Meet Korin Noelle | Artist and Educator

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

Hi Korin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In operating Radius Art Studio, I am driven by the recognition that outside of academic settings, there’s a significant gap in opportunities for individuals to engage with a creative community and access facilities that nurture ongoing artistic practice. Many individuals, whether they’ve had formal education in the arts or not, often struggle to find spaces where they can continue to learn, connect, and create.

Our studio is not just a space; it’s a community. We strive to offer an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone interested in exploring their creativity. Our focus on ceramics and clay work, alongside a variety of other mediums, caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels. We’re not just about providing classes; we’re about building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging among artists. The memberships, gallery space, and social gatherings we offer are all geared towards creating a vibrant, supportive community.

Through Radius Art Studio, we aim to fill the void many artists experience post-academia or in the absence of academic opportunities. Our mission revolves around making artistic practice more accessible. By offering a diverse range of workshops, studio memberships, and showcasing opportunities, we’re not just teaching art; we’re cultivating a thriving community of artists at all stages of their journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Open since 2002, Radius Art Studio is the longest-running community clay studio in Portland. From a modest beginning in a small garage space, we have been steadily growing throughout the years. What sets us apart is not just our longevity but the vibrant, creative community we’ve fostered. This studio isn’t just about clay; it’s about connections, learning, and growing together.

As an art major, my journey into the world of business was uncharted territory. I had to learn a LOT as I went, and still feel like I am learning more every day. Running a studio like Radius has involved wearing many hats, some more glamorous or fun than others. I love teaching, event planning, and creating within the space, but spending hours on my computer every day answering emails and other administrative tasks- I could do without so much of that. It definitely hasn’t been an easy path; it has involved long days, constant hustle, and an unwavering commitment to our vision throughout many years (and a global pandemic). But, my love for this work and the community we’ve built makes every challenge worthwhile. I can sincerely say that I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening to our community. Adapting our systems and offerings to meet their needs has been crucial. It’s all about striking a balance between staying true to our vision and being responsive to the evolving dynamics of our artistic family. This approach has not only helped us grow but also foster a sense of belonging and ownership among everyone involved.

Trust has been another cornerstone of our journey. Trusting both in myself, and equally in the incredible people who are part of Radius – staff, students, members, and supporters. I’ve learned that while failure is a part of the small business journey, resilience, openness to change, and determination are the keys to overcoming challenges. These principles have guided us in creating a space that’s more than just a studio; it’s a thriving hub of creativity and collaboration.

What I want the world to know about Radius Art Studio is that it’s a reflection of the power of community, art, and perseverance. Our story is not just about creating art; it’s about building something bigger than ourselves – a supportive and dynamic community that continues to inspire and foster artistic expression.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Start in our neighborhood, the Belmont district. We’ll grab coffee and breakfast at Stumptown,, then spend the morning at Laurelhurst park watching dogs play and ducks swim in the pond. Lunch is Thai Kitchen (we have so much good thai food here)! Later let’s play some games at the incredible old nickel arcade, Avalon. Dinner will be at one of Belmont’s new delicious restaurants, Blutos, followed by cocktails at one (or two) of the many cozy bars on this strip.

Day 2: We’ll explore the Hawthorne area, known for its bohemian vibe. It’s perfect for shopping at small boutiques and vintage stores. Lunch at one of the many food carts, where we can sit and do some really good people watching. Dinner at Tokyo Ramen, and then a hop over to Division street for desert at Loretta Jeans (the best pie shop in town).

Day 3: Next, let’s check out the Alberta Arts District. We can gallery hop and grab lunch from another food cart pod. In the evening, we’ll catch a movie at one of Portland’s independent theaters (Laurelhurst, Hollywood, Clinton, Avalon, Living Room, Cinemagic, to name a few).

Day 4: We’ll venture to Mississippi Street, another hub. Here, we’ll spend the day exploring some shops, and enjoying more street snacks like ice cream from Salt and Straw. Lunch is definitely Mexican food at Por Que No. For the evening event, we can catch a music show at Mississippi Studios.

Day 5: Time for some nature. We’ll pack up the dogs and head out to the Columbia Gorge for a day of hiking and waterfall sightseeing. My favorite hike to bring visitors on is Latourell Falls.

Day 6: If it’s rainy, which is not uncommon in Portland, we’ll spend the day at Powell’s City of Books, the largest new and used bookstore in the world. It’s the perfect place to get lost in literature. Then we can eat our fill of sushi from Ichiban, where the sushi is circling around on a real model train.

Day 7: We’ll wind down our week with a visit to the Japanese Gardens, one of the most beautiful spots in the city. We will then plan your next visit and make a list of the 100 things we didnt get to do while you were here for this very short week. Portland is full of a lifetime of fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge those who have been instrumental in the journey of Radius Art Studio. First and foremost, I must extend a heartfelt shoutout to the original founders, Mark Brandeau and Kim Mckenna. Their trust in me to steward and expand their vision has been the cornerstone of what Radius has become today. Their foundational work laid the path for the studio’s growth and success.

I would also like to express immense gratitude to our dedicated members and staff. Their unwavering support, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, was critical. When small businesses were facing unprecedented difficulties, it was their commitment and resilience that allowed us to pivot, persevere, and relocate to a new venue. Their loyalty and hard work have been the lifeblood of our community.

A special mention must go to Dashboard.us, whose generous grant played a crucial role in our relocation to the Belmont district in Portland, Oregon. This grant was more than just financial support; it was a vote of confidence in our vision and mission. The assistance we received from Dashboard.us in organizing and facilitating the move was invaluable. This support enabled us to transform the Radius studio space into the beautiful place it is today. Ted Gilbert and Molly Liston were also instrumental in the search and acquisition of our new building. Their expertise and dedication were key in finding our ‘forever home’.

On a personal note, I extend my deepest thanks to my partner, whose love and support have been a constant source of strength. Also to my parents, who have always supported my chosen path, even when it diverged from the conventional.

The story of Radius Art Studio is one of collaboration, resilience, and community. Each of these individuals and groups has played a crucial role in our story, and I am eternally grateful for their contributions.

Website: radiusstudio.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiusartstudio/

Image Credits
Siloh Carins