emerging artist: Alex Zablocki

Alex Zablocki was born in Denver
Colorado and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and is currently a
ceramic artist residing in Fort Collins, Colorado.  He received his BFA from Finlandia University and also
studied ceramic design in Kuopio Finland. 
He spent two years working and studying as a Post-Baccalaureate student
at both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Colorado State University. He
has shown work both nationally and internationally.
I build pieces using the vernacular of pottery to talk about
process, celebrating all the qualities, which exploit my participation in the
making.  I throw and alter
cylinders while dividing and dissecting certain areas with the use of lines.  These lines then create seams, which
accentuate subtle aspects within the forms. I am constantly engaged by the
manipulation of clay to create works that are both functionally sound and
aesthetically pleasing.  My work
exhibits a variety of subtle changes in the direction of form to create
luscious and full shapes, which directly talks about their ability to contain,
display, and disperse.   I
find wood and soda firing to be the most appropriate means of firing my
work.  These processes allow for
the activation of surface that compliments the way in which I work with clay.

residency opportunity: NCECA and Kohler Arts Center

NCECA has partnered with the John
Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Arts/Industry residency program to offer a
2-3 month ceramics residency for one Emerging Artist applicant! This
opportunity arose from the concurrent timing of our 2014 conference in
Milwaukee, WI and the Arts Center’s 40th anniversary for their
Arts/Industry residency program in Sheboygen, WI.  What better way to
celebrate than to bring our organizations together and create this
amazing opportunity for the best and brightest in our field!

The application for the Arts Center’s Arts/Industry residency will be
incorporated into the Emerging Artist application. All 2014 Emerging
Artist applicants are eligible but must indicate on the application form
if they want to be considered for this opportunity. A 250-word (or
less) project proposal will be required so you can begin thinking about
that now. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center will make the final
selection, and their selection process is independent of NCECA’s
Emerging Artist selection process. This means that while one may not be
selected as an NCECA Emerging Artist, one could still be selected by the
Arts Center for this residency.

The lucky artist selected for this honor will do a 2-3 month
residency during 2014, which will be coordinated between the artist and
the Arts Center.  The Arts Center will provide housing, studio space
with 24-hour access, materials, firing, technical assistance and a
modest weekly stipend for food. NCECA will provide up to $1500 to defer
costs for traveling and shipping expenses.  We’re so happy to have The
John Michael Kohler Arts Center on board for this partnership during
their milestone year and our 2014 NCECA conference in Milwaukee. This is
a golden opportunity for our NCECA Emerging Artist applicants and one
that is not to be missed!

blog.nceca.net/kohlerresidency

call for entry: The Cup: An interpreted object

The Cup: An interpreted object is an exhibition featured on the idea of the cup. This term
can be loaded and includes several ideas, can deny function, be sculptural, be
functional…etc. Juror, Dick Lehman, is a renowned potter known best for his utilitarian
ware and has also delved extensively into the possibilities of the cup as a vessel for
conveying messages, as well as beverages.

When sending submissions, please send them via e-mail to [email protected] with
your 2 entries for $20 or 3 entries for $25, your name, title of each piece, medium, and
date created. Payments for your entry may also be sent via PayPal to: [email protected]
Or via mail to: 211 S. 5th St. Goshen, Indiana 46528

All entries sent after September 1 will be rejected.

For any questions or concerns, please e-mail [email protected]

Find the application form here: localgoshen.com/the-cup-show