Help me bring Ceramic Concept to West Philadelphia
Growing up as an African American teen in
Philadelphia, I aspired to become a ceramic
artist after discovering an absolute love for
clay while taking my first ceramics class at
St. Joseph´s University at the age of 15.
At that time in my life, there were no African American role models for me in the ceramic
field. What I saw were a sea of white faces
living a life that resembled nothing like my
own.
Ceramics wasn´t even considered among my
friends and family as a viable career option for black people like myself. It was definately a
hobby at best and not something that people who looked like me could make money from or build a career on.
Workshop I took with Sana Musasama
at Arrowmont school of Arts and Crafts in
2003 while working as a work exchange
student
Building my pottery business Threet Ceramics was by no means a straight line. Income and
resources were big factors that stunted my
business growth and often squandered
opportunities for me as an artist. It has only
through seeking out African American clay
artists individually that I started building my
community, sharing in their artistic/business
success, learning about their obstacles, and
beginning the process of then learning how to
overcome my own.
Craft Show at Tyler Art Market 2019
This project started as a dream to create a
place where people can come and
intentionally support the works of artists of
color and women. By creating this space I can provide opportunities and exposure, support
small artist run businesses and help to
actualize the careers and dreams of clay
artists like myself.
Ceramic Concept would be the first black
owned ceramic centered storefront in
Philadelphia. This is a big deal! The storefront is opening a few blocks from where I grew up
in the heart of the black community. I have
watched the community grow and change
over the years into a place where I am proud
to be opening a business.
ABOUT CERAMIC CONCEPT
Ceramic Concept is my dream of bringing all
the clay work and people I love in the ceramic community together in one place.
Participating Artist-Stefani Threet of
Threet Ceramics(ME)
Participating Artist-Works by Lauren Rider of Rider Ceramics
The concept is simple. To promote
underrepresented demographics in the clay
community while still maintaing a local
component. This ceramic centered storefront will focus and highlight the works of women in clay, ceramic artists of color, and artists local
to Philadelphia. It will feature everything from coffee mugs and vases to ceramic jewelry.
It will carry the works of over 40 different
ceramic artists all using their own unique
approach to the clay process.
Participating Artist- Rich Brown of Pottery32
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can support this campaign in two ways!!
DONATE directly using the support the DONATE NOW button
AND
By reposting, emailing, and commenting on
this campaign.
By supporting this campaign you are
supporting the career paths of women, artists of color and local artists from around the
country whose businesses are being
supported by selling wares at Ceramic
Concept.
Give us a follow on Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/ceramicconceptphl
AND
http://www.instagram.com/threetceramics
PERKS FOR DONATING
(if you pledge at a higher level you can obviously choose lower level gifts❤️)
Pledge $5 or more
A virtual Thank You on both @threetceramics
and @ceramicconceptphl Instagram stories as a Thank you at the completion of GoFundMe
campaign
Pledge $15 or more
Handwritten THANK YOU note sent in a card with a special THANK YOU for contributing to my campaign and making my dream a reality
Pledge $25 or more
A handmade clay Ceramic Concept refrigerator magnet made by Stefani Threet with logo that
says: I Helped Kickstart Ceramic Concept
2020
Pledge $50 or more
Colorful Small handmade 3 inch ceramic catch all dish made from Stoneware Clay. limited edition carved dish with a stylized leaf design and
Ceramic Concept 2020 stamped in the middle.
Pledge $65 or more
Ceramic Concept black tote bag that says,
I kickstarted Ceramic Concept 2020 with
stylized drawing
Pledge $80 or more
A special edition Ceramic Concept T-shirt that comes in either Black or Turquoise in sizes
Small to XXL
Pledge $100 or more
A Black Apron that says Ceramic Concept with the new logo design
AND
Recognition on a permanent plaque in the
interior of the retail space
Pledge $200 or more
Exclusive one hour pre-shopping event for yourself and up to three of your friends/family the week BEFORE the Grand opening of Ceramic
Concept. This includes snacks and beverages
(served outside in front due to COVID
protocols) and a short talk about
representanted Artists. Masks Are Required
AND
Recognition on a permanent plaque in the interior of the retail space
ABOUT ME
I am an artist, an educator, and the designer
and maker behind Threet Ceramics, a
handbuilt functional pottery and jewelry line
based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I
studied ceramics at Alfred University and
have been working in clay for over 25 years. I mostly sell my work at craft shows, through
wholesale accounts with Museum shops and
galleries. Most recently due to COVID pivoted all of my business to online.
I have a passion for creating creative
communities and am the founder of the Philly based arts cooperative the Independent
Makers of Philadelphia, the host of my own
Instagram live series ”In Our Studios”, and the creater of many social media groups catered
to creating community among artists and
makers.
I love to travel and spend a fair amount of time in Oaxaca, Mexico. Its my happy place to
regroup, create new ideas for Threet
Ceramics(including this one), and where I
draw color inspiration for my work.
Me selling my wares at Big Crafty in Asheville, NC in 2019
RISKS AND CHALLENGES
I have signed the lease, have started placing
orders with artists, have hired contractors,
and started the process of filing business
related paperwork. Starting this passion
project in the middle of a pandemic was not
the ideal dream, but sometimes your dreams
happen when you least expect it.
Thinking about the possibility of things like
Zoom grand openings and alternative ways of selling were definitely not a part of the initial
plan. I’m learning now to adapt, pivot, and be
flexible.
I have been able to rely on my personal
savings to get this project off the ground, but
unfortunately without the assistance of the
funds from this campaign I will be unable to cover my expenses.
No amount is too small. If you cant donate,
the generosity of sharing the link for this
campaign on your social media platforms will
also speak volumes.
With Sincerest Gratitude,
Stefani Threet
