VSU to Host 11th Annual Ceramics Sale Friday, Saturday

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Department of Art will host its 11^th annual Holiday Ceramics Sale from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, in Room 136 of the Fine Arts Building.

Besides a few of his own creations, Michael T. Schmidt, professor of art, said that all of the works available for purchase were created by VSU students currently enrolled in advanced ceramics courses. Several hundred unique items are for sale, including utilitarian cups, bowls, plates, jars, and teapots, as well as sculptural forms.

Thirty percent of all sales will benefit the Department of Art’s Visiting Artist Fund. Schmidt said the department uses these funds to bring visiting ceramics artists to the campus for one- or two-day workshops and lectures at least once a year.   

“Fundraising events like this have been instrumental in bringing nationally and internationally recognized artists to programs like ours here are VSU,” he said.

When asked why this was important, Schmidt added, “It is imperative. While enrolled at VSU, the students are receiving a rigorous education housed in facilities that are top quality. Since I am the only ceramics professor at VSU, everything ceramics related comes from me. However, I feel it is essential for students to see how others work in the discipline of ceramics and field of art in general. I also believe that the students should get a female perspective on ceramics. My goal is to bring ceramics artists to the Department of Art that are different from me and how I work and teach. Watching, listening, asking questions to an outside artist or educator gives the students a different perspective; hopefully this helps in their quest to become a mature artist … The experience is invaluable.”

Previous visiting artists have included Julie Guyot of Tallahassee, Fla.; Mark Knott of Atlanta; Brian Jensen of Utah Valley University, Utah; Brooke Cassidy of Charleston, S.C.; Suzannah Zucker of the University of Georgia; and Ryan Fitzer of Southern Methodist University, Texas.

Funds from the sale will also benefit student travel to the annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts Conference. Schmidt said students who attend the conference have the opportunity to see high profile ceramics exhibitions and artist demonstrations; interact/network with other students, faculty and artists from across the United States and around the world; investigate graduate schools and residency programs; and experience much more. The 2013 conference will be held in Austin, Texas.

VSU Department of Art offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in art, the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in interior design, the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in art education, and the Bachelor of Arts with a major in art. Individuals seeking instruction in ceramics are exposed to a variety of methods and concepts, such as coil, pinch, slab construction, extruding, and wheel throwing techniques in a traditional studio environment. Emphasis is placed on the creation of functional and sculptural forms, employing a wide range of materials, like stoneware and porcelain, with an exploration of techniques, such as electric/oxidation, raku, soda firing, and high fire reduction. Advanced ceramics students gain exposure to methods and concepts, such as plaster mold making, multiples, sets, installation, and digital transfers.

Please contact Michael T. Schmidt, VSU professor of art, at mschmidt@valdosta.edu or (229) 249-4913 or visit www.facebook.com/michaeltschmidtceramics for more information about the Holiday Ceramics Sale.

For more information about VSU’s Department of Art, please call (229) 333-5835 or visit www.valdosta.edu/art.