Arkansas
James ‘Kimbo’ Dryden named Arkansas Living Treasure
The Arkansas Arts Council’s Arkansas Dwelling Treasure Program is attempting to present people their roses whereas they’re nonetheless right here — or, as they put it, to “yearly acknowledge an Arkansas artistic who excels within the creation of a standard craft or folks artwork and who preserves and advances their craft by means of group outreach and instructing others.” This yr, that award goes to James “Kimbo” Dryden, identified for his household’s longstanding work within the discipline of pottery, work that’s been executed in a unusual constructing in Scorching Springs’ Whittington Park space since 1956.
When requested concerning the award, Dryden remarked, “Ought to’ve been my dad. With out him, I’d be digging ditches.” Kimbo’s father, AJ “Jimmy” Dryden, began Dryden Pottery in Ellsworth, Kansas, in 1946.
Dryden was put to work by his father as early as 10 years outdated. He first began his coaching utilizing a kick wheel. In 1970, Dryden studied his craft at Massive Creek Pottery College in Davenport, California. He then rejoined his father on the manufacturing unit creating mugs, vases, plates and extra.
Since transferring the Dryden pottery enterprise to Arkansas, their course of makes use of Arkansas novaculite in each the clay of his items in addition to the glazes, that are distinctive to his pottery.
Dryden has been open to guests, speaking to them about his work and giving free, dwell pottery demonstrations. He has helped aspiring potters succeed of their crafts with steerage and instruction totally free.
Though Dryden retired in 2013, his son Zack has taken up the mantle of Dryden Pottery, persevering with the generational creativity of his father’s and grandfather’s enterprise.
His son Zack Dryden stated, “I really like my dad. He’s an excellent man; he’s at all times been kind-hearted to me and my brothers. Him, together with my grandfather, actually pushed us, inspired us to be within the enterprise and make it a household affair.”
Dryden’s conventional course of consists of distinctive, in-house, formulated clays, glazes and strategies that end in a recognizable look and magnificence. Dryden stated anybody can pick a “Dryden,” which is why the household’s slogan is “A Melody in Glaze.” Zack Dryden stated, “You’ll be able to just about have a look at our pottery and from the traits you may simply inform by taking a look at it should you’re aware of it, you may inform it’s Dryden.”
“Issues progress, issues modified. Individuals are sick of brown stoneware. It’s all the identical coloration. Uninteresting, brown,” stated Kimbo Dryden. Zack Dryden stated, “Today folks need one thing that’s distinctive.”
Kimbo Dryden stated, “Yeah, one in all a form, distinctive items you may’t discover wherever else, that’s us.”
Dryden was chosen for the distinction by an impartial panel of judges and can be honored at a ceremony Friday, Might 20.