For those looking to get in touch with their inner artist or enjoy the aesthetic of handmade pottery, the Kentuck Clay Co-op offers students and Tuscaloosa residents a chance to do just that. While some students opt for ceramics instruction at the University, the Kentuck Clay Co-op allows beginners and masters of clay to practice their craft on their own time.

“You can just create what you want,” Shweta Gamble, executive director of Kentuck, said.

Kentuck offers a class in which students will learn and practice throwing in the wheel, slab rolling, wedging and hand building. Then they can choose to become a regular member of the Clay Co-op. Monthly membership costs are $50 and discounted to $35 for students. Membership allows co-op participants studio space where they can work on their own time without the upkeep of a personal studio.

According to Kentuck’s website, the co-op acts as an extension of the organization’s ongoing mission to perpetuate the arts, engage the community and empower the artists. Since its launch, the co-op has provided artists and students a place and community to practice their skills.

For local artist Joe McComb, ceramics started out as a hobby at the Clay Co-op and grew into an avid interest. McComb has had his ceramics work displayed at various locations including Kentuck Museum, Wild Birds Unlimited and the Makers Market.

Kerry Kennedy, an alumnus of The University of Alabama, created a name and career for herself through the Kentuck’s Clay Co-op. Kennedy studied ceramics through the College of Arts and Sciences. With seven years at the Clay Co-op, Kennedy has a personal art studio at Kentuck and is a paid, traveling artist. She credits most of her success to the former professor W. Lowell Baker, in the art department at the University.

Kennedy’s art ranges from $5 to $30 for each piece, but it’s not money that keeps Kennedy in the studio every day.

“I just have fun doing it,” Kennedy said.

She shares her talent at the institute by teaching ceramic classes for new and regular members. Kennedy will also be showing her work at the Alabama Clay Conference in Birmingham, Ala., from Feb. 21 to March 3.

For more information, visit kentuck.org.

Leading in today’s Crimson White:

Tax season gives accounting students chance for real-world experience 

‘Vloggers’ on YouTube making names for themselves

Tide’s ‘smaller’ sports receive less recognition, fans than other athletic teams