Carlsbad, New Mexico is home to a multitude of economic opportunities.
One unexpected opportunity lies within the creative economy of the area. Southeastern New Mexico is home to a variety of artists, many of whom can be found at The Artist Gallery in downtown Carlsbad.
Since 1964, the Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) has been a membership-based organization, promoting and encouraging the arts. The mission of the organization states: CAAA is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of original, creative fine arts and crafts in Carlsbad and surrounding areas by means of exhibitions, lectures, art appreciation, workshops, and to elevate the level of art by all means available to CAAA.
To support this mission, two resources are available to help member artists. First is The Artist Gallery, a co-op gallery for its members run entirely by the membership. Second is the Pottery Studio, also run by its membership. This co-op maker space is open to all CAAA members and only costs $25 a month (plus clay). The studio fee includes the use of the space, help and guidance if needed, clay firing, and up to three shelves of glazes (12” x 24” per month).
The Pottery Studio has six potter wheels, tools, books for inspiration, an electric kiln, a gas kiln, and individuals with a lifetime of experience to help you as you begin or continue your artistic journey. Janice May has been involved with the studio off and on since it opened in February 1981. May shared that she has always had an interest in the arts and that the CAAA is a wonderful network of people. She and The Artist Gallery artist Vicki Trout are co-managers of the studio.
There is much time and effort that goes into working with clay. First, you build the piece. Then it must dry. Next, it will go into the electric kiln. This kiln takes 10 hours to increase to 1800°F, followed by a day to cool down before taking the pieces out. Next, the work goes onto the shelf and when the artist is ready, the piece can be glazed. After the glazing, the piece spends time in the gas kiln. It takes 12 hours for the gas kiln to increase to the needed 2400°F and a day and a half to cool before opening up. Both kilns need to be full of pottery to fire them up so that each firing is used to its maximum potential.
To use either the Pottery Studio or to be a member of the Artist Gallery, you must first be a member of the CAAA. To join the CAAA and let your creativity flow, stop by the Pottery Studio during open hours. The members on hand will be able to assist you in joining the CAAA and Pottery Studio. From there, your ability to create with clay and have access to all the needed materials begins.
Some individuals are members of both the Studio and the Gallery. Vicki Trout and Mike Pfiefer can occasionally be found working at the studio. Their finished pieces are for sale inside The Artist Gallery located at 120 South Canyon Street in downtown Carlsbad. With the holidays upon us, it is a great time to shop and support local businesses and artists to find a unique gift for your occasion.
CAAA Pottery Studio
404 School Street | Carlsbad, NM
(575) 234-2809 or (575) 887-1210
CarlsbadArt.com
info@carlsbadart.com
Facebook
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday
9:00 am – noon & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Article written by Michele Robertson and originally published in Focus Regional 2023 Winter edition.
