Trent Freeman opened Four Staves in 2000, creating personal sculpture for his clients. Though Trent flourished as a personal sculptor, he found that people were often requesting urns, designed specifically to honor their loved ones. Overwhelmingly inspired by the passion and lives of others, Trent found that he could still express his creativity through urns and meet the needs of others.

Trent is a graduate from Emporia State University where he earned a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in 1995. He also attended Kansas University and studied abroad in Australia. Trent's professional career began shortly upon graduation, creating works that adorn private and public collections across the country, as well as in local galleries and fine-art festivals.

Educating and instructing others has been instrumental to the professional development of Trent's career. Facilitating workshops at colleges, leading continuing education classes for teachers and instructing at the Carnegie Art Center in Kansas City, has allowed Trent to hone his own skills and contribute to the development of others. He has instructed privately from his studio for the past 5 years, and continues to enjoy his wonderfully bright, gifted students today.

Trent enjoys the process of creation, the birth of a new idea, and the contemplation of pulling it all together from start to finish. He becomes emotionally involved with his urns, knowing where they are going and who they will honor. Trent's inspiration stems from Old World and Asian techniques, though you will find his pieces are culturally eclectic in design.

Kate Beckett has been working in the arts professionally since 1995, and most recently joined Four Staves in 2006 as a contributing artist and an apprentice of Trent Freeman. Kate also coordinates the marketing and sales for Four Staves.

Kate studied Fine Arts at Missouri Western State University and at Highland Community College, along with classes at the Carnegie Art Center and other various workshops. Kate helps Trent teach workshops and demonstrates firing techniques at student centers and fine-art festivals. She has instructed privately from her studio, Full Circle, but most recently has been assisting Trent with students at Four Staves. Kate specializes in Raku firing techniques, but loves to push the limits, expanding the idea of using material.

Growing up on a farm south of historical Weston, Missouri has cultivated Kate's love of all creatures and nature, which feeds her inspiration. Many of her pieces incorporate oceanic colors, aquatic creatures and centuries-old Celtic designs. You can find Kate's sculptures and works in private collections across the mid-west.