The Maker

My name is Persis Wade

What is The Snail People?

I am a ceramic artist currently working in Detroit, Michigan.

I graduated with my BFA in ceramics from Indiana University in 2021. After college, I completed an emerging artist residency at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis. When my residency was over, I traveled west in my van to undergo an apprenticeship with master adobe builder Kirk Klingsmith of Roswel. I built my sculptures outside, in the garage, and my parent's basement before being awarded the ceramic assistantship at Peters Valley School of Craft. I look forward to cultivating community, providing hospitality, and wonder through my interactive large-scale works.

The Snail People originally was founded in 2016 when an image was found in the medieval art manuscript Lectura Super featuring two knights jousting on snails in front of a tree. The embodiment of these people sitting on snails provided a great deal of inspiration and wonder. You, dear reader, are invited to be the snail people. Go through the motions-ride a snail through this life. The Snail People is an experience. A self-reflection. A collective. It is also a place where you can buy and see my work!