Ankeny Art Center Needs $35,000 for Pottery Studio Expansion

The pottery studio in the basement of the Ankeny Art Center has five wheels, two long tables and not enough elbow room.

The center for both children and adults is unable to serve the growing number of people interested in the art form, said Barb Naske, the center's director.

There's often a waiting list for pottery classes and some students and art club members have to use the facilities at odd hours to complete work. But Naske hopes to change that by doubling the size of the studio with the community's help.

The Center recently launched a $35,000 fundraising campaign to move the studio into a larger room, buy five potting wheels, a second kiln and a pug mill.

Hundreds of students make use of the center and studio during summer camps and art classes. And a number of adults, some of whom learned to use a potting wheel in their youth, come to the studio to take up the hobby.

It's a hobby that most adults wouldn't be able to participate in without the center.

The high cost of pottery wheels and kilns make it near-impossible to do at home, Naske said. A pottery wheel costs about $2,000 and a kiln runs about $10,000. And the heavy duty appliance would require most home owners to rewire their homes, Naske said of the kiln.

The center will host its first fundraiser at “An Ankeny Evening with the Arts” 6:30 p.m. May 3 at Prairie Ridge Church, 825 NW Street, Ankeny. The event includes a concert that starts at 7:30 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. The center would also accept free will donations of building materials, plumbing services and equipment.

Learn more about how to help at www.ankenyartcenter.com.