FUNKē FIRED ARTS to Become QUEEN CITY CLAY Under New Owners

FUNKē FIRED ARTS to Become QUEEN CITY CLAY Under New Owners

Press Release – FUNKē FIRED ARTS to become QUEEN CITY CLAY under new owners on January 1, 2016 We’re getting ready for some big changes here at FUNKē FIRED ARTS. We’re proud to announce that the studio has been sold to Ben Clark, our education director, and Denise Chase, a former student. The business will be renamed QUEEN CITY CLAY when Ben and Denise officially take over Jan. 1, 2016. As Queen City Clay, we’ll expand our offerings and collaborate more strongly with Cincinnati’s growing creative community. After 20 years in business, we’re already one of the largest public ceramics studios and clay retail shops in the United States. We serve a range of skill levels, from clay beginners to professional potters and sculptors, while offering activities for families, schools, corporations, and various groups. And we play an important role in arts education in the community, supplying schools throughout the region with materials and training, offering internships and an artist-in-residence program. Ben has been our studio manager and lead instructor for the past 10 years. He’s a skilled instructor of both beginning clay students and advanced practitioners. He’s also the “glue” that holds our studio community together with his energy and enthusiasm. “When you first come here, you have no idea what you’re walking into and what the possibilities are,” Clark said. “We have people from every walk of life here, amazing people.” Denise Chase, a former student with her own small business, will serve as business manager. Her husband, Doug, will handle outside sales. “Our priority is going to be to reinvest in the business, to expand programs, help the...