Cindy or Marco Milazzo on thu 26 apr 01
Local ceramic communities seem to wax and wane in sympathy with universit=
y
ceramic programs.
For the past few years, the clay community in El Paso,Texas/Juarez, Mexic=
o
has been nearly moribund, despite a large metropolitan population and a L=
OT
of native talent. Even Las Cruces, NM, a much smaller city nearby has an
active potters guild. El Paso/Juarez had a few potters or sculptors work=
ing
in virtual solitude.
Then last year, the El Paso branch of University of Texas brought in Vinc=
ent
Burke, a young sculptor from Ohio who's energizing the ceramics program a=
t
UTEP and by osmosis, the local clay community. (I'm one of his older
students, trying to catch up with the young folks.)
One way he has accomplished this is by bringing in quality potters and
artists for free workshops that are also open to the community. And many
local (non-university) potters and sculptors DO attend, because let's fac=
e
it: clay opportunities are few and far between out here.
Last week we had a great workshop with Brad Schwieger from Ohio Universit=
y.
His throwing
was muscular, his technique was fearless, and his comments were on-target=
=2E
This week, we have
a dozen pseudo-Schwiegers in class but that's okay -- we love the
inspiration he gave us.
Tomorrow, (Friday, the 27th) we're looking forward to a free half-day
workshop with Ryan
Fitzer, a young potter from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. (Starts at=
2
PM -- all are
invited).
There's talk of reviving the defunct local potters guild. Potters are
participating in local events like the Native Plant Sale at UTEP this
weekend and in general, there are encouraging signs of ceramic life in th=
is
West Texas town.
If you have questions or comments, please email.
Marco Milazzo
mmilazz1@elp.rr.com
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