Andrea began working with clay in 2000 by taking a six week pottery course through the Fayette County Parks and Recreation department. Little did she know that this weekly retreat from family and responsibilities would become a passion! Andrea continued to attend these classes for several years and developed her skills on the pottery wheel. However, she really enjoyed handbuilding with clay which, she believes, allowed for a greater range of artistic expression. In 2006, Andrea became a student of Karen Beswick a ceramic artist who specialized in Raku firing. Karen taught her a different clay firing technique and provided her with artistic instruction for several years. Sadly, Karen is no longer with us but she has left her legacy in her many students.
Since Karen’s passing, Andrea has continued her education in clay by attending workshops taught by such clay artist greats as: Curtis Denzel, Robin Hopper, Chris Grydner, Gerit Grimm, Shadow May and Bill Van Guilder.
2009 saw the construction of her backyard studio fondly dubbed, Studio B. This was a wonderful gift to Andrea from her parents and her husband. She can often be heard to say, “I am a very luck girl.”
Andrea has been active in such organizations as Fine Arts and Crafts Entrepreneurs (FAACE), The Potters Guild, Newnan Coweta Arts Association, and Ceramics Daily.
Eight years ago, with the help of fellow artisans and friends, Andrea established the first annual Art Studio Tour which featured 10 artists and 9 studios. Keep an eye out for Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour which is held annually on the second full weekend in November throughout Fayette and Coweta Counties.
Title: General