Meet Laura Gasper | Business Owner, Ceramic Artist, Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Gasper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The values that matter the most to me are the idea of treating people well in order to earn trust and respect. Just because someone is good at their art, good at a specific skill, or an “expert in their field” doesn’t mean they automatically have and deserve respect- respect comes from the way we as humans treat, empathize, interact, and value each other. You can admire people for the knowledge they contain, but that has little to do a lot of the times with the values they hold. I want people to know that empathy and kindness can still exist while still being a strong person.

What should our readers know about your business?
Gasper Arts Center is a combination of artist studios, learning space, gallery, gift shop of our artists work, and Open Studio space. We offer artist studios for rent that are clean, bright, have 24/7 access, Wifi and utilities included. We also are big on education so we host pottery classes almost every day of the week, painting and drawing classes, mosaic, and workshops. All of our ceramic staff either have their degree in fine art emphasizing in ceramics, or are in the process of getting their degree and we love spreading education in the arts- it means so much to us. And the path to where we are has certainly not always been easy. I think any person who makes their living in the arts knows the struggles of creating, producing, selling, and then to also build a business on top of that comes with some really high highs and some extremely low lows. Every situation teaches me something or some better way to handle a problem the next time it comes around and prepares me for the wide range of problems and successes that owning a business brings. Gasper Arts wants the world to interact with art in as many ways as possible- whether its through taking one of the multiple classes we offer, seeing a show in our gallery, becoming an Open Studio member, or buying art from us. With so many places cutting art education in schools we want to give as many people the chance to learn art in a non-intimidating environment while still being professional and a destination for working artists. We understand art can sometimes seem intimidating and sometimes even imposing and unwelcoming but our vibe here is to break that barrier while still also hold art with the veneration it deserves. By having more people learn art we help the world learn to appreciate the value art and artists hold in the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are fortunate to be in-between two amazing food places so the morning would consist of walking to Bake Shack for Breakfast/Brunch and coffee (and amazing donuts!) Then we we would go to Gasper Arts Center for classes in pottery, mosaic, and more and then walking next door to Pronto Pizza where they make amazing food with a large variety besides just Pizza (eating there multiple days there doesn’t seem monotonous for sure!). Plus we love them for being such amazing neighbors to us. Joes Grill and Bar a little further down US 1 has amazing gumbo and barbecue that would definitely be a lunch stop and delicious ice cream or sno-cones are just down the street at Key West Shaved Ice for a sweet treat (or an “adult” shaved ice with alcohol!) An obligatory stop by the beach for inspiration and relaxation is always on the schedule because Florida!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The love and support I have received from my Dad has helped more than anything. Having someone to guide you and believe in you means the world to someone who is navigating uncharted territory and I cant say thank you enough to him. I am very fortunate to be where I am because of him and I do my best to not take that for granted. I also have AMAZING friends who show up at openings, help set up studios, help paint, help move, and who listen to me and talk me down when I am doubting myself. They also make me laugh which is such a valuable thing when you live a high stress lifestyle. I also have had some amazing teachers and mentors over the years and I learn something from every person. And I also have amazing staff and people I have met over the years through the various activities I do that mean the world to me.

Website: www.gasperarts.com

Instagram: gasper_arts_center

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GasperArtsCenter

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gasper-arts-center-dania-beach?osq=gasper+arts+center

Other: TikTok: gasperarts