The City Wire Person of the Month: Peter Lippincott

Editor’s note: The City Wire highlights each month a person in the Fort Smith region. Special recognitions, accomplishments, philanthropic support and input from The City Wire readers are considered when selecting a person to profile.

story by Aric Mitchell
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It’s early and cool, one of those Arkansas days where it can’t decide what season it wants to be. By midday it likely will be 80 degrees.

At 7:30 a.m., a tall wiry man with a long white goatee greets his visitor in the center of his front yard. He’s already put in two hours while most have barely doctored morning coffees.

His workshop, a small barn-like structure and a house are all nearly choked out of vision by a rich expanse of trees shading the ground. He appears happy to take time out of his day in progress to talk about art. Speaking doesn’t seem like it’s his favorite pastime, but when it comes to this subject, Peter Lippincott has plenty to say. And when he’s talking, you’d be wise to listen.

Lippincott has created handmade clay pottery for more than 20 years. His experience in woodworking ties him to the arts longer than that. From his teen years forward, Lippincott made his own musical instruments. Before he discovered pottery, he showed a love for architecture working in construction.

Since 1992, he has been an artistic treasure to the people of Fort Smith, who know him, and on May 11, the Arkansas Arts Council will present to him the prestigious Living Treasure Award at Second Street Live! near the downtown area (101 N. Second St.). Lippincott’s friends and supporters as well as anyone with interest in the arts are encouraged to attend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

While Peter looks to show his appreciation for those who have supported him, his career in Fort Smith has been one of undeniable generosity. He served for two years as the Fort Smith Arts Center Board of Trustees President. His efforts to expand artistic appreciation have greatly contributed to the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum launch coming in early 2011.

“It’s funny,” Lippincott said. “There are board minutes going back to 1972 where members express a vital need to relocate. Nearly 40 years later, it’s finally going to happen.”

While Peter stepped down from his duties in 2009, he stays involved. His pottery classes are always filled to capacity, and he never tires of watching students learn and grow as artists.

“Art is a visual language; a means of communication. You’re not going to learn French or Spanish overnight,” LIppincott explained. “You can’t expect artistic talent alone to make you better. You have to create. You have to enjoy repetition to a degree. I didn’t start in pottery ‘til I was 38 years old. My wife and I were living in St. Louis, and I had the opportunity to take some continuing education classes. I chose pottery and stayed after it for five years. From there, it grew into a way of life. I may have had some talent for it in the beginning, but that would have meant nothing without the repetition and experience. In the same regard, I like helping others discover what they are capable of.”

The road to success has not been an easy one for Lippincott. It never is when you choose art as a career, he notes.

“Money cannot be your first priority. I do about eight shows per year, both retail and wholesale venues. My next one is a retail show, the Spring Showcase of the Arkansas Craft Guild. It is open to the public and goes from May 13-15 at the Clarion Hotel in Bentonville. You can find support at these shows, but the rest of the year, you have to be a little more creative,” he said.

Creativity for Lippincott could mean returning to his woodworking and construction roots, or simply finding new venues to create and sell. From his CD “Snake River Reel and 12 Other Tunes,” to his upcoming untitled Christmas album, artistic expression is Lippincott’s strength and top priority. Tough though it may be he has managed to keep his passion going for nearly two decades. He advises young artists to be ready for the challenges, but not to give up if they are truly serious about their work.

“Create and sell,” he said. “When you’re starting out, be realistic about pricing and simply appreciate the experience. Societal attitudes are that it’s hard to make a living as an artist, and there is a lot of truth in that. Whenever there is a school budget cut, the arts are always one of the first areas to take a hit. Even though art benefits every level of industry and is a cornerstone of our society, it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. You cannot get discouraged. Don’t worry about making a living at it. Focus instead on making something you can be proud of and allowing each creation to strengthen your skills.”