In the Sun Sentinel /A letter to the Editor

A studio tries to survive

A community business in Hollywood is up against a Goliath. It's my hope that creating awareness might find solutions or assistance. Every neighborhood needs a business like this in their community.

MIY (Make-it-Yourself) Ceramics, owned by Denise Mendez, has been at the same location for over 15 years. A graduate of the University of Florida, Denise is a full-time systems engineer and mother of two children who operates this labor of love art studio. She has taught 15,000 adults and children to create with clay and glass, using their hands to ignite imaginations. MIY partners with others to bring art to the community. Its artists have worked with Broward Outreach Centers, Everglades Angels Animal Shelter, Orchid Society, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Wounded Warriors and children with disabilities.

Her shop's building has been sold and the new owner tripled the rent and insisted they vacate. MIY Ceramics needs to find a new "forever home" with at least 2,500 square feet with parking and a yard for its specialty kilns. If you can help, call MIY Ceramics at 954-927-7300.

Robyn Surdel, Davie