Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio in downtown Rochester provides local artists a place to create and display their artwork. The gallery, which represents over 40 local artists, displays everything from photography to ceramic masks.

There is also a gift shop where note cards, jewelry, home décor and other items all made by Michigan artists, are sold.

In the pottery studio, which is located in the back of the building, local artists can take part in several classes and workshops. Open studio memberships are available and cost $130.

“Artists can also work on their own projects,” Christine Laikind, owner of Firebrick, said.

Firebrick has been around for four years, however, Laikind took it over two years ago. According to Laikind, the mission of her business is to promote, educate and share art in the community.

“I don’t want art to disappear,” she said. “I appreciate the value art brings to our lives.”

Firebrick also boasts extracurricular happenings. They have an extended gallery space at Fieldstone Winery in Rochester and pair up with the winery monthly to hold special events.

The most recent event is a mosaic show featuring the work of artist Jacqueline Beauvais. It will run throughout the entire month of February.

Firebrick is currently featuring the following workshops: ceramic birdbath making, herb garden marker making and clay wind chime making.

Laikind teaches two of the featured workshops and ceramic artist Cheryl English teaches the third. They are two to three days long and are between $25 and $65 per person with all materials provided.

Spring classes are also coming up at Firebrick. They are geared toward teens and adults and provide artists with a range of artistic skills.

As far as pottery goes, a clay sampler class, beginner and intermediate wheel throwing classes, hand building techniques with clay and clay tile making classes are being offered. There will also be a drawing and painting class.

Classes take place throughout the day and evening and cost between $140 and $225.

Laikind is very enthusiastic about her business and has high hopes for the future. She says her main goal is for Firebrick to continue being as successful as it’s been.

Amanda Merrill, a photographer from Troy and recently admitted Oakland University student believes Laikind is on the right track with what she’s doing.

“It shows off the talent of people that you know from everyday life,” she said. “This could help influence aspiring artists to look more closely into things they look past daily.”

Firebrick Gallery and Pottery Studio is open Tuesday and Wednesday 1 to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 10a.m. to 9p.m., and Sunday 12 to 5p.m. For more information visit firebrickgalleryandpotterystudio.com or visit their Facebook page at on.fb.me/zBiYoy

Contact staff intern Rachel Ritzenthaler via email at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @rachelritz