Greg Lamont
130 S. Sheldon Ave, Ames, IA 50014
www.lamontpottery.com
Studio: (515) 292-3448
Email: gdlamont7@gmail.com

Located in the basement of the Collegiate United Methodist Church Wesley Foundation Annex, potters and other artists form a community called the Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA). CASA is a non-profit that offers artists studio space to work, to learn from each other and to share their expertise with the public.

One of the original members of CASA is Greg Lamont. After taking a few pottery classes in college and high school Greg became interested in the art form. For a few years he worked in a studio out of his home. In 2001, however, Greg was becoming thoroughly aware of the “messiness” associated with clay and pottery and he wanted to find studio space outside of his home. That year, Greg and some other artists were offered a chance to form CASA and gain studio space. They jumped at the opportunity and on Jan. 1, 2001 they moved into the church annex.

Greg now spends his days at CASA turning slabs of clay into beautiful pieces of pottery. His work is primarily related to the preparation of food and drink and is influenced by Korean and Japanese folk pottery. All of his work can be used in conventional and microwave ovens as well as dishwashers. This has allowed local establishment, Stomping Grounds, to display their food and drinks in works of art 
created by Greg himself. The mugs found at Stomping Grounds are even color-coded to remind baristas of their size and the color of the plates is said to complement the food that is being served on them.

Next time you stop into Stomping Grounds be sure to keep an eye out for Greg’s works. You can see more of his work at www.lamontpottery.com or by contacting him directly at gdlamont7@gmail.com. He welcomes visits to his studio Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or stop in during the Ames Area Studio Tour on Oct. 10 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and 11 (noon-4 p.m.). Greg will be in his studio showing off his work and giving demonstrations.

For more information about the Ames Area Studio Tour please visit http://www.amesart.org/ames-area-studio-tour.html.

Ciccotti Art Glass
2306 258th St, Ames (Napier)
www.ciccottiartglass.com and www.facebook.com/Ciccotti-Art-Glass
(515) 231-1267

In his Napier based studio, just outside of Ames, Art Ciccotti bends and  pulls molten glass to create one of a kind vases, platters, wall installations and more. Art is a Southern California native who moved to Ames and received his degree in Art and Design from Iowa State University in 1987. He found his passion there when he began learning glassblowing basics as a member of The Gaffers’ Guild, ISU’s glassblowing club. Aside from attending various workshops post-graduation, he is a mostly self-taught glassblower. Art’s techniques are heavily influenced by Venetian glass work, which is evident in his use of curvilinear forms and colorful glass. He enjoys exploring different color combinations, shapes and levels of functionality. Art’s work stands as a visual homage to natural forms like flowers, weather and animals; he strives to connect his work to the natural beauty of these things. If you have the perfect piece of unique glasswork in mind, Art takes custom orders and even offers lessons for all experience levels. You can see more of Ciccotti Art Glass’s work at www.ciccottiartglass.com or contact the studio directly at (515) 231-1267. The studio is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday noon to 4pm, Tuesday noon to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm, or by appointment— Art just asks that you call ahead before coming to visit! 

The Ames Area Studio Tour on Oct. 10 (10am - 4pm) and 11 (noon- 4pm) will be a great time to visit. No need to call ahead that weekend. Art will be in his studio hard at work, showing you how it's done.