As part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we decided to mark the occasion in true Hot Shops style.
Ceramic artist, co-founder, and master of the fiery arts, Tim Barry, created a one-of-a-kind birthday cake sculpture using a mix of clay, crayons, and matches. With his mix of craftsmanship and a little bit of mischief,
Tim crafted each detail by hand, transforming everyday materials into a combustible work of art.
The piece was more than a sculpture—it was a performance. Artist Ken Guthrie captured the moment on film as the matchstick “candles” were lit and the cake came to life in flame and color.
This fiery tribute reflects 25 years of blazing new trails in the arts. From that first spark of “what if?” to a thriving community of over 100 artists, Hot Shops has always celebrated risk, collaboration, and the power of making something extraordinary from the unexpected.
This is the kind of energy that defines Hot Shops: bold, playful, a little unpredictable—and entirely unforgettable.