October First Friday
Join us on October 3rd for First Friday at Sacred Ally, a healing and empowering arts center dedicated to collaborating with our community and local artisans.
We are thrilled to announce a partnership with our October Artist in Residence, Jesse Brinkerhoff,
of Gratitude Ceramics.
Five years ago, Jess made a leap that would redefine not only her career but her understanding of art as transformation. She left her stable, high-paying job to pursue ceramics full-time, driven by a profound shift in priorities when her family faced the devastating dual cancer diagnosis of her brother and his wife. With a B.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Montana, she had the technical foundation—but it was grief that became her greatest teacher.
Her artistic evolution tells the story of healing itself. What began as earthy browns with "pops of color for rebellion" has transformed through her own journey of trauma therapy and deep personal work. Today, her ceramics have become more feminine, lighter, delicate—unapologetically embracing color and pattern while maintaining those rebellious bursts of joy that she sees as acts of defiance against despair.
Jess specializes in hand-building techniques, creating commemorative pieces, keepsake urns, and ritual vessels from her studio just outside Missoula. But her true artistry lies in her willingness to let both her work and her teaching evolve alongside her own becoming. She understands that if we can "stay out of the way just enough, the work will evolve” a philosophy that extends to how she holds space for her students.
Her approach to ceramics and teaching is deeply influenced by her belief that grief has the power to change us, and that this transformation can be channeled through clay. Drawing inspiration from poet David Whyte's insights on becoming, she creates space for others to discover that they are already equal to their own growth, even when it feels terrifying.
During her residency at Sacred Ally, Jess will offer workshops that honor ceramics as both historical practice and contemporary healing modality. Through Gratitude Ceramics—a name born from what rebuilt her through the darkest times—she serves a community ready to let art be medicine, clay be ceremony, and creation be a pathway to profound transformation.
To purchase Jesse's urns and ceramics, visit her website, email gratitudeceramics@gmail.com, or message her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gratitudeceramics. You can also find her work at local markets this holiday season.
Jesse Brinkerhoff, Gratitude Ceramics
First Friday Goodness
As always, our incredible team of practitioners will be offering mini-sessions throughout the evening to help you ground, connect, release, and relax.
Come sample the talented services our practitioners provide, or indulge in a delicious cup of ceremonial-grade cacao.
First Friday Featured Artist, Kaelee Thompson
Kaelee Thompson is a mixed media artist, creating fine art and illustrations inspired by equines, nature, and mysticism. Horses were her original muses starting in childhood and she went on to study illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Kaelee has always been fascinated by the interconnectivity of art, spirituality, math, and science and aims to imbue this within her art and horse work. Her art is also meant to draw attention to and share a message of equine welfare awareness.
Kaelee offers her art for sale online, at art/craft markets, and First Friday events, as well as custom horse portrait commissions. Connect with her on Instagram!
✨ Stop by anytime between 5-8pm. ✨
We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the vibrant artistry of our community!
This is a free event, open to all ages.
We ask that all children remain supervised while visiting Sacred Ally to help us maintain our peaceful and professional space.
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If you are interested in collaborating as a Featured Artist or Artist in Residence for a future First Friday, please contact: empower@sacredally.love.