““JJ is very enthusiastic, patient and positive with the children and encourages them to develop their individual creativity.””
““JJ is a great instructor. She’s patient and kind and also challenges students to grow and move outside of their comfort zone.””
““The Monster Pot class was a lot of fun and JJ was an excellent teacher!””
JJ (Jessica) Eisfelder
JJ is a potter, printmaker, gardener and mother of two amazing (not so little anymore) boys. JJ grew up in Kansas City in a family of crafty people, exploring the art museums, galleries and private art classes offered in the KC area.
In 1995, JJ moved to Missoula, Montana to continue her study of art at the University of Montana, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and a minor in Ceramics. After college, JJ moved to the country outside of Farmville, Virginia where she has spent the last 25 years making and teaching art to kids and gardening.
While living in Farmville, JJ helped to open J Fergeson Gallery in 2008, and Mainly Clay in 2012. She started experimenting with clay classes for kids at her son’s preschool in 2016 and the idea for Farmville Clay for Kids was formed. JJ eventually found her way to Red Door 104, where she currently leads the kids’ art program and offers clay, printmaking and mixed media workshops for kids, families and adults.
JJ sells her pottery and prints through the Red Door 104 Collective and her pottery at Mainly Clay in downtown Farmville, Virginia.
Teaching Philosophy:
I believe experimentation is so important in art education! I love the freedom of working in an independent art studio, where I can give kids the opportunity to try new materials and explore their own individual ideas without the fear of failure.
I did not intend to be a teacher. I intended to be a practicing artist but when I became a mother, I discovered a natural instinct to teach kids. I can’t think of a better purpose in life than to nurture the love of art in a child, to encourage kids to put down their screens and create something they can be proud of.