Staying and Claying
“A lot of times when you work in creative fields or the artistic world, you think you have to go to a big city because you think that there’s more opportunity, but I actually feel the opposite. Maybe it’s A) more important and B) kind of easier to start something up in a small town where what you’re trying to do doesn’t exist yet.”
Michelle Miolla had big plans to move to Seattle, WA right after she graduated from @appstate this past December. With a potential assistantship lined up with a studio artist, Michelle actually flew out to the big city in August for a tour of her soon-to-be home. But then she thought, “Why move when there’s something so special happening here?” And so, Michelle kept her own special here in Boone: @miolla_ceramics.
Her ceramics business grew with the introduction of @popupboone and the @artisanmarketboone, and while these types of creative markets may exist in abundance in larger cities, they truly flourish here. “I’m meeting people, and I’m feeling each month that when the Pop Up or Artisan Market happens I feel closer and closer to the community. I don’t want to give that up.” Michelle commented.
Because of her friendship and professional relationship with @claybyjane of Pop Up, Michelle has been able to work with and participate in the creative process. Since the first event she displayed her work, Michelle has been setting up, breaking down, and helping out with everything in between. “It was a weekend party, basically. Each day was so much fun, and I met so many people. I worked the register with Megan so we were able to come in contact with everybody.” Michelle remembered, “We got to look at all of the work everybody was buying and talk to them about it.”
The two also want to start a community based art studio where local artists can rent out the space for their own creative works. With limited space in town, it can be difficult to find such a space other than what the University offers. So Michelle wants to change that. “A lot of times people feel like they’re not artists. Everybody absolutely is an artist. But not a lot of people know where to go or how to get it out or what to do. I just want to offer the ‘everyday person’ to get that opportunity to really feel like they can be creative and expressive. I think that’s very important.” This creative space would open to anyone who wants to bring their art into existence by any form.
While creating her ceramic pieces for her business, Michelle also serves at @melaniesfoodfantasy in her spare time. The restaurant is part of her extended family, with both her coworkers and customers. Many times when she’s serving a table, she’ll recognize a patron wearing her ceramic earrings, or someone may recognize her from the art fairs.
“There are so many really cool people here who I have the wonderful opportunity to call an actual friend, and it’s because of all of this community and everybody being so open.” In Boone, friends are anywhere and everywhere. So to all of our friends, make sure to check out Miolla Ceramics’ Instagram page @miolla_ceramics!