Some people find Groundworks Art Lab through a class catalog. Samantha found us by following a smoke stack.
New to Boulder, with an art degree and a background in clay, she spotted a wood kiln off the Diagonal Highway and picked up the phone. That call led to an overnight firing shift, a spot as a teaching assistant, years as an instructor, and eventually her role today as our Hill Clay Studio Manager.
We sat down with Samantha to talk about how she found her way here, what keeps her inspired at the wheel, and what it means to create the same welcoming space she walked into years ago.
How did you first come to Groundworks? What initially drew you to the studio, and what do you remember about your early experiences as a volunteer?
“I was new to Boulder, and I had previous experience and a background in clay. I was looking for a way to get involved in clay in my new home, and I saw a big smoke stack on the Diagonal Highway and knew that it was a wood kiln. I asked some folks, and they told me it was Groundworks (Studio Arts Boulder at the time).
I cold called the studio and spoke with our Artistic Director, Aaron Winston. He invited me and my husband to come check out the kiln and hang out during the firing. We ended up on a very cold, overnight shift with Aaron and then Board President Bob Crifissai. We talked about art and Boulder, and I started TAing in the next few sessions because I felt welcomed and had found like-minded people.”
Finish this sentence: "Groundworks is the place where I…come to connect.”
You've worn many hats at Groundworks, from volunteer to teaching assistant, instructor, and now Hill Clay Studio Manager. Can you walk us through that journey? Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to take the next step?
For many years my paying job was in education. I was an early childhood educator for the majority of my 30s, even though I have an art degree. I think my progression through the many different parts of Groundworks has been quite organic because of that. It was a place where not only did I have relevant experience, but the different aspects of myself could come together in a fun community environment. At the time I didn't feel the pressure to make money doing it, so I could commit to getting to know the people and the place doing what I loved. Making and teaching!
After the pandemic I was looking for the next step. I was extremely burnt out from teaching. I once again cold called Aaron and took the leap. Putting myself out there, I said I was looking for other opportunities within Groundworks, because in the back of my mind I kept thinking about how much I liked being part of the community. I then found out about the new expansion and that we were going to be hiring more operations staff. Main was still just a twinkle in everyone's eye. I applied, was hired, and quickly became even more integrated in Groundworks, and more specifically the Hill.
Let's talk about your own work as a ceramic artist. What first drew you to ceramics, and what keeps you inspired? How has your artistic practice evolved during your time at Groundworks?
My first love of ceramics was the wheel. I liked that it was a practice: the more time I put in, the better I got at it. I liked that it felt like alchemy! I was taking a very elemental material and watching it transform through a very magical but also very tangible process. I've always enjoyed using my hands, ever since I was a child. Crafting, building with blocks, cooking. Working in the 3D plane has always been very satisfying, and clay felt like a natural progression of that.
Currently my main interest lies in the surface of the pot and how to become a bit more playful in my work. I think Groundworks has directly influenced that. So much of my inspiration now comes from the daily interactions and conversations I have with my students, my teaching assistants, studio staff and other colleagues. The most challenging aspect of my job is finding the time and desire to make when my days are filled with writing schedules, answering emails, filling orders and more. I want to make sure that the Hill is still a place that people want to be.
How has being part of the Groundworks community shaped you, both personally and professionally? Are there people, experiences, or opportunities that have had a particularly meaningful impact on your journey?
I will be forever grateful to Kari Palazzari and Aaron Winston for seeing me and giving me a chance to grow into my current role. It's nice to feel that my skills have transferred over into an arts organization when I had seen myself as an early childhood educator for so long. There have been many late nights around the wood kiln getting to know people, many hours throwing chili bowls next to other instructors, and times subbing for classes that have really helped keep me connected to Groundworks and clay.
What has it meant to grow from a volunteer into a leadership role at Groundworks? How has that experience changed the way you see yourself as an artist, educator, and leader?
Starting my journey as a volunteer has really helped me see that there are possibilities. Change is happening and will happen, and if you can continue to be present during that process, beautiful things are possible.
Now that you're the Hill Clay Studio Manager, you get to help create the same welcoming environment that you first experienced. What do you love most about your role, and what would you say to someone who is thinking about getting involved with Groundworks, whether as a student, volunteer, or aspiring artist?
I think one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is getting to connect and collaborate with students on projects or techniques that they are excited about. Sharing my love of making things is so fun! Making a space for folks to connect outside of their home and work is so important to me, especially in a culture where it gets easier and easier to silo ourselves. If you want to meet new people in a supportive environment with a common interest, come join us! The door is open!
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Thank you, Samantha, for answering that cold call years ago and for making the Hill a place people want to be.
Feeling the pull of the clay studio yourself? Start with a sampler class, or browse our clay classes for every level.
As a nonprofit, Groundworks grows with support from our community. This Colorado Gives Day, December 8, help keep the kilns firing: give today.
