Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/94702
play in your free time Artist's Corner: Jennifer Lapham By Karin Wolf What possesses a nationally exhibited artist to put her successful academic career on hold and open a community-centered clay studio? In Jennifer Lapham's case, it's a simple desire to help oth- ers discover the same satisfaction through clay that she has found during her 20-year career. Lapham moved to Madison in 2007 so her partner, Paul Sacaridiz, could accept a position in the ceramics department at UW-Madi- son. Soon after, she found the space that would become a home for her clay studio, retail space and gallery called Midwest Clay Project. On a recent visit I noted that MCP is not only a great place to buy Creating a space for creativity and community to flourish ceramic art, it has turned into an important gathering space. Dur- ing my visit I saw a core group of artists who work there regularly, a group of children attending a birthday party, and even Andrea Musher, former Madison poet laureate and recent academic retiree, who has made MCP her studio of choice. Lapham's varied and diverse path has led her to this place: where artistic talent and love for teaching have merged into a place the whole community can enjoy. Your undergraduate degree was in liberal arts. What did you learn about yourself as an artist that your MFA in ceramics did not teach you? I enjoy talking about ideas much more than talking about myself. What compelled you to create an open studio, gallery and retail space rather than focus on your career? I had reached a point where it seemed clear how I could best be of service with whatever knowledge and experience I had. For me, the greatest pleasure of MCP is all the wonderful people who walk through the door. Getting to know each person and watching his or her relationship with clay develop is endlessly fascinating to me. To be honest, MCP is now my work as an artist. If "0" is drudgery and "10" is a dream job, how would you rate owning and operating MCP? I'll have to give it a "9." The remaining point is the reality that owning and running a small business is very difficult. What do you hope someone is able to say about you at the life- time achievement awards dinner where you are being honored 20 years from now? I would hope that in some small way, people's experiences at MCP have made a positive impact on their lives, and they have learned a little something about these wonderful materials, processes and histories. Learn more about Midwest Clay Project at midwestclayproject.com. ••• Book Club: Under the radar bestsellers recommended by the UW Book Store The Giving Quilt By Jennifer Chiaverini Why do you give? It's the question on everyone's mind as a group of quil- ters gather to make quilts for charity. It's also one of many questions you'll ponder more deeply after getting lost in this heartwarming read. Published by Dutton Adult, $27 Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn A fast-paced thriller with dark humor, dark characters and an even darker crime, this mystery doesn't just keep you guessing until the end—it holds a mirror to our own relationships and lives. Published by Crown, $25 Flight Behavior By Barbara Kingsolver Call it fiction with a purpose: Set in rural Appalachia and centered around a restless farm wife, this novel poetically weaves an enthralling story about the effects of climate change with an urgent social message. Published by Harper, $29 Booked for Murder is located at 2701 University Ave., Madison; bookedformurder.com. 72 BRAVA Magazine December 2012 Photo by Sarah Maughan