Art Approach Inc. provides creative outlet in Grain Valley

by Cole Arndorfer
 
 While driving through Main Street through Grain Valley, residents may notice a new sign in the Main Center strip mall. The new sign in question belongs to Art Approach, a new pottery business offering classes to the public.

Grain Valley residents, Don and Laura Fethkenher, opened Art Approach Inc. in April this year with the purpose to promote active involvement in both the Grain Valley and Kansas City communities through the creation of pottery. The duo said that they chose Grain Valley because it is their home and they feel that it’s their way of giving back by providing a creative outlet for the community.

Don is a retired college professor who wishes to continue being active in the community through this business. He is very thankful of the support the community has shown Art Approach so far, beginning with the 50 people that came out for the open house in the studio back in April.

Art Approach offers two different kinds of pottery classes, wheel throwing and hand built, for both adults and youth artists. For adults, the classes cost $145 for four, two-hour classes, once per week. The cost includes the materials and use of the studio to create each students’ pieces. For youth classes, the cost is $75.

In the future, Don said their goal is to add more class options, including other art forms such as drawing and painting. For some, these forms of art may be more appealing to them instead of creating pottery pieces.

The classes at Art Approach have been fun for Don so far.

“Getting to see the pottery student’s reactions to their creative skills is very rewarding,” Don said, “Their success has been great.”

While Art Approach is a business venture for Don and Laura, it’s even more of a way to give back to their community. Art Approach Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on donations from the community to be able to serve their artists.

Being a non-profit organization, Don said, community partners can receive tax deductions from donations made to Art Approach.

“The success of Art Approach is within the community and surrounding cities and towns,” Mr. Fethkenher said. He encourages any artists that have taken classes in the studio to spread the word and tell people about their experience. He also said that those interested in Art Approach should stop by and check out the studio, give them a call at 913-277-1008, or check out their website artapproachinc.com. 

The Fethkenhers are very excited about their new opportunity with Art Approach and look forward to meeting all kinds of community members who want to learn the Art Approach way to create pottery. 

Don and Laura Fethkenher, opened Art Approach Inc. in April this year with the purpose to promote active involvement in both the Grain Valley and Kansas City communities through the creation of pottery.  Photos courtesy Don and Laura Fethkenher.