Clay Talks! with Kirsten Olson – April 6, 2017

Join us at the North Carolina Pottery Center on April 6^th for a presentation by Kirsten Olson, currently an Artist-in-Residence at NCPC.

A graduate of Juniata College in Huntington, PA with a BA in Anthropology, Minor Fine Arts and an MFA Ceramics from University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Kirsten most recently served as Ceramics Adjunct Faculty and Ceramic Studio Technician at the Art Department of Juniata College. She has been an Artist-in-Residence at the Pottery Center since October 2016. She was named one of American Craft Week’s 2016 “Rising Stars; 30 Exceptional Crafts People under the age of 30” and most recently announced as a finalist in Functional Ceramics for the 2017 NICHE Awards.

Kirsten says, “My inspiration as a ceramic artist is strongly grounded in anthropology, particularly cultural customs, ceremonies, and rituals.  My ceramic vessels not only contain the food and drink that nourish, but also contain the ideas of culture and community.” Highly inspired by Alaskan culture and the North, her work recalls the shapes of baskets, hats, mukluk patterns, and ivory objects while the glaze and kiln firing process also reflect textures associated with natural materials, such as bone, ivory, and wood.

Kirsten’s talk will address her background in clay and anthropology, as well as recent endeavors at the Pottery Center. A potluck at 6 pm will begin the evening’s events, followed by the slide talk at 7 pm. Come out for a great night of food and community!
Location: The NCPC Educational Building located behind the NC Pottery Center at 233 East Avenue, Seagrove, 27341.