MEET JIM & MELISSA
WHIMSICAL DESIGNS IN STONEWARE

Jim is in charge of some throwing, glazing, loading/unloading kilns, driving, and setting up display (pretty much everything except sculpting dragons).

Melissa often has a cat helper, Scout (pictured) or Zoe.

Melissa received a B.S.E. (1975) in art education and M.A. (1979) from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO.  But, after five years of teaching art in the public schools, she decided to pursue her two passions - making pottery and raising a family.  Gradually, her carpenter husband, Jim, began taking on more and more tasks around the pottery shop until now he works at it full time too.

The Hogensons began selling their work at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in 1981.   The public's demand for dragons, wizards and castles has kept Melissa busy designing new items each year.  So far, her imagination hasn't failed her.

They strive to make well-made stoneware pottery that is oxidation fired to 2200° F. in gas and electric kilns.  No molds are used.  Most designs begin with forms made on the potter's wheel that are altered and sculpted.  Both, Melissa and Jim throw on the wheel, but all the sculpting is done by Melissa.  So, there may be some variances in the pieces.   Jim's in charge of all the glazing and does most of the marketing, so he's the one you'll probably meet at art fairs.

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