Nestled in the Ozarks near Fayetteville, Terra Studios was formed in 1975 by a married couple named Leo and Rita Ward. The Wards are spectacular artists. Leo is a master glass craftsman, and Rita is a potter and sculptor. They wanted to create a glass and pottery studio that would be open to the public.

Leo created the studio’s signature piece, the Original Bluebird of Happiness, in 1983. Due to the amount of success the bird had in the mail order business, the couple had to expand the number of permanent galleries and artists in residence there. And boy, are we glad they did.

The Wards retired in 2007 to go and make more art in a private setting, but Terra Studios is still going strong. It’s a nonprofit organization now, and it’s free to visit. You can also take art classes there or watch artists make bluebirds of happiness. The studio property is so full of art, wonder, and whimsy that you’ll find something surprising around every corner.

For information about their art classes, Sunday music, and even their café menu, visit www.terrastudios.com.

Please note, Terra Studios is temporarily closed.

Here’s a whole flock of Original Bluebirds of Happiness. They are handcrafted, signed, and available for purchase.
Flickr/Tom Hapgood
You can have lunch at the café.
Flickr/Anna
The beautiful, whimsical sculpture garden is a big draw too.
Flickr/dcp
Even the bathrooms are covered in art. Literally.
Flickr/Carol Von Canon
Each tile on the outside of the building is a small work of art all its own.
Flickr/Carol Von Canon
Trolls are waiting to accept your trash . . .
Flickr/Anna

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. . .and to tell you where to put your butts.
Flickr/dcp
It’s a spectacular place . . .
Flickr/Anna
. . . where the creatures greet you.
Flickr/Anna
Where the flowers have faces . . .
Flickr/Tanya Impeartrice
. . . and the bears have tea parties.
Flickr/Anna
It’s so full of whimsy that the dragons seem friendly . . .
Flickr/Tanya Impeartrice
. . . and even grown-ups feel like little kids again.
Flickr/Anna

Have you ever been to Terra Studios? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

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