Everyone’s an Artist (Yes, Even You): Getting Creative With Clay (and Beyond) in COS
Think you're not artistic? Jeremiah Houck, Assistant Director of the Bemis School of Art at Colorado College, is here to prove you wrong. In this episode of Springs & Things, hosts Carly and Lauren sit down with a master ceramicist and longtime Colorado Springs arts educator to explore the joy of making things with your hands. No talent required. Plus: the Penrose Room at the Broadmoor is back and it's absolutely stunning, Colorado Springs' Clay Fest tradition in Manitou Springs, and why giving your art away might be the best thing you can do.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why "I'm not artistic" is a myth, and what to do instead
How the Bemis School of Art (Colorado College) welcomes total beginners in clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, and more
The surprisingly emotional philosophy behind giving your creations away
What Clay Fest in Manitou Springs looks like (including no-hands pottery competitions!)
How academic classes at Colorado College are incorporating clay and visual art for cross-disciplinary learning
A full review of the newly reimagined Penrose Room at the Broadmoor, and why you shouldn't wait for a special occasion to go
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & arts month recap
02:00 – The Penrose Room at the Broadmoor: a dreamy dining experience
10:00 – Meet Jeremiah Houck, Assistant Director of the Bemis School of Art
12:30 – "I'm not artistic" debunked
16:00 – Why clay? The philosophy of 3D art
20:00 – Jeremiah's favorite piece (and why he gave it away)
24:00 – Clay Fest in Manitou Springs: what it is and why it's special
28:00 – The most inspiring class project Jeremiah has seen
32:00 – How to get started at the Bemis School
36:00 – Picks of the Week: Venetucci Farm fall events & the Millennium Tour at Phil Long Music Hall
People & Places Mentioned:
Jeremiah Houck — Assistant Director, Bemis School of Art at Colorado College; ceramics instructor since 1996
Bemis School of Art — Colorado College's community art school offering classes in clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and more (coloradocollege.edu)
The Penrose Room — Fine dining restaurant at the Broadmoor, recently reimagined with tableside service, a polo-themed bar, and stunning views
Clay Fest — Annual ceramics festival in Manitou Springs (Soda Springs Park), featuring pottery wheel competitions and no-hands throwing contests
Venetucci Farm — Local Colorado Springs farm hosting Pumpkin Fest, Maker's Markets, trick-or-treating, and more this fall
Phil Long Music Hall — Venue for the Millennium Tour (October 26), a 90s/Y2K live music and party experience
ENT Center for the Arts — Hosting the fall Artist Series: Duke Ellington's Nutcracker, Jazz at Lincoln Center, American Ballet Theatre, and The Importance of Being Earnest (opening Nov. 28)
Core Collective — Downtown Colorado Springs Pilates studio (promo code: SPRINGSANDTHINGS for 3 classes/$30)
Key Quotes:
"You don't know how to paint? That's why we're here." — Jeremiah Houck
"Once you start — that's the only time you're a beginner." — Jeremiah Houck
"Clay can become anything, any working or nonworking replica of anything in the universe." — Jeremiah Houck
"Document and destroy." — Jeremiah Houck, on managing kids' artwork
About Springs & Things: Springs & Things is Colorado Springs' go-to local podcast for dining, arts, events, and community. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share with a friend who needs to know what's happening in The Springs.
