Longtime art teachers bring classes to Downtown St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Hand to Hand Gallery and Studio is more than just an art gallery; it is a place where artists can hone their craft.

David and Teresa Harris, longtime art teachers at Missouri Western State University and elsewhere, opened the studio in August of 2024.

Since then, the store has displayed the work of several local artists, but the main attraction is the class offerings from these two well-known artists and teachers.

Co-owner David Harris said he and his wife want to offer a fun and convenient way for artists to learn and grow.

"We are letting people get a chance to experience making something for the first time," Harris said. "It's also a place for people who already have some experience to continue making works of art. I mean, setting up a ceramic studio at home can be kind of daunting."

The well-equipped studio in the back is a welcome site for several former students of Harris who wish to build upon the foundation they received as students.

Deb Potter, a former student of Harris, said Hand to Hand has allowed her to continue her growth as an artist.

"We've been wanting a ceramics place here," Potter said. "A lot of us took classes with (David) Harris at Missouri Western. . .and it was like, what are you going to do now?"

While David specializes in ceramics, having graduated from Missouri Western and then receiving a master's degree in fine arts (MFA) from Fort Hays State University in Kansas, his wife Teresa specializes in paper-related works of art and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work and for her teaching, just as David has. They both plan to continue to offer classes through Hand to Hand.

Currently, David offers a ceramics class, while Teresa plans to offer courses in her areas of specialty in the near future, including handmade paper constructions and making books.

For more information or to sign up for classes, visit handtohandstudiostudio.com.