All About Imagination

The Wandering Peacock Provides an Array of Artistic Outlets

Writer / Megan Arszman

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Just over nine years ago, Erin O’Rear finally gave in to a dream she had. After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in pottery, she worked as a restaurant server until she was approached about opening her own pottery studio in Westfield. She was asked about a potential name for her studio, and three words came to mind after repeating them three times, three years ago.

“It’s interesting when people ask me how I got the name The Wandering Peacock,” O’Rear says. “I woke up one morning from a dream repeating those words three times. I decided that if I were to ever have my own rock band or art gallery, I’d call it The Wandering Peacock. I don’t sing, so it only made sense to name my studio that. I remembered those words for three years before I opened.”

At her current location, the multiple rooms allow for plenty of flexibility and opportunities for O’Rear, her teachers and their students.

The Fall 2021 calendar will see the inclusion of Art Exploration after-school classes. These classes will run for six weeks and focus on two-dimensional art. Alex Mobley is a recent addition to The Wandering Peacock and will lead young minds in exploring many facets of art.

“We had summer camps that focused on two-dimensional art, and typically the fall and winter sees a transition to more pottery and three-dimensional-based art, but with Alex as part of the staff, we can continue our focus on two-dimensional art,” O’Rear says.

One of the studios within the building on Jersey Street houses seven pottery wheels, allowing for birthday parties and gatherings in the Creation Room with O’Rear. Mobley’s hand-building classes provide additional options for working with clay.

On Fridays children will be invited to participate in each month’s themed art study for $25. Themes include clay heart magnets, Halloween projects, and other seasonal classes such as Christmas ornament creations on Sundays.

“We have lots of fun, new ideas to offer at the shop, and I’m really excited about the Art Exploration classes,” O’Rear says. “We did a trial run last fall with two different classes and everyone loved it.”

Within the Art Exploration classes, students will get to work with watercolor paints, charcoal, black canvas and more.

“Pottery is my background and what I specialize in, but Alex has such a vast mind for the two-dimensional art, she’s a wonderful addition to helping increase our artistic reach,” O’Rear says.

Classes will be open for students aged 6 and older, and will be held daily. Check out all the offerings The Wandering Peacock has for your family at 227 Jersey Street in Westfield, and visit thewanderingpeacock.com.