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Julia Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Rebecca Koop — a Kansas City clay artist — started her business, Back Door Pottery, in 1979 out of the back door of a house. It was a rented basement space where the “front door” was actually the back door.
This was Back Door Pottery’s first storefront location, which Koop said was right next to Northeast Realty on the corner of Hardesty and St. John Avenues
In 1986, Koop and Back Door Pottery moved to its present location (3922 St. John Ave), which she said she rented for a couple years before purchasing the space. She went on to purchase the property behind Back Door Pottery as well.
The mosaic tile mural on the front of its current location was additionally Koop’s creation, which she said took years to obtain and assemble its materials. Over a two year period, community members helped cut tile and lay them in a specific design pattern featuring the earth, constellations and a muted rainbow.
Facing the garden, a painted mural includes a garden, tarot card theme. This side wall mural showcases the various Tarot card suits — cups, sword and wands. However, it additionally includes pumpkins and melons to tie in the garden element.
A community garden — St. John Gardens — was created to the side of the pottery business, featuring garden plots and a community space for additional small events.
Koop remains the main sole artist of Back Door Pottery, however, she does host a tile maker, Barry Porter, and has hosted two interns including this year’s from Kansas City Art Institute — Koop’s alma mater.
She said she will occasionally rent kiln space to other potters as well.
In addition to creating unique clayworks, Back Door Pottery has hosted myriad events including art shows, classes and Northeast Arts KC’s upcoming Open Studio.
Open Studio features a public tour of eight studio locations between Dec. 7 and 8 including Back Door Pottery, Whim Space and Pendleton Arts Block Gallery, among others.
On Nov. 22, Koop will join the Kansas City Fibers and Weavers’ Guilds for its 36 annual “Creative Hand Show and Sale” at Old Shawnee Town Hall (11600 Johnson Dr).
Koop additionally offers workshops and teaches weekly studio pottery classes.
Saturday, Nov. 9, Back Door Pottery will host its second “Wood Fired Raku” workshop of the fall.
This workshop allows registered participants to build, glaze and fire their own pottery, which Koop refers to as a class for people to get dirty and play with fire.
With three glazes to choose from, this workshop offers creativity and the opportunity to see the entire ceramic creation process up close.
Guests are also encouraged to contribute to the potluck lunch, which is included with each workshop.
While registration has closed for this coming Saturday, Koop offers Wood Fired Raku four times a year — twice in the spring and twice in the fall.
Throughout the years, Koop has additionally created a select few custom pieces including bowls for Three Dog Bakery. However, she said teaching, creating and firing remains the main focus at Back Door Pottery.
Koop offers and teaches regular pottery classes from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. These sessions are open to everyone including beginner, intermediate and advanced potters, according to the Back Door Pottery website. At $25 per class, those interested can contact Koop via email: beckykoop@aol.com or by phone: (816) 483-6964.
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