Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
PROGRAM: Fine Arts

My presentation at the annual National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts was entitled U(S)Topia. I lead an interactive clay workshop in which participants were invited to make a clay letter using the theme from the conference CLAYTOPIA. 101 youth and adults participated in the 9 hour workshop, decorating a letter and then adding it to a floor installation work at the conference. The activity was a skill building, peer-to-peer networking opportunity that highlighted the experiences of each participant and their unique contribution to the ceramic community. The workshop drew on my interest in my graduate work in using ceramic art as a medium for building networks and creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning through artistic experiences. My role as a facilitator included preparing all the materials for the workshop, setting up the space and installation, assisting participants with the project, photographing and documenting the project as it was made and posting on social media. I gained valuable experience that I will utilize in planning future art installations that involve interaction with a variety of communities. I appreciate the opportunity to represent the University of Delaware at this important annual ceramics conference.