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Earth in Art Pottery is a true representation of who its creator, Barb Crosbie, is as an artist. Since returning to Utah last year, the nature-inspired ceramist’s business has thrived with more earth-friendly, handmade product lines and an abundance of classes for children, couples and individuals.

“This past year has been an exciting transition back to Ogden,” Crosbie said. “I am so very grateful for the support the Ogden community has shown for my little pottery business, especially the interest in classes to learn the art of clay.”

Crosbie’s work reflects her background as a biologist and avid outdoors enthusiast. Shells, bark, leaves, seeds and wood fragments she collects on hikes often embellish her clay pieces that she has continued to develop over the past year, including goddess pots, functional pottery, a sculptured species line and lovebirds.

“The lovebirds I create integrate my love of hiking and collecting with my fascination with birds and their social behavior,” she said. “The wood pieces these sweet birds are mounted on are found on local hikes and each has a story.”

Crosbie believes that handmade art can be beautiful and practical. A functional line of water and wood pottery is made from food and kitchen-safe materials with most pieces coming from reclaimed clay, consistent with the recycling program Crosbie employs in her studio at The Monarch.

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When not sitting at the pottery wheel or adventuring outdoors, Crosbie spends her time sharing the art of clay with others. She said teaching in her studio at The Monarch provides access to other amazing artists and provides a “sweet space” for personalized classes. Her classes are limited to four students.

Without a doubt, said Crosbie, the pottery date night experience is the favorite. In the class, two people enjoy a two-hour session learning how to hand build with clay and even get to try throwing on a potter’s wheel. Then Crosbie takes care of the rest: trimming pots, managing the drying process, firing the kiln and glazing.

“Some participants have loved it so much they have signed up for a series of beginner classes,” she said.

Classes for adults begin anew each month with a three-part beginner series and weekly advanced classes. Kids and teens are part of a regular teaching schedule.

“Kids are a treat to teach and I value their uninhibited spirit and endless creativity,” Crosbie said.

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Kids classes are offered for six-week blocks and will start again in March.

The next couples’ class, “Share the Love,” is on Feb. 26 from 1-3 p.m. inside the Sage Art Studio at The Monarch. Participants will make an original tray, bowl or plate of their very own at the pottery workshop, an experience designed “to be shared with someone you love.”

Earth in Art also offers gift certificates for all of the different classes offered.

See the full listing of March classes at earthinartpottery.com.