CO-OWNER

Birch’s love of clay began at a young age when his father encouraged him to attend Continuing Education at IUP with him. He concentrated on throwing while still in high school and studied at IUP with an emphasis on ceramics. With the support of his parents, Birch built a studio on the country site outside of Indiana, complete with kiln pads for electric, soda and wood fired kilns and successfully creates many pots there to this day. In 2005, a gallery was added to sell his production as well as for other artists who sell on consignment.

In 2006 he married Debra, and helps raise his two daughters. He continues to make pots as much as he can around outside employment. The studio downtown will allow him to fulfill a passion of teaching the art of working with clay.

CO-OWNER

Debra English Frew has had a strong interest in clay: its unique properties and its capabilities since her first introduction to it at Red Deer College in the 90’s. After RDC and attaining a BFA from NSCAD, she apprenticed with Internationally known artist, Nina Hole where they traveled to many countries building large scale sculpture kilns. While still in Denmark, she became the first technician and was a key player in the development of The International Ceramic Center in Skaelskor. Her cultural experiences during this time helped expand her diverse knowledge of ceramic art and design.

After earning an MFA at Ohio University, she taught Ceramics in various Universities. In 2006, she married Birch Frew and while raising their two daughters Rayna and Jadyn, helped manage their country studio offering classes and events for the community.

INSTRUCTOR

Cathy’s passion for teaching and throwing clay on the potters wheel is a perfect fit for Stoke Hole Pottery. She graduated from IUP with a art education degree with a minor in ceramics. Her studies continued at university in Lucca, Italy. Recently she retired after teaching at Marion Center High School for 36 years. At the high school she developed a ceramics program and taught drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

Cathy is now developing her love of ceramics in her own creative style. And looking forward to teach wheel throwing at Stoke Hole Pottery Downtown.

INSTRUCTOR

Arlene began her life’s journey with a strong desire to teach and a love of creating art. She received a BS in Art Education from Indiana University of PA and completed graduate studies which included two summers in Lucca, Italy. Besides drawing, painting and sculpture, her graduate work also consisted of several classes taught by Donn Hedman, the person she credits for her pottery skills and love of all things ceramic.

Arlene recently retired after 31 years of teaching art in the Indiana School District.

Additionally, she enjoys jewelry making, travel, reading, knitting, sewing and spending time with family and friends.