Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Thomson.
Keith, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. My High school art teacher encouraged me to think about art school and after successfully gaining entry to Edinburgh College of Art, I proceeded to explore various, media electives, during my first year. In my second semester I discovered ceramics and that was it, I was hooked. After 3 more years of study, I graduated in 1988 with an Honors degree in Art & Design (Ceramics). After graduating, I started a small clay studio in the heart of historic Edinburgh. During that first year, I discovered an opportunity to come to the US to be a kid’s summer camp counselor, leading their ceramic shop program. I spent 3 wonderful summers in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia, teaching the kids pottery. After camp, I spent up to 8 weeks traveling the country before returning home to my studio in Scotland. After exploring almost 42 States during those 3 summers, I felt that I would like to stay a bit longer. In 1992, a job opportunity came my way to work as a production pottery with a large pottery in McQueeney, TX, just outside of San Antonio. I worked with them for 6 years, honing my pottery wheel skills. My friend Dawn who was one of the glazing helpers at the studio, decided she thought it would be a good idea to introduce me to her sister, who lived in Fort Worth. Next June I will have been married to Lori for 20 years. Shortly after getting married (In a castle in Scotland of course) I moved up to Fort Worth. Lori was an artist also and together we opened The Firehouse Gallery in 2003.Our hope was to operate a gallery for the local community and local artists. The Firehouse has ignited the passion for art to all ages and experiences for over 14 years now. Lori moved on to become an art teacher with FWISD and I refocused the space to concentrate on ceramics.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our only challenge over the years has been our business location. Although located in an old, amazing, historic building, formerly Firehouse #20 built in 1927, we are located in a residential area of East Fort Worth. We have been and are continually supported by our neighbors here, but we have very little foot traffic which is always important for any retail gallery to draw people in.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Firehouse Pottery & Gallery – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Firehouse Pottery is a space for local clay artist to showcase their work, I continue to make my own pottery and also enjoy customizing pottery for use by local coffee shops, breweries and other business that appreciate locally crafted pottery. After working on the pottery wheel for so many years and knowing how difficult that is, my great passion is teaching and allowing, young and old, the opportunity to enjoy the meditative process of crafting a pot on the potter’s wheel. I specialize in private pottery lessons but you can come with a friend or small group.
I have volunteered at JPS hospital, allowing patients the benefit of working with clay as a therapy. The Firehouse has always focused on art in our community and one thing that I’m quite proud of, is being a volunteer, project leader, teaching pottery to our local 4H kids club for the last 8 years. The main thing that sets us apart from many other pottery studios or galleries is that anyone can participate in lessons or show their work here. No age restrictions (Age 4 to 94) or experience. I’ve worked with blind people, potters in wheelchairs and may others who have benefited from the therapeutic powers of the pottery wheel.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Future plans are just to keep making pots and allow the others the opportunity to enjoy my craft. Finances permitting, we hope to continue restoring our old, historic building which is in much need of repair.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4147 Meadowbrook Drive
Fort Worth,TX 76103 - Website: http://www.firehousegalleryfw.com/Pottery/Welcome.html
- Phone: 682 560 3467
- Email: keith@firehousegalleryfw.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Firehouse20Pottery
Image Credit:
Melissa Adame
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