Students, pros display ceramics in UC Gallery

When UC Gallery Director Matt Bullis began organizing the semester’s first exhibit, he didn’t consider that he might exceed his space.
As he kept contacting people, however, it occurred to him that hosting a who’s who of Montana-based ceramic artists couldn’t be done in the UC Gallery.
“I had to leave out a lot of people,” Bullis said. Instead, he aimed to gather the “widest array of ceramics” that would fit in UC 227.
The result is Ceramic Montana, which features the work of over 20 ceramic artists, ranging from the well known, such as the late David Shaner, a nationally known potter from Big Fork, to faculty professors, to students.

When UC Gallery Director Matt Bullis began organizing the semester’s first exhibit, he didn’t consider that he might exceed his space.
As he kept contacting people, however, it occurred to him that hosting a who’s who of Montana-based ceramic artists couldn’t be done in the UC Gallery.
“I had to leave out a lot of people,” Bullis said. Instead, he aimed to gather the “widest array of ceramics” that would fit in UC 227.
The result is Ceramic Montana, which features the work of over 20 ceramic artists, ranging from the well known, such as the late David Shaner, a nationally known potter from Big Fork, to faculty professors, to students.
According to Bullis, who received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in ceramics from the University of Montana and is pursuing a second degree in art education, this is the first time the UC Gallery has ever had a ceramics gallery of this magnitude.
“There are students, there are faculty, and there are guys who started the whole thing in Montana,” he said, adding that each piece connects to Montana.
Two Master’s of Fine Arts ceramic students, Eva Champagne and Kensuke Yamada, will have their work featured in Ceramic Montana.
For Champagne, displaying her work alongside established artists is an exciting prospect.
“I think it’s wonderful to be included with such big names,” Champagne said, adding that being featured with such artists is “a little humbling” as well.
Yamada, however, said he sees this exhibit more as a chance to strengthen relationships with other artists.
“It’s one big, nice, ceramics community,” he said.
Part of what makes this community thrive, Yamada said, is the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, based in Helena.
According to Archiebray.org, the foundation is a widely recognized institute focused on providing an environment “that stimulates creative work in ceramics.”
“I think it’s really cool,” said Yamada, who recently completed his residency at the institute.
Although the art is already on display, the opening reception for Ceramic Montana takes place on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. in the UC Gallery.
The exhibit will remain on display Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Sept. 25.
The gallery will provide lists and maps, including both the names of artists and pieces, as well as their exact locations. Also included on the back of the program is a list of ceramic terms.
steven.miller@umontana.edu