Creativity on Murray Avenue
By Cynthia Sommer
Don’t let the hibernation syndrome associated with winter stymie your activity and self-expression. We have in the Murray Hill area two great community-focused artists that can provide venues to let your creative juices flow and have fun in the process. Consider taking a class in the neighborhood in stained glassworks with Jon Schroder at Cobalt Glassworks or make unique pottery with Geralyn Flick and crew at Murray Hill Pottery Works.
Cobalt Glassworks
Jon Schroder, who lives in the neighborhood, has had his corner glassworks studio at 2400 N. Murray Avenue for almost 3 years. After graduating from UW-Milwaukee, he taught art for 4 years to special needs students (grades 1-12) in the Milwaukee Public Schools and has also collaborated with Betty Brinn Children’s Museum art programs. Jon set up Cobalt Glassworks to develop and sell his own art as well as to share his craft through the several classes he offers. His stained glass studio is also dedicated to producing affordable, high quality custom work, repairs, and restoration.
Individuals or groups can “try your hand at glassworks” with an afternoon class that can result in a cherished sun catcher to proudly display at home. These classes are great for birthday parties, girl or boy scouts or other special groups. More dedicated clients who want to make their own window or other artwork can take his limited enrollment (6-8) classes on a Saturday afternoon or week night for 6 sessions. All materials are included in the class price. For more information or examples of work produced go to: www.cobaltworks.com, Cobalt Works Facebook page, call 414-534-7984 or just stop by his shop (10 am-6 pm Tues-Sat).
If your holiday shopping is not yet done, consider stopping by on Sunday, December 20th from 11 am- 5 pm for a “Hand-Made Holiday” event. Jon and his fellow artists will show and sell their personal artworks of beautiful pottery, jewelry, photography, glassworks and much more. Check out Cobalt Glassworks for classes, great gifts and quality artworks!
Murray Hill Pottery Works
Murray Hill Pottery Works (MHPW) is a hidden gem nestled behind a storefront at 2456 N. Murray Avenue that has been serving the community for almost 20 years. The pottery studios and classrooms covering more than 2000 sq. ft. of space are run by Geralyn Flick and her group of seven in-house artists. Bowls, mugs, vases, sculpture and more are created by the artists and by the eager students who join them for classes. The studios that contain potter’s wheels (16) and kilns (3), provide space/time for seasoned potters and classrooms for beginner and experienced adults and teens. Also available is a specially decorated hand-on children’s room for group events and parties. Check the calendar for the very popular ‘One Nite Stand’ class dates! Sit at the potter’s wheel and with their help create several treasures! Pick the best glaze color and ‘Voila!’ you get a pot back in a month! Mention ‘Murray Hill Neighbors’ and get the ‘family’ $5 dollar discount! Also, stop by in December to pick up some great pottery for holiday gifts.
You will leave her classes with the joy of creating a pot that “you can use to eat out of, drink from and gaze at lovingly.” Go to: www.murrayhillpottery.com or call 414-332-8828 for more information on classes and other options. The studio hours are: Tues – Frid 12 noon – 9 pm; Sat, 10 am – 4 pm; Sun,12 noon – 4 pm.
Geralyn Flick and her friends also give generously of their time and art to the neighborhood and the greater community. The MHPW artists make unique ceramic eggs and serve as co-coordinators for the “Eggstravaganza”, the Murray Hill annual egg hunt offered each spring. The artists have also recently created and donated over 900 ceramic bowls for the “Milwaukee Empty Bowls” event, the largest “Empty Bowls” event in the US. This fund raiser supports local food and hunger programs through the sale of the ceramic bowls that are filled with soup made by local restaurants. This event raised a record $55,500 this year! It is great to have such creative and generous businesses in the neighborhood.
Stop by and support our local businesses or join a class and just have fun this winter and throughout the year!