The community of Knights Ferry is known for many admirable traits. From the scenic setting, to its small-town rustic, eclectic charm, it is indeed unique.
Now, thanks to the vision and passion of Taylar Mason, a new layer has been embraced by the community.
Mason is the artistic visionary and founder of Knights Ferry Art Studio and Gallery. Located behind the Knights Ferry Creamery and just adjacent to the Post Office, the Gallery is at 17631 Sonora Road, Knights Ferry.
“The community has embraced us. Everyone is so supportive,” Mason said, just a handful of weeks before celebrating the one-year anniversary of her vision.
With a background in art education and studio art, Mason shared it was her first job in Humboldt County working at a studio for adults with disabilities which helped inspire her to bring her passion back to Knights Ferry.
“That was the first place I ran my own ceramics class, taught lots of painting and drawing classes,” she said.
Returning home and finding her current space available for rent, she made the decision to open the studio space.
“We engage the community, we express ourselves with mixed media and explore all types of materials and empower other artists,” she said of her studio vision.
As testament to that, Knights Ferry Art Studio and Gallery will host a Young Artist Showcase on Saturday, March 30 from noon to 3 p.m.
The event will feature art from local young artists, live music, as well as a “chili bowl” sale as part of a current fundraiser hosted by the Gallery.
“Knights Ferry Art Studio has been on a dedicated mission of the redemption of the clay here in Knights Ferry,” Mason shared. “Processing the clay Knights Ferry Elementary has teamed up with us in making lots of pottery from our local and ethically sourced wild clay.”
As a ceramicist Mason indicated she found clay not accessible locally. Learning about processing wild clay from friends at Humboldt State, she decided to share the knowledge with the children of Knights Ferry.
All of the clay products and chili bowls offered for sale at the fundraiser have been hand crafted by local students. The clay used for the projects was sourced locally from the ground and processed by the students into a usable product.
“It’s cool because the students are donating their work that they’re making to us,” she said of the fundraiser, “which is huge for anyone to give up a piece of their pottery, especially for the kids.”
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used towards the purchase of a kiln to further teach students and fire ceramic projects. The current pottery was fired through the help of Dirt and Glue Mosaics in Modesto.
“It’s like an iconic ceramic thing to do, as a fundraiser do a soup bowl sale or a chili bowl sale as a fundraiser,” the gallery owner noted.
She further shared her excitement for the young artists to see their work on the wall for display. Adding that she, herself, began taking art seriously in junior high; ceramics being her favorite form.
While the upcoming Art Show is exciting, Mason is equally pleased with the support and participation she has experienced at the Studio.
“People come from all over to take the classes and teach,” she said, adding that the studio hosts classes with a variety of teachers from the area.
“I’m just trying to stay focused and keep serving everyone to the best of my ability,” she shared of her feelings since first opening. “It’s just been this beautiful rush of a lot of work.”
Further details on this fundraiser and other upcoming events can be found on the social media page, Knights Ferry Art Studio.
“I’m so thankful for Knights Ferry School for collaborating with us on this,” Mason added of the chili bowls. “I could have made these pots myself, but it’s not as meaningful as every student in Knights Ferry coming together and making something that we pulled right out of the ground.”
Art Studio hours are Thursday through Monday from noon to 5 p.m.
