JOIN POTTERY PLACE PLUS FOR FIRST FRIDAY WITH OUR GUEST ARTISTS - NICOLE MOWBRAY & CYNTHIA SMUTNY
First Friday Reception to Meet the Artist:
March 6, 2026 | 5:00-8:30 pm
203 N Washington Street, Spokane
Nicole Mowbray
Artist Statement: My name is Nicole and I’m a passionate ceramicist based in Spokane, WA. I’m dedicated to transforming the raw beauty of earth into functional art. My work showcases textured clay bodies, earthy tones, and merges form and function in a way that celebrates our natural world. My signature pieces, with their sharp angles, draw inspiration from the beautiful silhouettes of the Cascade Mountains. Join me in exploring the connection between earth and art.
Cynthia Smutny, Lux Elementum Jewelry
Artist Statement: The relationship between metal, stone, and form lies at the heart of my work. I am drawn to the clarity of bold geometric lines and the expressive qualities of organic shapes, and much of my design process centers on balancing these two impulses. Influences from Bauhaus design, mid‑century modern aesthetics, and the Arts and Crafts movement inform my approach, guiding me toward pieces that emphasize structure, intention, and the inherent beauty of materials.
Working primarily in silver, copper, brass, enamel, and natural stones allows me to explore contrast in both structure and surface. I use forging, texturing, stone‑setting, and enameling to highlight the contrast between smooth and rough, structured and fluid, engineered and natural. Each piece begins with a focus on form: a line, a silhouette, or a structural idea that becomes the foundation for the final design. From there, I refine the details through hands‑on experimentation, letting the materials guide the outcome.
I create jewelry as wearable art — pieces meant to feel personal, expressive, and distinct from mass‑produced accessories. My intention is for each design to resonate with the wearer, becoming part of their story and a reflection of their individuality. Through Lux Elementum Jewelry, I bring together craftsmanship, design, and material honesty to create work that feels both contemporary and timeless.
