There are many difficult times that one faces in life and in the life of an artist and being in Graduate School or transitioning from Graduate School to the life of a studio artist, are two of those times. One is continuously questioning their abilities, their talent, the content of their work, the quality, its value (not monetary), and their own personal aesthetic sensibility. It is a time of uncertainty, where the realities of making 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 indivduals. 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. Clayton Keyes was awarded 1st prize, Giselle Hicks 2nd prize, and Matthew Ziemke was the recipient of our 3rd cash prize.
The Clay Studio is deeply indebted to Marge and Philip Kalodner for their generous support of this exhibition. Their continued passion and love for the ceramic arts is mirrored by their investment in the future of the lives of the artists whose work is currently on dislpay. Their friendship and support of The Clay Studio is truly invaluable and so greatly appreciated.
