Shop lets customers try patriotic pottery

Dinosaurs can be patriotic, too. \nJasmine Gencer described the unusual vision of one young boy. Given a blank four-inch ceramic tile, he painted a large dinosaur set against an American Flag. As an employee of the Latest Glaze, 530 E. Kirkwood Ave., Gencer described this work as one of the most interesting she has seen.\nThe tile is part of a promotion sponsored by the Latest Glaze, a store at which patrons paint premade pottery. Through Wednesday, customers can pay $6 for a four-inch ceramic tile and use of the studio's supplies and equipment. For each tile purchased, The Latest Glaze will donate $5 to The New York Firefighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund.\n"Painting a tile offers a wonderful opportunity for children and adults to express themselves in a healthy and constructive manner, while making a significant contribution to our country's recovery efforts," said owners Mary Jo and Bill Benedict. \nThe idea behind the promotion came from a ceramic studio in New York. Discouraged by the events of Sept. 11, the studio offered its customers the chance to make a contribution both monetarily and creatively. \nThe studio then posted the idea on the Contemporary Ceramics Studio Association Web site to urge other stores to take part. In conjunction with the CCSA, a trade organization for paint-your-own-pottery studios, the Benedicts decided to join the effort.\nEmployee Brooke Bagley, a senior, said she applauds the Benedicts' endeavor. Originally from New Jersey, Bagley said she sees the effort as a way for Bloomington residents to help with a tragedy that continues to affect her family. \n"My parents see the skyline every day," she said. \nBoth owners try to give back to the community as much as possible. For 25 years, Bill Benedict worked at Stonebelt assisting adults with disabilities. Mary Jo Benedict is a teacher at Templeton Elementary School but is now on sabbatical to help manage the new Kirkwood Avenue store. \nThe Latest Glaze came to Bloomington almost three years ago. The Benedicts wanted to continue to give back to the community, but in a new and creative way. A friend suggested a paint-your-own-pottery studio, and plans for the first store were under way.\nThe Latest Glaze soon outgrew its first store, which was in the Jackson Creek Shopping Center. Two months ago, they opened a new store on the corner of Kirkwood and Indiana. The new location enables students to access the store more easily. Both the Kirkwood and Jackson Creek stores are participating in the promotion.\nIn the past, the studio has also helped local charities like the Amethyst House, a local nonprofit group helping people with chemical and alcohol dependency.