Today we’d like to introduce you to David Toan.
David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Terra Incognito in June of 2000. We started as strictly a ceramic arts center.
We have 2 classrooms for clay, We offer classes in Wheel Throwing and Hand Building, for adults and children. We provide studio and work space for ceramic artists and jewelers. We have, since, expanded our focus to include a Jewelry making program. We have a very nice fabrication studio. We also do parties of all types (for kids and adults), private classes, team building sessions.
On top of that we have a gallery featuring some of the finest ceramic artists and craftspeople, from throughout the U.S.
Has it been a smooth road?
Things started out smoothly, but since 2008 we have had to be flexible. Certain areas of our business fell off. Others had to pick up the slack. It is very tough to keep an Arts based business thriving. It has been hard work.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We have a large summer camps program for kids 5-16 years of age. We also run after school programs through some of the local schools.
We are a large facility with equipment that allows us to offer things that can’t be found at other centers of our type. We have a high fire gas kiln, a wood-fired kiln and Raku kiln. These are not kilns that you find in urban centers.
I think the other thing that sets us apart is the strong sense of community among students staff and tenants.
The thing I’m most proud of is our resident/intern program. Each year we take up to 6 recent graduates from ceramic programs from around the Country. They come from all over. They stay with us for up to two years. We provide materials at cost free workspace, free firing and mentoring. In return, they help keeping the classrooms running smoothly. When appropriate, we can offer them teaching opportunities.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a thriving city with lots to offer. It isn’t the most Arts friendly town, though. Certain Arts are shown a great deal of respect: Painting, Dance, music etc. It’s a harder town for Clay, sculptural or functional. I think Chicago is a good place to start out, if you are aware of the limitations. The more people that are out there, the better it is for everybody.
Pricing:
- Clay and Jewelry 8 week Classes: $325
- Saturday classes for kids, 8 week classes $250
- Parties for kids start at $25 per child. minimum of 8
- Parties for Adults start at $35 per person. minimum of 8
Contact Info:
- Address: 246 Chicago Avenue,
Oak Park, Il 60302 - Website: www.terraincognitostudios.com
- Phone: 708-383-6228
- Email: terraincognitomail@yahoo.com
- Instagram: terra_incognito_studios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Terra-Incognito-161774317185422/?
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
