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.

After graduating from high school, 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. In 2001, JJ moved to the country outside of Farmville, Virginia where she has spent the last 25 years making artworks inspired by her natural surroundings, teaching kids art classes and gardening.

While living in Farmville, JJ helped to open J Fergeson Gallery in 2008, and Mainly Clay in 2012. JJ 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! That is why I love the freedom of an independent art studio, where kids have the opportunity to try new materials and really 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, the natural instinct to teach kids emerged. 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 for a few hours and to create something they can be proud of.