Linda Spelko

As a young child I was a loner. I remember being perfectly content looking outside and drawing what I could see. My father could draw very well and I believe seeing him draw fostered my love of art. In school I took art but it did not really hold my interest. It was when I began High School that I found what art really meant to me. I took a beginners pottery class and my love of clay began. I can still remember the smells and textures of the clay. I had an excellent teacher, Mr. Tom Hawkins. He made such beautiful forms. He made the beginning mark on my future career.

I loved art classes and took as many as possible. 0ur school had evening classes for adults and I began attending and eventually teaching the adults. Our art department was run by very excellent teachers, and because of that many of us were in art shows, and won many awards.. I was honored in my 3rd year by receiving the Gold Key Award for Excellence in Ceramics. When I graduated I was unsure of what path I wanted to take, always knowing that clay was in my future.

I married my husband John in I977, and have been married thirty years. I have always loved children and am blessed with four daughters, Maya, Erica, Jennifer, and Tiffany. My children were my joy and I raised them with much happiness. We home schooled our daughters and when the last one graduated decided it was time for me to begin my pottery again.

I met Juliet Bacchas soon after and we knew right away that we shared a common goal. We quickly decided to begin our business. We named it Juliet Rose Gallery and Studio. The middle name,  Rose,  is in honor of my Grandmother and Mother-in-law , two special Roses in my life.

This business and my friendship with Juliet has caused me to grow and develop as a person. I have been enriched from knowing Juliet's mother, and have fallen in love with their country of Jamaica. I am thankful to my husband and daughters as they patiently help and encourage us. I thank my mother for aII the times she called to see how we were doing, it feels good to have someone who cares so deeply.

I am especially thankful to Dona, a constant friend and our biggest fan. We have met fantastic people along our way, and I know they are ‘a gift of God'. Our students have become some of our closest and trusted friends. This year we are blessed with an apprentice, Emma Johnson, a very talented artist, and another clay lover.

Praise be to God for all his blessings.
- Artist Statement