STEAMpunk Pottery Project

03/26/2025

It's been more than 10 years since I started my STEAMpunk pottery performance at The Ugly Pirate Harvey, after consuming a few beverages of the adult variety suggested I make a bowl in the shape of my head. Today I gifted him Head Shaped Bowl #1.

03/05/2025

02/16/2025

Not here for a political debate—just sharing my thoughts as someone deeply committed to STEAM education in Mississippi.

If the Department of Education were to shut down, the impact on STEAM programs across our state could be severe—especially for schools in rural and underserved communities. Federal grants and funding help make hands-on learning possible, ensuring that kids across Mississippi, not just in well-funded districts, get access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education.

Through my work with Mississippi Whole Schools the Mississippi Arts Commission and Hancock County local programs i, I’ve seen how STEAM ignites curiosity and creativity in students. Whether it’s making pottery while learning about physics and chemistry or exploring Mississippi’s rich history through indigenous ceramics, these experiences are shaping the next generation of innovators. Without support, many of these opportunities could disappear.

08/27/2021

In this episode, Kerry and Steve sit down in the studio with Watercolor Artist extraordinaire Herb Willey. Herb shares his experience as a representational artist and we learn how he became internationally famous. Following a career in industrial design and a fascination with automobiles, Willey has fully immersed himself in his painting for the last 8 years, experiencing a personal transformation. He also shares a healthy dose of cynicism of the art industry.
Then Steve goes on location for Second Saturday at the venerable Gallery 220, where we caught up wit Herb’s wife Serena. Serena, Herb’s biggest fan, subject matter expert and social media marketer has pushed Herb to new levels of craftsmanship and acclaim.
In the second half, Kerry takes a short trip up Rt. 603 to the new location of the Starfish Café, her favorite restaurant just about anywhere. Kerry has a chance to learn the Starfish story from Di Fillhaurt. Di, a retired NICU nurse and lifelong street minister was brought to the Bay to do relief work in the wake of Katrina. Di tells us all about the new Starfish and it’s non-profit roots with Pneuma-Winds of Hope. Di’s youngest son Zachary runs the kitchen using whole foods and local ingredients. Zach’s been cooking with DI since a young child, but earned his kitchen cred from a Greek grandmother. Di tells a compelling story of the sorrow of COVID, the importance of vaccines and a message of hope.

08/13/2021

In the fifth episode, Steve, The Mad Podder talks with recent retiree Edmund Meyer about living the golf cart life in Old Town. Then it’s a quick trip up Main St. for Second Saturday at Gallery 220 with local artists Spencer Gray, Jr. and Artist of the Month Amy Kramer.

07/30/2021

In this episode, the tables are turned, as Ellis Anderson, Publisher of the Shoofly Magazine becomes the interviewee instead of the interviewer. She gives us the inside scoop on the history of The Shoofly Magazine and it’s sister publication French Quarter Journal. We learn how these publications and other grassroots efforts fill a gap in hyperlocal reporting on the arts, culture and lifestyle scene. In the discussion, we explore how emerging technology and good storytelling can transform and build community.

A very hungry Kerry Maloney goes across the bridge to Pass Christian to give us a full rundown of daily specials at Bacchus on The Beach.

Then its back to the studio to talk Mardi Gras with the Seahorse Krewes Lady Claiborne played by Noel Allen and Captain Longbeard played by Albert Ghergich. In the interview, Captain and Lady tell us all about the history and mythos of The Mystic Krewe of The Seahorse. They share tips for decorating golf carts for the Lundi Gras parade, constructing “dangerously flamboyant” costumes, and other techniques to “Always be yourself, unless you can be a pirate, then always be a pirate.” We also get a preview of the upcoming Mutiny in The Bay party.

07/16/2021

In Episode 3, we meet Bernie Cullen, one of the most humble and busy community servants in Hancock County. Bernie will tell us about her work in the community, the history of the Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum and the legacy of Lili Stahler. Then we go down to the Bay St Louis Harbor with ART.BSL special correspondent Edmond Mayer for the Hancock County Historical Society’s Inaugural Cardboard Boat Race. Then it’s back to the Ground Zero Museum to learn all about the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition: Crossroads in Rural America.

02/21/2020

09/30/2019

The Mad Potter of Bay St. Louis Ohr O'Keefe Museum of Art Steve Barney STEAMpunk Pottery Project

Ohr Fest, one of the biggest fundraisers for the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, is happening this Saturday.

09/20/2019

https://youtu.be/oi_jhkFwVe8 Steve Barney, The Mad Potter of Bay St. Louis discusses STEAM with TV personality Edward St. Pe". Steve will be performing at Ohr Fest October 5, 2019 Biloxi Town Green. Steve is President of The Arts, Hancock County, Director of the Bay St. Louis Creative Arts Center and Director of the STEAMpunk Pottery Project.

Steve Barney, The Mad Potter of Bay St. Louis discusses STEAM with TV personality Edward St. Pe". Steve will be performing at Ohr Fest October 5, 2019 Biloxi...