has been a resident of Northeast since 1967. Her business, Back Door Pottery, was started in 1979 and she opened her present location at 3922 St John in April of 1986.
Rebecca received her BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1979 and has been a full-time potter and part-time instructor of ceramics at William Jewell College from 1980 to 1999. She has demonstrated and marketed her work at Renaissance Festivals and Many Art Fairs for the last 21 years.
The majority of Koop's work is functional-kitchenware in Stoneware, Porcelain, and Terra Cotta earthenware. A love for Japanese Koi Fish has turned her focus to playful, colorful fish forms. Her work may be found in specialty shops and galleries around Kansas City.
Rebecca has had her pottery published in:
book, Greater Kansas City Unlimited Possibilities, A Photographic Portrait
Riverbend Books, a division of Bookhouse Group, Inc.
copyright 2007, ISBN: 978-1-883987-32-9
mag, American Art Collector, Juror: Jan Christensen Heller, Editor: Tom Palmer
copyright January 2007, Volume 3, Book 2 of Central States
Alcove Books ISSN # 1556-6781
book, Art Exposed: The Guide to Open Studios, Kansas City Artists Show All
copyright 2002 Kansas City Artists Coalition, Inc.
Published by the KC Artists Coalition, IBSN 0-9722657-0-8
book, Handbuilt Tableware, by Kathy Triplett, 2001 two works featured
book, Making Molds, by Pierce Clayton, 1998 artwork featured inside, and back cover
book, Handbuilt Ceramics, by Kathy Triplett, 1997 artwork featured
mag, Ceramic Monthly Magazine, Jan 1995 artwork featured "International Cone Box Show"
newspaper, Kansas City Star, "Getting Started" by Kate Hunter, Feb 10 1995
mag, Kansas City Magazine, April 1985, article by Paul Hohl
The pottery at 3922 St John is where all work is produced, with a small show room in the front. Weekly pottery classes are held two evenings per week and is open to beginners, as well as advanced recreational potters. Children's workshops and individual group sessions are held on an appointment basis.
In June of 1999, Rebecca took on the position of Executive Director of the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, where she had served on the board for five years. She was a founding member, and served on the board of the KC Clay Guild for ten years. She is an active community supporter and volunteer for the annual Historic Northeast Fall Festival. She supported renovations of the Concourse park fountain, and is the coordinator of the Northeast Cultural Arts Commission's traveling art exhibit, titled "Cultures Without Borders". |
