ARROWMONT TO HOST FIGURATIVE SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM THIS FALL

GATLINBURG, TN – Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts has announced it will host a figurative sculpture symposium and exhibitions on its Gatlinburg campus from October 27-30, 2010. “Figurative Association: The Human Form in Clay” will feature eight internationally and nationally known ceramic and mixed media artists from six states who use the figure as the main theme in their sculpture. This event grew out of Arrowmont’s successful “Utilitarian Clay: Celebrate the Object” national symposia held every 4 years since 1992. Arrowmont’s rich history as a leader in art and craft education includes hosting international and national media related conferences and symposia over the past 45 years. The symposium is being coordinated by Arrowmont’s Program Director Bill Griffith with assistance from Debra Fritts, a noted Georgia ceramic artist and Arrowmont instructor and Thaddeus Erdahl, current Arrowmont Resident Artist in Ceramics. The artist/presenters include Tom Bartel and Janis Mars Wunderlich from Ohio, Robert Brady, and Arthur Gonzalez from California, Tip Toland and Beth Cavener Stichter from Washington, Lisa Clague from North Carolina and Anne Drew Potter from Indiana. A series of lectures, panel topic discussions, demonstrations and gallery exhibitions will make up the three day symposium. Additionally, each artist/presenter has invited an emerging figurative sculptor of their choice to be represented in the Invited Artists Exhibition, which will be one of the highlights of the event. Arrowmont and Debra Fritts will each also invite an emerging figurative artist to participate. “One vital, educational component of this symposium is the identification of 10 emerging artists in the ceramic sculpture field and the invitation to exhibit their work alongside the highly respected national Presenters Exhibition,” said Arrowmont Program Director Bill Griffith, adding, “This again speaks to Arrowmont’s commitment as a leader in education and support in promoting the careers of the next generation of artists.” For more Symposium details, fees and registration information visit www.arrowmont.org or call (865) 436-5860.