Artist of the Month – May 2009
Poor Richard’s Art, 116 S. First St. in historic downtown Rogers announces their featured
artists for May, and invites you to share in the works of Phil Leonard and Maura Miller.
Maura Miller has worked in clay ever since she was in the forth grade. When she moved
to Fresno, CA she found that the dirt in their garden was mostly made of clay. She took
this clay, added special ingredients, and many fantastic creatures. She graduated from the
University of California at Santa Barbara with a BA in Studio Art and Cultural
Anthropology. She worked as an archaeologist in the U.S. and some territories for 6
years. During this time, she took clay classes whenever she could. She finally decided to
leave archaeology and return to her artwork. She started working at Terra Studios, as a
potter, in 2001. She has always preferred to work three dimensionally. “I like being able
to put my hands around what I am working on. I love looking at two dimensional work,
but I am more satisfied working in the round.” She usually considers herself to be a non-
functional potter, although about forty percent of her work is now functional. “I never
worry that most of my work is non-functional. I love making vessels for the sheer joy of
exploring a shape that intriques me.” The whole process excites her. “I acheive an intense
satisfaction when I figure out how all of the parts come together to form a whole.”
Customers can often find Phil Leonard in Poor Richard’s painting a watercolor to pass
the time. He often does one for a customer while they are in the shop and will hand it to
them as they leave, free of charge. It gives him pleasure to know his work is appreciated
and purchases of his work always bring a smile to his face.
Phil not only paints with watercolors, but prefers oils. He was recently featured at Zephyr
Blevins Gallery with works to kick off the racing season in Arkansas. His horse scenes
and much more may currently be seen at Poor Richards.
Phil and Maura will be on hand at Poor Richard’s Art May 15th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
in conjunction with the Main Street Third Friday celebration in historic downtown
Rogers.
Poor Richard’s Art is a cooperative art gallery dedicated to nurture and present
innovative art of uncommon quality in all types of media by regional artists, while
preserving the Old Applegate Drug Store building. Hours are 9:30 to 5:00 Monday
through Saturday.
Browse Timeline
- « Dance Coalition Announcement: Spring performances, summer programs, job ads??? Send now!
- » Fiber Arts Create Detailed Works with Traditional Techniques at Crystal Bridges at the Massey
