In the life of an artist there are many difficult times faced. Surviving Graduate School or transitioning from Graduate School to the life of a professional studio artist, are two of those times. Artists’ constantly question their abilities and their talent. They question he content of their work, its quality, its value (not monetary), their aesthetic sensibility are their ability to build a life doing what they love to do. It is a time of uncertainty, where the realities of making a mark and building a life for oneself, in an exceptionally challenging field, finally start to become real. It is a time when support and affirmation are critical.
The Marge Brown Kalodner Graduate Student Exhibition provides this kind of support and affirmation. This annual exhibition, now in its seventh year, highlights the best work of students or recent graduates, from the best graduate programs in Ceramics from across the United States. This exhibition identifies emerging artists whose work is deserving of attention. It provides them a forum for the exhibition of their work and introduces our ceramics community to this next generation of talented makers. It also affords an opportunity to purchase the work of incredibly gifted artists, early in their careers. This exhibition is closely aligned with our mission of providing opportunity and support for emerging talent. Three individuals work within the exhibition are singled out annually and awarded cash prizes in recognition of their exceptional work. This year, first prize was awarded to Lauren Mabry, second prize to Ben Fiess, and third prize to Virginia McKinney.
The Clay Studio is deeply indebted to Marge and Philip Kalodner for their generous support of this exhibition. Their friendship and support of The Clay Studio is truly invaluable and so greatly appreciated as is their investment in the lives of young makers.
