Thrown Together: ESSA’s 2025 Summer Ceramics Residency
Summer at ESSA is always buzzing with creativity, but in 2025, the energy burned especially bright in the Ceramics Studio. Artists Kim Brook and Beth Rosenkoetter arrived on campus ready to fire up kilns, push the limits of their craft, and immerse themselves in seven weeks of focused exploration. As part of ESSA’s Ceramics Artist Residency, they embraced the chance to dive deep into their work, connect with fellow artists, and contribute to our vibrant creative community. What followed was an unforgettable summer stint full of experimentation, collaboration, and creative moments; both in the studio and beyond.
Meet the Artists
Kim Brook
Kim Brook, based in Lawrence, Kansas, is a ceramic artist and arts educator. Her work is deeply rooted in human connection, community, and memory. Kim was drawn to ESSA for the focused time to experiment and push her boundaries as an artist. She was especially excited about the opportunity to work on a public art installation for the University of Kansas School of Business, marking her first permanent commission. As Kim put it, “Art is my hope,” and she hoped to deepen her understanding of art and community during her time at ESSA.
Beth Rosenkoetter
Beth Rosenkoetter, a potter and painter from Hartville, Missouri, has spent over 30 years refining her craft. Known for her deep connection to the natural world, Beth wanted her residency to serve as a time for reflection and growth. She aimed to create a cohesive exhibit that blended her skills in pottery, sculpture, and painting, all while sharing her knowledge in a studio environment. The tranquil setting of ESSA provided Beth with the space to focus and experiment, fueling her creativity and refining her craft.
Throwing Clay and Curveballs
During their residency, Kim and Beth immersed themselves in the peaceful environment of ESSA, with ample time to refine their skills and experiment with new techniques. Kim’s goal was to explore handbuilding and surface techniques for her public art project, while Beth focused on combining pottery and sculpture into a cohesive body of work.
During ESSA’s first Studio Stroll of the season, Kim and Beth brought the energy; and the laughs. Guests took a jaunt through ESSA’s studios, viewing instructor-led demonstrations, including Beth’s skillful creation of a large platter on the wheel. True to form, Beth kept the crowd entertained not only with her technique but also with her hilarious commentary, riffing on her experiences as an art teacher in schools. Afterwards, Kim demoed how she throws a ceramic orb on the wheel. Kim then showed her process of etching designs onto bone dry ceramics using water and shellac. Just when everyone thought the presentation was winding down, Kim theatrically broke one of her own bowls, prompting gasps from the audience. Once the shock wore off, laughter erupted as it became clear it was all part of her plan. Their demos were a memorable mix of humor, skill, and surprise: perfectly in line with the spirited atmosphere of the day.
Read more about the Studio Stroll on our blog here:
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Beyond the Studio
Kim and Beth embraced every opportunity ESSA had to offer, engaging in the broader creative community on campus. Kim participated in a woodworking workshop, Introduction to Kumiko with instructor Steve Walter, where she explored the intricate Japanese technique of lattice work. The piece she created during the class was later featured at the Residency Reception: an elegant example of how ESSA encourages cross-disciplinary exploration. Meanwhile, Beth’s generosity left a lasting mark on the ceramics program: she donated a kiln to ESSA, ensuring that future students, instructors, and residents will have expanded opportunities to create and fire their work. Their contributions, both artistic and practical, reflect the spirit of collaboration and giving that defines the ESSA community.
Shellac, Sculptures & Staff Studio Time
In addition to their studio time, both Kim and Beth offered workshops for ESSA’s staff, enriching the experience for everyone involved. Beth’s class was a hands-on session in hand-building, where staff members learned how to create whimsical clay creatures. Kim’s workshop focused on water etching, where staff members painted designs on ceramic orbs using shellac and then wiped it away to reveal the etched patterns. The results were stunning, and the staff walked away with beautiful ceramic pieces as mementos of their time together.
Clips from Beth’s ESSA staff workshop
Pieces from Kim’s staff workshop
Artist in Residence Reception
On Saturday, July 19th, ESSA hosted a lively Artist in Residence Reception and Sale where Kim and Beth showcased the work they created during their residency. Held in ESSA’s 2D Studio, the reception was a chance for visitors to view and purchase over 80 pieces of ceramics, from functional pieces like Kim’s hand-painted cups to large-scale sculptures like Beth’s crane named Hamilton.
It was a delightful afternoon of art, conversation, and community. The reception not only celebrated the artists’ hard work but also allowed ESSA to share their journey with a wider audience. Guests were able to meet the artists, hear about their creative processes, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces to take home.
One of the standout pieces from the reception was Hamilton, Beth’s impressive crane sculpture. Made entirely on the wheel, each part of Hamilton was a labor of love and a testament to Beth’s skill and dedication. The crane’s personality shone through, and it quickly became a favorite among visitors.
Kim’s hand-painted cups also garnered attention for their unique designs. Each cup in the collection featured underglazes and transfers to create intricate patterns, but the true surprise was found on the bottom. Kim painted designs underneath each cup, giving the pieces a hidden detail that delighted those who picked them up. The combination of functional and artistic elements made Kim’s cups a standout feature at the reception.
The Art of the Journey
At 4:15 PM, Kim and Beth took the stage for their Artist Talk, sharing personal stories and insights into their creative lives.
Beth spoke about her introduction to clay, sparked by a friend’s decision to purchase a kiln; an unexpected moment that would shape her path for decades to come. She reflected on how meaningful it was to have uninterrupted time at ESSA to focus solely on her practice, without having to squeeze creativity into the margins of her day job. Looking ahead, Beth spoke with quiet excitement about continuing to blend sculpture, pottery, and painting in her future work, building on the momentum she found during her residency.
Kim followed with a deeply moving talk about how her artistic journey has shifted and evolved. She shared tearful, heartfelt reflections on the role art plays in her life, and how community, memory, and connection continue to shape her work. Her message about art being a journey resonated strongly with the audience. In true Kim style, she added a touch of theatrical humor by inviting a guest to scrub a ceramic vessel… leading to its dramatic (and planned) break, much to the shock and then delight of the crowd.
The artists talk concluded with both Beth and Kim taking questions from the crowd. Together, their talks blended honesty, humor, and inspiration, leaving everyone with a deeper appreciation for their work and their stories.
The Artist in Residence Reception was a wonderful celebration of Kim and Beth’s time at ESSA. The studio was filled with over 80 stunning pieces, and the event offered a chance to support the artists directly. The funds raised at the reception will go toward supporting future ceramics residencies, helping to ensure that ESSA can continue to provide artists with the time and space they need to grow and create. It was an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and community—a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of both Kim and Beth.
A collection of pieces from Beth Rosenkoetter’s Residency
A collection of pieces from Kim Brook’s Residency
In Their Own Words...
At the heart of any residency are the personal transformations that happen behind the scenes, moments of clarity, breakthroughs in process, and the joy of uninterrupted creation. Kim and Beth each shared heartfelt reflections on what their time at ESSA meant to them.
Kim Brook shared how the residency exceeded her expectations, allowing her the time and space to try new things and push beyond her original goals:
“I experimented in ways I didn’t anticipate and I loved that about the residency. Also, there was ample time to shift gears, make new goals, and complete them. Overall, I surpassed my goals.”
She also noted the strong sense of community and support she felt on campus:
“My residency at ESSA was all the things one might expect from a residency—focused time to work, studio space, comfortable lodging, and a peaceful environment. What made the residency at ESSA special was the generosity of the staff. Their encouragement, positive energy, and next-level hospitality made me feel appreciated as an artist and a part of the ESSA community.”
Beth Rosenkoetter also spoke highly of her experience, particularly the environment ESSA fosters for creativity:
“ESSA is wonderful. As a resident, I enjoyed focusing solely on my pottery and sculptures with very few distractions.”
She described the perfect balance of solitude and excitement on campus:
“Easy access to the studio and equipment, comfortable housing, and really amazing staff—and the occasional weekend instructor for one of the many workshops that went on in wood, metals, and stained glass—kept the place feeling comfortable, inviting, with bits of bustling excitement. All this while still feeling at ease to allow my creativity to flow and be fluid.”
These reflections underscore what makes ESSA’s Residency Program so impactful: a rare combination of dedicated time, peaceful surroundings, and a supportive, art-loving community that champions exploration and growth.
A Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
As their residency came to a close, Kim and Beth once again delighted ESSA staff with their playful spirits. In a final act of generosity, they surprised everyone with boxes of donuts… except these weren’t your average donuts. Kim and Beth had created ceramic donuts, glazed in pink with sprinkles, as a fun and thoughtful gift for the staff. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable residency, filled with humor, creativity, and gratitude. These whimsical ceramic treats will serve as a lasting reminder of the joy and laughter Kim and Beth brought to ESSA.
Making Space for Artists to Grow
At ESSA, residencies like these are more than just time in the studio; they’re an investment in the future of art and fine craft. Programs like our Summer Ceramics Residency create opportunities for artists to explore new directions, build lasting connections, and share their work with the public. Kim and Beth exemplified the mission of ESSA: to nurture creativity, community, and craft.
As we continue to grow our residency programs, we remain committed to enriching the cultural fabric of Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Through access, education, and inspiration, ESSA is proud to support working artists and bring transformative art experiences to our region.
If you believe in the power of creative residencies, consider making a donation to support ESSA’s Artist Residency Program. Every contribution helps fuel the next wave of makers and dreamers.
Donate Here — and be sure to select “Artist Residency Program” from the gift designation dropdown.
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