Visiting ceramist John Jessiman

Renowned ceramists Don Reitz and John Jessiman will visit Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design on Tuesday, Oct. 16, for public demonstrations and slide presentations.

Reitz, one of the most influential ceramists of the 21st century, is known for his experimentation in salt firing, a 15th-century process in which ordinary salt is placed in the kiln during high temperatures to produce a glazing effect. A New Jersey native and former professor of art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Reitz received the American Craft Council’s gold medal, one of the field’s highest honors. Reitz’s work is displayed in museums across North America, and he also has shown his work in Europe and Australia.

Virginia native Jessiman, whose work has been displayed throughout North America, Korea and Japan, taught at the University of New York in Courtland. Jessiman is a specialist in wood-fired stoneware, in which ashes from burning wood are deposited on clay surfaces to create a natural glaze.

“The School of Art and Design is proud to host a workshop by world-class figures in ceramic arts,” said Joan Byrd, professor of art at Western, who once studied under Reitz at the University of Wisconsin. “Reitz and Jessiman push clay forms to their limits in their dynamic workshop performances.”

Clay demonstrations will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:30 to 4 p.m., with slide presentations from 7 to 9 p.m. All events will be in the Fine and Performing Arts Center auditorium.

The events are funded by the Randall and Susan Parrott Ward Endowment Fund for Ceramics, with additional support from Highwater Clays in Asheville.

For more information, contact Byrd at (828) 227-3595.

Maintained by the Office of Public Relations
Last modified: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007