The Brightside: Amused Studios
FRUITLAND, Md. – Amused Studios is a small artistic business in Fruitland making a big impact in the art community in Delmarva. Owners, Robert Johnson and Sarah Halcott tell us what was once just a passion has crafted the way for success, a new outlook on the arts, and how to inspire other community members to find their artistic ability.
Robert and Sarah, owners of Amused Studios have been learning and practicing the art of clay since 2005. “It was really mind-blowing, I was like oh my God I can do anything with this material,” says Johnson.
Once students at Salisbury University found love in one another and eventually turned their shared passion into a thriving business. “It’s an amazing thing to be able to do daily and do something you really love and I think that really plays a huge part in our success that we’re passionate about it,” says Halcott. Working with Rob is unbelievable I get to spend my whole life with my partner, getting to wake up every day and go to work with the guy I love and get to do the things I love with him.”
Johnson was the head 3-D technician at SU, while Halcott was the ceramics technician. There they learned about making glazes, and assisting teachers with art classes, all while strengthening their craft. “Now we have our own space, we have lots of space for people to make their work and I still get to teach and it’s a lot of fun,” says Johnson.
At Amused Studios, it’s a place to display some of their pieces, teach classes to children, adults, students, work events, date nights and so much more. Further pushing their love for teaching community members how to find their creativity through the arts. “That’s the beauty of clay, it lets people create something without artistic, or who they think doesn’t have artistic creative abilities and then slowly grow them into someone creative and artistic.” Johnson adds, “Artistic endeavors are good for the soul, you need it to grow mentally, physically, like it is helpful for everything that you do to be a happier person. I think the arts are very important for that.”
Meanwhile, Halcott tells us she focuses her teaching on the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi; Accepting the imperfections which in turn helps one to accept the impermanence of life. “A lot of times you make mistakes and it’s so hard to make something completely perfect. So accepting that it’s not going to be perfect can also help you take that lesson into your life too.” She adds, “You’ll make little marks or little smooshes or waves on it to make it more individual and more special because those are the things that make it special.”
Both Johnson and Halcott also President and Secretary of the Clay Guild of the Eastern Shore are using their experience, teachings, platforms, and business to help people find their voices in clay and turn, art. “Even if people think they’re not artistic, something like getting your hands in clay, you don’t have to have any experience being artistic or thinking creatively, you just need to show up, take a class, get your hands on the clay. We can guide you through the process,” says Johnson.
The owners tell 47 ABC, they hope to continue bringing in more students as well as community members, and in turn, grow their space to make more art. You can find out more about their story and booking classes by visiting their website.
