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And a 50 Year Family Tradition
By Guest Columnist Rosemary Bunn
ZEBULON - This month’s window display at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library features the ceramics and glassworks of B&D Ceramics, courtesy of Bob and Diana Clark.
Library Manager Rosemary Bunn says, “B&D Ceramics has graced our display case in the past, and we are delighted to have them back.” Bunn was especially pleased to be able to highlight B&D as they celebrate the 50th year of this second-generation business.
The business was first opened by Bob’s parents, Earl and Wanola Clark, in Gibbon, Nebraska, in the 1960s. Wanola began doing ceramics as a hobby, eventually bringing it home and sharing the craft with friends. As her group grew, she eventually had to purchase her own kiln, and in 1974 Earl made the decision to sell the farm equipment and turned Wanola’s hobby into a full-time family business, aptly called Wanola’s Ceramics.
Speaking with manager Bunn, Diana Clark recalled, “When Earl turned 65, he was through and he closed the doors of the shop in September of 1984.” Bob and Diana bought two of the molds. “But we were warned that we would get hooked,” added Diana with a warm smile. Sure enough, having never before poured a mold or fired a kiln, in January of 1985 Bob and Diana purchased the entire collection and brought the business to Meansville, dubbing it B&D Ceramics.
For the past 30 years, Diana and Bob have provided ceramics classes and workshops in their small home business. Diana speaks with pride and warmth of the bond created among the regular patrons of the shop. Beyond the satisfaction of having created a work of art, Diana says “there’s such a joy in bringing people together; they create their own therapy groups, seeing each other through trials and triumphs, losses and rewards.”
In addition to B&D, for the past 8 years Diana has also taught ceramics classes at the Spalding Senior Center for the Parks and Rec department. “All ages find enjoyment in the classes,” says Diana, “grandmas and grandkids, sisters, moms and daughters, and yes, even brave men.” Each year B&D’s students enter their work in the Spalding County Fair held at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds. Judges from the Perry fair who judge the ceramics have difficulty choosing a grand champion among the masterpieces.
Recently Diana has started using the kiln to melt glass bottles into works of art. Displayed at the library are elongated bottles that were stretched by hanging from their necks in the kiln, some that were laid across molds to create specific shapes, and a few that became accidental “puddle” pieces of art.
The public is invited to view the display at the library during regular business hours, MWF 10-5, TTh 10-7, and Saturdays 10-3. For more information on B&D Ceramics, visit their website at www.bdceramics.4t.com.
