Let’s Make Gnomes! Local Artist Putting a Twist on Ceramics

There is much more to art than what is on the surface and there are endless amounts of things to be created from an empty slate

FARGO, ND — Art projects aren’t just for kids.

They can be enjoyed by everyone.

There is much more to art than what is on the surface and there are endless amounts of things to be created from an empty slate.

“I found ceramics while I was going to college and I fell in love,” said artist Amber Parsons Msyka.

Amber found her connection to art and created Midwest Mud, a studio space for artists within the collective artist group, APT.

Unique to her passion in ceramic making, her newest class allows students to hand sculpt their own personal garden gnome.

“Just thought about the season,” said Amber. “It was spring time, gardening is going to happen and I was like, well, let’s just make some gnomes.”

Let’s Make Gnomes is a three class project.

You start off with the creation of the body, then add clothing and accessories and the final task is painting.

Her students have found this class to not only be different, but exciting.

“The gnome class has really taken it to another level,” said Amber. “I mean, a lot of interest. Everybody that comes into this space is so interested.”

There are a ton of classes offered but no matter how different they may be, these artists have all created a welcoming place.

One of the biggest messages these artists are sending is that creativity takes courage.

“It’s not easy for people to be creative and I try to offer my gnome class,” My style of teaching is that there is no bad mistakes.”

An original idea may turn into something else, but all of the students walk away with their final product.

“The product that came out of all of the classes, out of all of the students in the class, it blew my mind.”

This art class is giving creativity a whole new meaning.

If you want to be a part of some of Amber’s other classes, click here.