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MARIA SPARSIS
Born on the island of Cyprus to a Cypriot father and a British mother, Maria Sparsis has also lived and worked in Wales, Scotland, New England and, for the last 15 years, Florida. a Marine Biologist by training and a scientist by inclination, Maria is a certified diver and has a deep commitment to, and love of, nature in all its forms.
Although Maria still maintains her ties with the world of science and biology, she is currently part owner of "Tea and Chi", a premium loose-leaf tea company. Her love of tea and her collection of teapots was what initially bought her to the world of ceramics. Much of Maria's artwork is inspired y both her love and knowledge of nature and her sense of humor and fondness for the absurd which she has inherited from her father. Many of her ceramic pieces are functional in nature and often tea related. Maria has studied ceramics with Sean Clinton, Nancy Blair, Glenda Tailor and Charlie Riggs, Nan Jacobson, Walford Campbell, Fong Choo, Eric Olsen and Ying Zhou. Maria's wok has been exhibited at The Armory, The Sparta Teapot Museum, The Fish House Art House and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Her work can be seen at Flametree Clay Art Gallery in Vero Beach and Fitch and Fellows Gallery in Oxfordshire. She currently teaches pottery classes at Indian River Clay, Inc. |
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GINNY PIECH STREET
Ginny grew up in Indiana, spent some time in Kentucky, the Low Country of South Carolina and Key West before sailing to Fort Pierce and calling the Treasure Coast her home. She had the pleasure of being a co-creator of Art Mundo, A Center Of Creative Expression in downtown Fort Pierce, where she later partnered with 4 other artists to open Peacock Clay Collaborative, a working clay studio, also in downtown Fort Pierce. When Peacock Clay closed due to an unrelated fire in the building, she had the opportunity to continue her clay work as co-founder and studio manager for Indian River Clay in Vero Beach.
Ginny says "I’m appreciative of the interest and support that the residents of the Treasure Coast have for the arts. With a BFA in printmaking, I am way out of my league with clay, but playing in the mud is too much fun. I’ve been working in clay for about 6 years and have found that it is easy to carry one’s imagery and style from medium to medium. The tactile nature of clay immediately engages my senses and involves me creatively. One can’t be passive when ones hands are deep in mud!" She also enjoy collaboration as it nurtures a strong creative environment and builds lasting alliances in the art community. She's been hooked on the creative process for as long as she can remember, enjoying the surprise of where it takes her. Ginny's desire is to share this joy. ginnypiechstreet@gmail.com ginnypiechstreet.com on Instagram and Facebook as @tritongal53 |
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BEVERLY SWATT
As one of Indian River Clay’s first full-time members, Bev brings decades of clay and studio experience to IRC. She received an AA in Ceramics in 1972 and became active with the Ceramic League of Miami. From 1972 to 1982 she owned and operated Miami’s Grove North Gallery where she represented about 150 craftsmen. Beverly then applied her business skills to partner in Off Broadway Restaurant, a 250 plus seat deli and catering establishment (1983-1989). She’s a tireless volunteer and from 1980 to 2018 she volunteered for National Spinal Cord, Stand Among Friends, Childcare Resources and Haiti Clinic. Beverly currently serves on IRC’s Education Committee and led IRC to successfully raise over $6,000 for Samaritan Center’s 2019 Soup Bowl event.
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