PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – According to the United States GDP, the arts made up more than $1 trillion of the U.S. economy, in 2022. So, this Sunday, we’re taking a closer look at the arts, specifically the art of pottery.
Like people need water to live Daniel Vito needs pottery to thrive. He started making clay pots in 1972 and hasn’t stopped since. With laughter, Vito said, “At the end of the day, you may have a pile of paper on your desk, but at the end of the day I’ve got a pile of pots. That’s a lot more meaningful.”
He owns his studio Fireborn Gallery where students have learned from him over the last twenty-five years.
Vito said, “With the pandemic, came a huge boom in the interest of making pottery, taking classes.”
It’s not only a popular hobby, but also a livelihood and one that Vito said needs support.
Vito said, “Trying to make a living in the arts I don’t care what it is that you’re doing, is always challenging.”
So, Vito started the non-profit Clay Pittsburgh last April. It comes with the goal of connecting potters to other potters.