center is a unique facility offering studio memberships and classes to students of ceramics, glass fusing and slumping. Year-round classes are available for both beginning and advanced students. Memberships are available and provide experienced artists with access to a well-developed facility at an affordable cost. Professional artist-members generously share their technical expertise and encouragement. Workshops are offered from time to time in specialized techniques. The considerable expense of operating Fire Arts Center is paid through class fees, studio membership fees, gallery sales, periodic fund raising events, and donations. Members and students contribute to the survival of the Center by performing necessary chores, volunteering to assist with fundraisers, and donating works of art for sale. The goal of Fire Arts Center is to encourage artistic development by providing a self-sustaining facility dedicated to this purpose and to serve as an educational center for the exchange of ideas. Suggestions for classes, projects, activities, and workshops are always welcomed. Since the time of its creation, the Fire Arts Center has participated in numerous community projects and events—including Bowl of Beans, Arts! Arcata, Open Studios, the North County Fair, the Oyster Festival, Godwit Days, and the Fourth of July Jubilee. An estimated 600 students and artists have used the facility since its inception in 1999. Future goals include increased gallery sales, additional firing capacity, expanded glass facilities, and a widening range of classes. Want to know more? Come visit the Fire Arts Center at 520 South G Street in Arcata, California.
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