End of Semester

Grades are in.  This has been a very busy semester in so many ways. Though I risk with this post sounding like one of those xeroxed Christmas card/letters we all love (so much) to get, there are a few things we want to convey to all who follow us.

We officially opened and dedicated the Vincent R. Clemente Ceramic Resource Room in October. It is a significant addition to the department. We are grateful and indebted to Vincent and Mary for their generosity to the ceramics department here at MWP. The packed house event was a highlight of the semester. Special thanks to all who helped pull the very comfortable and information packed room together.

One important person, however, was not with us. We lost Mary this year after a stoic yet considerable effort to regain her health. Her outlook and a never ending positive attitude taught us something about facing the inevitable in life with dignity and courage, not to mention a sense of humor to the very end.  She is missed. Vincent continues to be an important part of our department giving demonstrations and helping with salt and wood firings (not to mention the jibes and funny stories).

The recruiting trail was especially satisfying and pleasantly tiring. Trips to the Cape, Poughkeepsie, and Toronto were on the docket. I enjoyed meeting all who were interested in attending PrattMWP. Some excellent work and, as always, very interesting students prove to me that the arts will continue to thrive. We hope you begin your training here!

William Daley

Each host city for the reviews was memorable for the local art scene. The Cape Cod Museum in Dennis is gem. Can't wait to go back. The Mill Street Loft in Poughkeepsie provides an incredible art experience for local high school students with an obviously dedicated (and in my case, caring- thanks again, Gabrielle) staff. I am a new fan. Finally, Toronto is an experience like no other. The AGO, ROM, and the Gardiner make this world class city a must visit on a regular basis. We missed the Terra Cotta Warriors at the ROM but hope to make a trip to Montreal in February for the exhibition.

Janelle was honored with a teaching award from a local civic group for her work with the visually impaired. She also put in a strenuous but very successful semester mounting three alumni shows in the school of art gallery.

The continuing education students are making outstanding work. In response, we are planning an exciting addition to the ceramics department this spring- the "Hallway Gallery" will open in February. Upstairs in the ceramics building, next to the Clemente Resource Room, the gallery will provide much needed local exhibition space for ceramic works by the students of MWPAI and PrattMWP. We plan to have 4 or 5 group shows a year with the remainder of the time exhibiting the permanent collection of work from the sophomore classes. We will keep you posted on openings and events.

Throwing Day for Empty Bowls is in February with the event planned for early April. This year we will be staging the event on campus. We will also be reaching out to a larger number of organizations who provide help to those in need. We are very excited about the changes.

Porcelain, Philadelphia NCECA

The fall anagama firing was postponed (too busy to fire the wood kiln- what is that???) and will be fired this spring. The wood is in and the weather will determine the dates. The continuing education students have loaded a salt and will be firing this Monday. The semester never ends!!!

Taylor Edwards, Sophomore, Ceramic Sculpture Class, 2010

It has been a kick of a semester- good creac, as they say in Ireland. Lots of laughs, some difficult times for some in the "family" but lots of good pots being made. Let's do it again. Form is king and power to the people!