PORT TOWNSEND — Rick Stafford, a nationally known ceramic artist, will give a free talk about his varied career at 3 p.m. Sunday at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, 701 Water St. in Port Townsend.
Fresh out of college in 1969, Stafford found work in Everett at a residential treatment center for boys ages 6-12 — youngsters who were described then as “emotionally disturbed.”
Equipped with an art degree from Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University), Stafford set to work designing a crafts and recreation program.
“I’m very proud of starting that,” said Stafford, who went on to become a ceramicist whose work is known across the country.
He added that what’s now called art therapy is still part of his life. In the ceramics studio he set up in his garage in Port Ludlow, “I’m doing clay therapy right now,” he said.
Stafford’s creations, ranging from colored porcelain Nerikomi vases to what he calls “dove pots,” are part of Northwind Art’s Showcase 2025 exhibition, on view with artwork by 14 other Showcase artists at Jeanette Best Gallery through May 12.
These works are inspired by Stafford’s travels — to places such as Scotland’s Outer Hebrides — and by his desire to continually try something new.
Amid the turmoil of the world, Stafford finds solace in art making. He’s especially motivated these days, he said, to spend time in his studio.
“It makes me feel good,” he said.
