When Joanie Wolter views a ball of fiber clay or a unique-shaped gourd, her creativity kicks in as she begins to sculpt ravens, coyotes, roadrunners and other critters and people, each with their own personality.
Wolter, a Scottsdale resident, will conduct an interactive presentation and sculpting demonstration during the “Amazing Artists” series Monday, March 11, at The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., building B. The event, which is co-presented by the Sonoran Arts League, takes place from 1 to 3 p.m.
Wolter grew up in Southern California in a home that was spotless.
“I never knew I was artistic because we could never try to play with clay or anything that was messy,” Wolter said. “I was crafty, though. I sewed a lot and liked to create fabric crafts.”
She earned a degree in sociology and spent 37 years teaching math in middle school and working with “at risk” children.
“Art and math are very similar…there’s a lot of problem solving involved,” she said. “I tried to make it very visual and simple for the kids since many people learn tactically. That experience made me a better teacher and person, and it’s one reason why I am so passionate about teaching classes today.”
When Wolter retired, she and husband, Charlie, moved to Sedona where she began tapping into her creativity. She took a drawing lesson and enrolled in a ceramics class, which she enjoyed so much, she began making and selling ceramics. A few years later, she discovered her passion for fiber clay, a special type of clay that has nylon fibers added to it.
“I took a fiber clay sculpting class and I fell in love with it,” she said. “It’s a very strong clay that does not have to be fired. It’s also easy to manipulate into shapes and create texture.”
Many of her animals and people are eccentric with chunky figures. “They are living life on their own terms,” she said. She also likes to use humor when naming her sculptures and began doing that after she sold her first fiber clay piece, “Big Ass Raven.”
When Wolter moved to north Scottsdale in 2017, she opened Cuvèe Art Studio adjacent to her home, where she works and teaches group classes.
“Cuvèe is a wine term that means ‘blend,’ and my studio is a blend of whimsy, creativity and imagination,” she said.
The “Amazing Artists” series features accomplished local artists on the second Monday of each month. Future presentations include jeweler Carol Tenwalde April 8 and ceramic artist Robin Ray May 13.
Reservations are $10 and all proceeds from admission will benefit the Sonoran Arts League and Holland Community Center art programs. In addition, some artists will showcase their work during the presentations, and 30% of any art sales will benefit the Sonoran Arts League.
Visit hollandcenter.org or call 480-488-1090 for more information.
The Sonoran Arts League is dedicated to promoting art, artists and art education. To learn more, visit sonoranartsleague.org or call 480-575-6624.
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