(PHOTOS) Where Art and Friendship Collide

Pieces of brightly-colored ceramic art decorate the walls of a small business in Hopkins. Nearly finished ceramic pieces line the shelves of one wall while unpainted white and gray ceramics, called bisque and greenware, respectively, fill the shelves of another wall.

The little art studio, called , lies tucked away in a plaza of dissimilar shops. Owner Laurie Trow has owned her business for 26 years, with 16 of those years in Hopkins. Her current Hopkins location is her fifth studio.

Trow’s studio is open for six classes. Each class hosts a distinct set of women, and in one class, at least one regular male participant. A Wednesday evening of light snow found a class that bustled with activity and whose members radiated clear warmth for each other.

“When I come here, we’re really good friends, and we ask advice and complain,” said class participant Kathy Raiola,

For many in the group, the class has become just as much a therapeutic gathering as it is a place of artistic achievement.

“Some just come to chit chat and get rid of the stress of the day. In this group it’s OK to cry,” said Debbie Johnson, a class member of more than five years.

She said that during class time, they have discussed such topics as health issues, caring for parents, and deaths. On that Wednesday, one woman spoke about having to euthanize her dog during the previous week.

They talked about lighter topics too, like The Bachelor television series and clothing.

Debbie Lieberman, an analyst, said that she spends her work day looking at Excel spreadsheets. The class gives her a chance to relax and work with her hands. She also appreciates that even those who don't consider themselves artistic can participate in and enjoy the class.

Chatter and laughter flowed across the room as participants worked on their projects: bowls of different shapes and sizes, plates, dishes, and even a Christmas tree and a piggy bank. People can usually make whatever they want, Trow said.

The designs were varied and in different stages of completion. Having finished painting a music-theme design on a plate, one woman worked on applying the glaze. When enough ceramic pieces are glazed, Trow fires them in one of her two kilns.

“I get so excited when I open up my kiln and see how everyone’s projects have turned out,” Trow said.

Many participants make their ceramic pieces to give as gifts. Lieberman showed off her recently glazed and fired pie dish that she made as a Christmas gift for one of her sisters. It was the last of three pie dishes she had made. The inside of each of the dishes featured a recipe. Meanwhile, Joan Ueland, who has taken the class for about two years, began making preparations for a set of birthday dishes for her grandchildren.

“I love being able to make things. It’s fun,” said Sally Koskinen, a 15-year class participant.

Class members also share project ideas and designs with each other. Raiola described projects as going through cycles, such as from lawn art to acrylics to glazing.

“One of the greatest forms of a compliment is when something is copied,” Johnson said.

The other women agreed. They value the freedom to learn from each other's creativity, and for many of them, the special bond of camaraderie keeps them coming back year after year. Trow's patient instruction also inspires and motivates class members.

“She is so devoted to the class,” Ueland said about Trow. "Laurie is so fun."

So are all the women, she added.