The arts truly have the power to change lives.
We had the chance to speak to Molly about her experiences with PPP and its impact.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
Left: Molly Larkey, founder of People’s Pottery Project
How did Peoples Pottery Project start?
with systems that are mutually beneficial and healing.
What led you to focus your efforts particularly on serving formerly incarcerated women, trans, and nonbinary individuals?
Left: Molly Larkey, founder of People’s Pottery Project
How has PPP grown and evolved since its beginnings?
In 2017, I wrote a letter offering Ilka Perkins a job as my artist assistant upon her release.
A lot of people who came to those first classes were struggling with homelessness.
This is what really made the project come together.
They wanted to give back to their community even as they were working to build their own lives back.
That was in January 2020.
In March, we had to take a pause because of the pandemic.
Susan is a leader in the movement, as a spokesperson for the #DROPLWOP and #SURVIVEDANDPUNISHED campaigns.
Her story is so powerful.
We had a great boost in December, as people began to learn about us and buy our pottery.
We currently employ three people full-time, and two people part-time.
Lauren Fuller is the other full-time member; she came on just a couple of months ago.
For better or for worse, I use my instincts to hire people.
I hope that PPP inspires other artists to get involved in mutual aid work.
I encourage peoplenot just artiststo find existing organizations and volunteer.
I benefit much more than I give.
It is also important to continually adjust to feedback.
I am constantly learning, but it keeps me grounded.
Im a beginner in literally every way in this work.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
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