Leo and Rita Ward ~ Terra's Visionaries
		Rita Ward accidentally discovered clay over 30 years ago when she took college courses to enhance her work as an elementary school teacher. She and Leo left teaching in 1969, to begin new careers in pottery and glass. Rita has been producing handbuilt and wheel-made pottery at Terra since 1975, and also serves as master instructor at The Center for Creativity. .
The Wards, in their 25th year of Terra and 50th year of marriage, continue to inspire, influence and instruct.
Leo and Rita Ward are co-founders of Terra Studios, Inc. established in Durham, Arkansas, in 1975. Prior to the opening of Terra, Leo taught English for several years in the public schools - as well as creative writing at Palomar College in San Marcos, California.	He resigned his teaching position at Palomar in 1969, and moved into his second career as a glass artist with much of his blown glass work sold through galleries in California. He - with Rita - then made the move to Arkansas to plant Terra's roots.