In Clarion, the name Hennigar is synonymous with a number of small businesses. People are probably familiar with the Hennigar construction and excavating business or the towing business. But one endeavor that may still be flying under the radar for many locals are the beautiful handmade ceramics that one Hennigar is creating.
Mikayla Hennigar is still in college, but she is also running a budding business selling her art. Mikayla is a 2017 Clarion-Goldfield-Dows graduate. She went on to Iowa Central and earned an associate degree and is now a senior attending UNI pursuing a bachelor’s in art education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics.
Mikayla said she has been interested in ceramics since she started taking pottery classes in high school. She continued that passion in college and became even more serious about it in the last few years. She perfected making things like mugs, bowls, and vases. Soon, not only did Mikayla’s interest grow, but so did that of potential customers. When people saw what she was creating, attention grew.
Before long, Mikayla explains that people were asking to purchase her items. She was getting orders and even asked to do special commissions. Mikayla rode the wave of interest and started sharing her work on social media. She bought her own kiln and wheel. She now does her work in a space off her parents’ shop.
Mikayla is happy with how her business is growing. “I’ve had really great support from the community. I’m so grateful people are interested in my art.” She says that she thinks her unique choices attract people. “I use a dark brown clay that I handmake myself. I also make most of my own glazes.” She adds that she puts a great deal of care into her work, which is necessary since the ceramics medium is a meticulous one. For instance, a mug takes about two weeks from start to finish.
She emphasizes that her favorite part of being able to pursue her passion for ceramics is making people happy with her creations. “It’s amazing to take a clump of mud and turn it into something usable that is special to people,” she stated.
Mikayla looks forward to pursuing her talents in various ways in the future. She says that she initially hopes to use her education degree and teach art. And then perhaps eventually open her own studio where she can still teach classes to some degree.
For now, Mikayla is happy to be pursuing her hobby, passion, and hopefully, career. She enjoys being in her studio every day she can. “I’m thankful for the community and my family for helping me chase this dream,” Mikayla concludes.
She encourages those interested in her work to seek her out on Facebook at “Mik’s Art” or on her website, mikaylahennigarceramics.com. Mikayla is happy to create custom orders for people or use her creativity to make something unique and special.
