Business Owner of the Week: Sharon Levy of Ancient Echos Arts

 Welcome to Business Owner of the Week, a weekly column where we get to know a local business owner a little better. Are you a business owner who would like to be featured in this column? E-mail  krista@patch.com.

This week we're chatting with Sharon Levy of

Q: Tell us a little about your business and how long you have been in business in town. What is the atmosphere of your business like?

A: Ancient Echos Arts began as an un-named idea 35 years ago. My children were in school and I finally had time to take a class. I recalled that I really enjoyed working with clay in an 8^th grade class and therefore registered at a local community college for a morning session beginner’s ceramics  class. Much to my amazement, the moment I touched the clay I knew I should have been doing this all my life. Now, 35 years later we have a large studio and gallery at 19 Alpine Lane. We began at the Art Center of Chelmsford and moved to 10 Tyngsboro Road when the Center closed. We were there for 7 years before moving to 19 Alpine Lane in June of 2012. Wherever we have been located, we have always been welcoming and open to new and different ideas.

Q: Why did you first decide to open your business? Why did you choose Chelmsford?

A: I had not planned to have a business; I simply found that I had a burning desire to work in clay; could teach; and that folks had a wonderful time participating in my studio environment. When the Chelmsford Art Center closed, I knew in my heart of hearts that I would not stop working in clay. I purchased much of the equipment from the art center; added my own equipment; found a location to start, and opened my doors.  

Our first location, in the basement cleverly hidden under the hardware store and behind the blue dumpster was small, but could accommodate all equipment and people. There was really no display area for finished work. The folks who came to class varied. Some had been with me since the Art Center; many new folks came and continue to be associated with the studio; others found that life got in the way and they were unable to continue. Still others became “seasonal” potters; the gardners in particular come for the winter months and leave in the spring year after year.  We continued to grow and thrive in Chelmsford. One major reason for staying in Chelmsford was the availability of parking. The parking was not particularly good in North Chelmsford; the ice and snow could be tough to navigate there in Vinal Square. However, our new location has plenty of parking and great accessibility.

Q: What do you love about your job?

A: My job is not just a job. I am doing what I love to do from morning through the night. Working with clay is not just about the material; it is also about the physical exercise, the constant problem solving, the sharing of information and the production of something that may be useful, but is always beautiful. Working with clay is a very social art; very often it takes more than one person to move or handle a clay piece. The sense of community and belonging, no matter what our walk in life, makes for a welcoming and stimulating work environment. 

Q: What have your experiences been like as a Chelmsford business owner? Has it been positive?

A: I have been privileged to work with wonderful people. The other businesses on Alpine Lane are friendly and helpful. The community is beginning to become aware of the economic advantages of having art in the community. We specialize in functional and non-functional stoneware that encourages an eco-friendly approach. Everything we do is recycled in some way. Even broken pots are useful in the garden!

Q: If you were to give any advice to first-time clients or students, what would it be?

A: Please be forgiving with yourself. For most people, the last time they worked with clay was when they were 6 years old. As an adult, we see things in our minds at an adult level, but our skills are still that of a 6 year old. All of our beginning work looks a little rough. However, we also learn the difference between machine made and hand- made.

Our hands are soft; we make soft undulating edges. Machines are metal and hard producing a hard straight edge. Machines mass produce; people produce one of a kind. A machine will never produce what we do and vice-versa. Our eye has been trained by the mass production of cups, bowl, plates. When students and gallery customers come to Ancient Echos Arts, they come to understand the intrinsic value of the hand-made item. They learn that we are not in a race, that each of us makes things unlike any other and that all are in harmony. 

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Are you a business owner who would like to be featured in this column? E-mail  krista@patch.com.