The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, which has a big, popular studio arts program for the community, is addressing its need for more classroom space.
In January, all the ceramics classes will move from the center at 719 Central Ave. to the historic Seaboard train station southeast at 420 22nd St. S. Potter and longtime teacher Valerie Knaust will be director. The station was renovated several years ago to house St. Petersburg Clay Company's studios and galleries so it's a good fit.
Meanwhile, the building behind the arts center where the clay classes have been will be enlarged and converted to a glass studio and hot shop for teaching and viewing the process.
Arts angel Beth Morean, who has given millions for an arts center expansion, is also a ceramic artist who owns the train station. She renovated it and is now converting it to be totally powered by solar energy.
Very cool and hot in all, wouldn't you say?