Artist: Al Holen

Al Holen, INDIANA
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Artist Statement

Both metaphorically and as a three-dimensional design quandary, the nuances of relationships fascinate me.  My work seeks to create dialogues and relationships between contrasting forms.  Special attention is given to the shapes and textures, swells and voids of their interactions.  Beyond this, there is something immensely satisfying about finding artistic solutions to functional problems.  There is such a rich and varied history in functional ceramics, that I enjoy keeping my work inside the boundary of ‘functional’, even if the presence of the piece is overwhelmingly sculptural.  

The simple fact is that I love working with the clay, and making functional and contemplative pieces.  It is the physicality of the making that brings me the most joy.  A day in the studio is a great day… there is nothing more satisfying than full ware boards.  It is gratifying to use skills that have been learned and honed over time to bring something useful into this world from a formless mass of clay.  It’s taking part in a long history, and it connects me with the past.  When my work is used by others, a new relationship is formed, and the relationship metaphor is fully realized.  I am proud and humbled to be a part of this remarkable ceramics continuum. 

 Bio

Alisa (AL) Holen is an artist and educator who received an MA and MFA in Ceramics from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.  She has since taught ceramics and sculpture at numerous institutions including University of Iowa, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Augustana College, U of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, and the Mississippi University for Women.  She is currently a tenured associate professor of art at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, IN. 

Born and raised in Minneapolis with a father (Norman D. Holen) who is a sculptor and art professor, she was introduced to both functional and sculptural art early.  Her childhood home is filled with stunning sculptural art displayed with curatorial acumen. However, the tableware of Warren Mackenzie, Peter Leach, Chuck Halling captured her imagination as the works were still beautiful, but she was allowed to touch and use them! 

Her ceramics work focuses on formal and metaphorical relationships, forms that nest into one another, forms that are pierced, pushed, elevated, and encompassed by each other.  While nearly all of the work is functional, it maintains a sculptural presence.  When someone uses the work, the relationship metaphor is fully realized. 

 

E D U C A T I O N  

M.F.A. The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 2004 Ceramics (Sculpture emphasis)  M.A. The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 2003 Ceramics  

 B.A. Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN 1990 Liberal Arts, Studio Art major, Art History minor   cum laude Deans List Departmental Honors 

T E A C H I N G  

 Associate Professor, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville Fall 2017 - Present   Assistant Professor, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville Fall 2011 – Spring 2017   Assistant Chair of Art & Design Department, Fall 2013 – Fall 2016  

• Kiln Design and Construction  
• Ceramics 1, 2, 3, 4, 489  
• Alternative Firing Techniques  
• Design & Materials, 3D Foundations 
• Color & Design, 2D Foundations 

 Assistant Professor, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus Fall 2008 – Spring 2011  • Ceramics, Program Development  

• Clay Arts 1, 2, 3, 490  
• Art Appreciation  
• Design 2, 3-D  
• Design 1, 2-D  

 Visiting Assistant Professor, The University of Iowa, Iowa City Fall 2007 + Summer 2008  • Ceramics 1, 3  

• Independent Study Ceramics  
• Kiln Construction  
• Undergraduate Workshop  
• Graduate Workshop  

 Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska, Omaha Fall 2006 + Summer 2007  Sabbatical replacement  

• Ceramics 1, 2, 3  
• Independent Study Ceramics  
• Sculpture 1  

 Adjunct Faculty, Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, IA Fall 2005 + Spring 2006  • Ceramics 1, 2  

• Introduction to Art  
• Sculpture 1  

 Adjunct Faculty, Sabbatical Replacement, University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse Spring 2005  • Ceramics 1, 2, 3  

• Independent Study Ceramics  

 Adjunct Faculty, Sabbatical Replacement, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL Fall 2004 • Ceramics 1, 2  

• Sculpture 1  
• 3-D Design  

 Adjunct Faculty, Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA Spring 2003 – Spring 2006 • Ceramics 1  

• Sculpture 1  
• Studio Technician  

 Instructor of Record, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Fall 2001 – Spring 2004 

• Ceramics 1, 2 Developed syllabi and course content, full grade book responsibility • Wood Shop Graduate Assistant Tech. Sculpture Graduate Tech Volunteer.  

E X H I B I T I O N S  

2023 YUNOMI invitational exhibit. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA.  

Cannon River Clay Tour. Northfield, MN August 2023 

2022 Wichita National Ceramics Invitational. Wichita, KS. October 2022 

• Third place award. Juror Eddie Dominguez 

Solo Exhibition – AKAR Gallery. (50-70 works) Iowa City, IA.  

Feature Exhibition – AKAR Gallery. (20-30 works) Iowa City, IA. Ma 

2021 Filled Up #2, national juried by Virginia Scotchie. New Harmony Clay Project, IN.  Invitational Cup Exhibit. Artlink Contemporary Gallery. Fort Worth, IN. 

Americano invitational exhibit. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA.  

Abel Contemporary Art Gallery, invitational. Stoughton, WI. 

State of Clay, regional juried exhibition. Indiana Clay Conference. Indianapolis, IN • Honorable Mention 

Thanksgiving Table: The Butter Dish, national invitational exhibit. AKAR Gallery, IA.  Still Shakin’, international invitational exhibit. Belger Art Center. KC, MO. 

Solo Exhibition at Companion Gallery. (50 works) Humboldt, TN. 

 Natchez Clay Project. Invitational workshop and exhibition hosted by Conner  Burns. Natchez, MS – rescheduled due to Covid.  

YUNOMI invitational exhibit. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA. 

Pearl, 30th Anniversary Invitational Exhibit at Northern Clay Center. Minneapolis, MN. Last Call, national invitational, and juried exhibit. Companion Gallery. Humboldt, TN.  2020 Filled Up, national juried by Paul Andrew Wandless. New Harmony Clay Project, IN. Exquisite Cups, online invitational exhibit hosted by Bryan Wilkerson. @exquisite_cups. ClayAKAR Gallery featured artist. www.clayakar.com 

Arrowmont Pentaculum, invitational workshop. Arrowmont School of A&C, Gatlinburg, TN  YUNOMI invitational exhibit. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA.  

BLM Online raffle invitational by Sydney Ewerth. www.facebook.com/Sydney-Taylor-Ewerth Women in Craft, solo exhibition at Oxford University, Bodleian Library. Oxfordshire, England.  ARTAXIS Fundraiser. Online invitational. Brian Harper executive director.  

2019 21st Annual American Pottery Festival, invitational. Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN  Fourth Annual Cannon River Clay Tour, invitational. St. Paul, MN  

SIP: A Ceramic Cup Show 2019. Juried. Savanah Clay Community, Savanah, GA.  

State of Clay, invitational. Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN  

Airport Exhibit for NCECA 2019, invitational. MSP International Airport, Minneapolis, MN  Seven Deadly Sins, invitational. NCECA 2019. Perlman Teaching Museum. Northfield, MN  Shake It: International Salt and Pepper Exhibition, invitational. Belger Art Center. KC, MO  Art in the City, members exhibition. Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville, IN  

2018 20th Annual American Pottery Festival, invitational. Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN  Third Annual Cannon River Clay Tour, invitational. St. Paul, MN  

Americano, invitational. ClayAKAR Gallery. Iowa City, IA  

ARTAXIS, Women’s Exhibit. Pittsburgh, PA  

Last Call, national juried. Juror Brett Kern. Companion Gallery, Humboldt, KY  

Palliative Pour, juried & invitational. NCECA exhibition. Juror Chris Gustin. 

2017 Nature/Nurture, two-person exhibit with Norman D. Holen. Northern Clay Center,  Minneapolis, MN  

100 Miles, invitational exhibit. MacCutchen/Pace Galleries, Evansville, IN.  

Nuanced Relationships, solo exhibition. Evansville Museum of Arts, Science and History 

Functional Relationships, national juried exhibition. Juror Simon Levin. New Harmony  Gallery for Contemporary Art, new Harmony, IN  

2016 The Clay Cup, national juried exhibition. Juror Dan Anderson. Columbia, MO • Purchase Award  

Connections and Capacities, Solo Exhibition. International Gallery of Contemporary Art,  Anchorage, AK and Gary L. Freeburg Gallery, Soldotna, AK  

Redefining the Vessel, national juried exhibition. Mobilia Gallery, Cambridge, MA  Strictly Functional Pottery National, juried exhibition. Juror Simon Leach, Lancaster, PA  • Purchase Award  

Twin Cups, national juried exhibition. Juror Bede Clark, MWSU Clay Guild. St. Joseph, M Working Pots, national juried exhibition. Juror Simon Levin, James May Gallery.  

 Algoma,WI  

2015 It’s Only Clay, national juried exhibition. Watermark Art Center, Bemidji, MN  • Purchase Award 

Craft Forms 2015, national juried exhibition. Juror Ronald T. Labaco, Museum of Arts and  Design, NY, The Marcia Docter Curator. Wayne Art Center, PA  

Alumni Juried Art Exhibition, juried invitational. Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN • Third place award  

Empty Bowls National Exhibition, national juried exhibition. Wichita Falls Museum of Art, TX  ARTAXIS, contemporary international juried online gallery. artaxis.org 

Starbrick Gallery Clay National Cup Show, national juried by David Hiltner. Nelsonville, OH  Art Noir, regional juried by Dianne Albin. Arts Council of Southwest Indiana. Evansville, IN Synergy, Solo Exhibition. Leo Castelli Gallery, Brenau University. Gainesville, GA  

2014 Graceful Tension, Solo Exhibition. The Ceramics Center. Cedar Rapids, IA.  Transcending Material, Potters Council national juried by Chris Campbell. NCECA  Conference Exhibition. Milwaukee, WI.  

22 Jefferson Opening Exhibit, invitational. Evansville, IN  

Assemblage, two-person exhibition with Amy Moore. Oval Gallery. Henderson, KY. Ceramics & Sculpture Invitational. Shircliff Gallery of Art & the Center for Art & Design.  Vincennes, IN  

Innovating Traditions, Faculty Exhibit. Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. Madisonville, KY.  2013 Functional Metaphors, Solo Exhibition. New Harmony Gallery for Contemporary Art. New  Harmony, IN  

2013 Mid-States Craft Exhibition, regional juried by Julie Farr, Executive Director of Houston  Center for Contemporary Craft. Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science  Evansville, IN  

East/West/North: A Collaboration, invitational. Evansville Museum of Arts, History and  Science. IN  

River 2 River, national juried by Clary Illian, Mat Rude, Delores Fortuna. The Clay Center.  Cedar Rapids, IA  

 Functional Relationships, national juried by Mike Jabbur. The Arts Council of Southwestern  Indiana. Evansville, IN  

Huili Yin, invitational. McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries. Evansville, IN  

Faculty Exhibit. Halcyon Gallery for Contemporary Art. Terre Haute, IN  

2012 East/West/North: A Collaboration, invitational. Evansville Museum of Arts, History and  Science. Evansville, IN  

Evansville Public Library Exhibit, Oaklyn branch, invitational. Evansville, IN  

Working Together, regional juried, Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science.  • Second Place award. Evansville, IN 

CLAY EVV, national juried by Christyl Boger and Joe Smith. Adams Art Gallery. Evansville, IN   SCULPT EVV, national juried by Marilu Knode, Executive Director of Laumeier’s Sculpture Park. Outdoor public sculpture titled “Becoming Evansville”  

Abstract, invitational. Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. Evansville, IN  

2011 Confluence, solo exhibition. The Ohr/O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi, MS  East/West/North: A Collaboration, invitational. Evansville Museum of Arts, History and  Science. IN  

USI Faculty Exhibition. McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries. Evansville, IN  

Reflections, Alumni juried exhibition at Christianson Art Gallery. Minneapolis, MN  • Best in Show.  

3+3: a Clay Survey, Mississippi featured artist at Alabama Clay Conference  

with Chris Gustin, Christa Assad and Misty Gamble. Mobile, AL.  

2010 Strictly Functional Pottery National, national juried by Bill van Gilder. East Petersburg, PA   • Best thrown and altered award • Catalog cover photo  

Functional Relationships, national juried exhibition. Eugenia Summer Gallery, Columbus, MS  The Vase & Beyond: The Sidney Swidler Collection of the Contemporary Vessel. Crocker Art Museum, Sacremento, CA.  

Cooperative Collaborations, solo exhibition. Rosenzweig Art Center, Columbus, MS Multifarious, invitational. Louisville Art Center, Louisville, TX  

Mississippi Mud, state-wide invitational. Rosenzweig Art Center, Columbus, MS  

Yunomi show, national invitational. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA  

Three Cups of Tea, national invitational. McComas Gallery, Starkville, MS  

Wood Fired Tea Bowl Invitational. Roswell, GA  

Ohr/O’Keefe Museum, representation. Biloxi, MS  

2009 Clay3, National Juried Ceramics Exhibition. Warrenville, IL. •Honorable Mention Faculty Work. Troy Plunk Gallery, Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, TN  

MUW Faculty Exhibition. Eugenia Summer Gallery, Columbus, MS  

Art Works, invitational. Coup d’oeil Art Consortium, New Orleans, LA  

Columbus Arts Council Group Exhibition, Rosenzweig Art Center, Columbus, MS 

Alabama Clay Conference, Huntsville, AL  

Fragile Metaphors, Ceramics/Installation. 3 person exhibit with Sukjin Choi and Ying Zhu.  Curator, Exhibitor. Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA  

Legacy Exhibit: Bunny Mc Bride, invitational. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA  

The Made Gallery, representation. New Orleans, LA  

2008 Vessels 2008, invitational. CSCF Gallery, McLennon Community College, Waco, TX  Mississippi University for Women Faculty Exhibit. Columbus, MS  

Clay3 National Juried Ceramics Exhibition. Warrenville, IL  

Ceramics at Work, international juried. Gloria Kennedy Gallery for Contemporary 

 Ceramics, Brooklyn, NY  

Anderson O’Brien Gallery, representation. Omaha, NE  

2007 University of Iowa Faculty Exhibition. University of Iowa Museum of Art  Strictly Functional Pottery National, national juried by Malcolm Davis. East Petersburg, PA  • Purchase Award 

Feats of Clay XX, national juried. Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, CA •Purchase Award 

Gerry Eskin Studio Sale, invitational. Iowa City, IA  

Clary Illian Holiday Exhibition, invitational. Ely, IA  

Bemis Art Auction, invitational. Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Omaha, NE  

Serving the US, Master Kiln Builders Invitational (NCECA). Louisville, KY 

400 Yunomi’s, invitational. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA 

Holding Volumes, solo exhibit. Janlyn Hanson White Gallery, Cedar Rapids, IA  

Omaha Area Ceramics Invitational. Hillmer Gallery, Omaha, NE  

University of Nebraska at Omaha Faculty Exhibit. UNO Art Gallery, Omaha, NE  

Nebraska Arts Council, two-person exhibit with Dana Fritz. Omaha, NE  

2006 Campbell Steele Gallery, representation. Marion, IA  

30 x 5, invitational. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA  

University of Iowa Museum of Art, Museum Shop, representation. Iowa City, IA  2005 5th Annual National Juried Cup Show, national juried. Gallery 138, Kent, OH  • Purchase Award.  

Feats of Clay XVIII, national juried. Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, CA •Purchase Award.  

Clay Cup X, national juried. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL •Purchase Award.  Earth, Wheel and Fire, international juried. McAllen, TX  

University of Wisconsin LaCrosse Faculty Exhibit. UWL Gallery, LaCrosse, WI  

2004 Quad City Arts Association Faculty Exhibit. Quad Cities Airport, Moline, IL  Fire Exit, two-person exhibit with Conifer Smith. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA  

Iowa Artisans Ceramic Invitational. Iowa Artisans Gallery, Iowa City, IA  

2003 University of Iowa Ceramics Exhibit, juried. AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA  Across the Generations, two-person exhibit with Norman Holen.  

Anderson Center, Red Wing, MN  

2002 Pottery in Motion, solo exhibit. Eve Drewlowe Gallery, Iowa City, IA  Marion Art Festival, regional juried. Marion, IA  

Southeastern Minnesota Regional Art Exhibition, Regional Juried. Rochester Art Center  Rochester, MN  

2000 Fairview Hospital, Purchase Award for Permanent Collection. Red Wing, MN Fall Festival of Arts, Regional Juried. Historic Downtown Red Wing, MN  

Foot in the Door. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN  

A W A R D S  

2022 Semester Sabbatical. Fall Semester. University of Southern Indiana.  

 2021 Liberal Arts Research Award. University of Southern Indiana. 

2020 USI Foundation commission. University of Southern Indiana. 

2020 Semester Sabbatical. Fall semester. University of Southern Indiana. *Cancelled Covid.  2019 USI Foundation commission. University of Southern Indiana.  

2019 Spirit of the Eagle Faculty Award. USI Student Government.  

2018 Artist of the Year. Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.  

2017 USI Foundation commission. University of Southern Indiana.  

2015 Mayors Arts Award, Commission. City of Evansville, IN.  

2014 Individual Award in Arts. Leadership Evansville.  

2013 Faculty Research and Creative Work Award (FRCWA) $2,778 Pilot Grant for Ohio River Clay  Research and Creative Work  

2013 Office Sponsored Projects and Research Administration (OSPRA) Summer Research Fellowship  for Pilot Research Projects $7,000  

2012 Indiana Campus Compact, Scholarship of Engagement Faculty Grant $1550  Empty Bowls for United Caring Shelters

  

C U R A T O R I A L E X P E R I E N C E  

Exhibition Juror for Western Kentucky Arts Council. ArtWorks Gallery. Feb. 2022 

 Exhibition Juror for Madisonville Regional Arts Council. Glema Mahr Art Gallery. Oct. 2021  Exhibition Juror for Western Kentucky University Juried Student Exhibition. Oct. 2021  Exhibition Juror for the League for Innovation International Visual Arts Competition. 

 Conference exhibition and catalog. May 2021 

 Exhibition Awards Juror for US Bank Celebration of the Arts. Kentucky Museum at Western  Kentucky University. February 2021 

Exhibition Juror for Hoosier Salon Members Exhibition. New Harmony, IN. Fall 2018   Exhibition Curator for “Functional Relationships”, a National Juried Exhibition. The New Harmony   Gallery for Contemporary Art, IN. Summer 2017  

Exhibition Juror for Farmer and Frenchman Winery, Henderson, KY Fall 2015  

 Exhibition Curator for “We’re Not in Kansas Anymore”, a Wichita State MFA Ceramics Program  Invitational. The Bower-Surheinrich Gallery, Evansville, IN. Summer 2015  

Exhibition Juror for Vanderburgh County High School Juried Art Exhibition. Evansville Museum of   Arts, History and Science. Winter 2014  

Exhibition Juror for Kentucky Arts Alliance Juried Exhibition. Madisonville Art Center. Fall 2014  Exhibition Curator for “Functional Relationships”, a National Juried Ceramic  

 Exhibition. The Bower-Surheinrich Gallery, Evansville, IN. Summer 2013  

Exhibition Curator for “CLAY EVV”, a national, Juried, Small-Scale Ceramic Sculpture   Exhibition. Adams Gallery, Evansville, IN. Spring/Summer 2012  

Exhibition Curator for “Functional Relationships”, a National Juried  

 Ceramic Exhibition. Eugenia Summer Art Gallery, Columbus, MS. Winter 2009-10  Exhibition Curator for “Mississippi Mud”, an invitational for  

 Mississippi Clay Artists. Winter 2009-10  

 Exhibition Curator for “Fragile Metaphors” Ceramics/Installation Peter Paul Luce Gallery.   Mt. Vernon, IA. Spring 2009  

 Exhibition Curator/Discussion Moderator for “Clay and the Human Condition”.   UNO Art Gallery. Omaha, NE. Fall 2007 

  

B I B L I O G R A P H Y & M E D I A  

Pottery Making Illustrated. Five-Page Article. “Double Walled Chopstix Bowls”. Nov. 2022 Catalog: Pearl. Two-page layout in 40th Anniversary Exhibition, 16, 17. Spring 2021. Catalog: Last Call VI. Back cover image, 8, 27, 33. March 2021 

Catalog: American Pottery Festival. Sept 2019. 

Lutgring, Trista & Gross, Elisa. “Meet Your Makers.” Evansville Living, Sept.-Oct. 2018: 44. Print.  http://www.evansvilleliving.com/articles/meet-your-makers Web. 

Catalog: American Pottery Festival. Cover and Back cover. Sept 2018.  

Poster: Cannon River Clay Tour. June 2018.  

Catalog: Last Call. Cover photo, 14. Print. May 2018  

Sarah Loesch. Web. 

 http://www.courierpress.com/videos/news/2017/11/11/2017emptybowlsevansville/107577314/   Doyle, Abbey. “A Family Affair.” Evansville Courier and Press 28 Nov 2017: 7B  

 Holen, Alisa. “Nature/Nurture: Norman and Alisa Holen.” Northern Clay Center Exhibitions Catalog Autumn 2017. 9. Print.  

Peterson, Amelia. “Locals Buy Empty Bowls.” The Shield 12 Nov 2015: 5  

Doyle, Abbey. “Empty Bowls Symbols of Hope.” Evansville Courier and Press 5 Nov 2015: 7B,11B Craft Forms 2015, 21st International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Craft catalog. Wayne Art  Center. 

McBain, Roger. “Dishing it out for charity.” Evansville Courier and Press 4 Nov 2014: 5B, 8B  Erbacher, Megan.“Ceramic bowls fill a spirit of giving.”Evansville Courier and Press 20 Sept 2014:  1A,10A  

Beede, Ari. “Professor holds art exhibition at local New Harmony” The Shield, 14 Nov 2013:p4. Print.   Potters Council Exhibition Transcending Materials. March 2014. Poster.  

McBain, Roger. “Snowflakes….. “ Evansville Courier and Press 20 Nov 2013: Print. 

Potter’s council “Food and Function” Calendar 2013, cover image. Print.  

Weber, Trisha. “Thanks and Giving”. Evansville Living, Nov-Dec. 2012: 13. Print.   Erbacher, Megan. “Sculpt Carves its Niche.” Evansville Courier and Press 9 June 2012. Print.   McBain, Roger. “Vandal Destroys Prize Winner.” Evansville Courier and Press 28 June 2012. Print.   Evans, Zach. “City’s History Shown on Orbs.” Evansville Courier and Press 27 May 2012. Print.  Up Front. Ceramics Monthly, vol 60, no 2. Feb. 2012:19. Print.  

Harrison, Thomas B. “ A sweet ‘Confluence’: Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art exhibits ceramics by Alisa  Holen.” Mobile Press Register 13 Jan. 2012. Print.  

http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/01/a_sweet_confluence_ohr-okeefe.html Web.  Pietrowski, Josh. “Local Color; an Interview with Alisa (AL) Holen.” www.forty-one-south.com a  regional online quarterly magazine. web.  

Gassaway, Carol. “Non-Still Life, Those who do also teach in MUW’s Art Department.” Columbus  Magazine, 2010-2011: 61. Print.  

Swoope, Jan. “Down to Earth professor uses love of clay to teach the ‘organic process of   sculpting’.” Progress 2010, 2010: 69. Print.  

Dispatch Staff. “Scene & Seen at Empty Bowls.” Commercial Dispatch 21 Nov. 2010: 3C. Print.  Porter, Louisa. “A Thousand Words: Wood Kiln.” Commercial Dispatch 19 Nov. 2010: 2A. Print.  Porter, Louisa. “New Kiln at Columbus Brick Yard.” Commercial Dispatch 15 Nov. 2010: 3A. Print.  Rogers, Steven, prod. "Live at Five."Empty Bowls.CBS.WCBI, Columbus, MS,5 Nov. 2010. Television  Rogers, Steven, prod. “WCBI News Sunrise.” Community Supports Empty Bowls. CBS. WCBI,  Columbus, MS, 2 Nov. 2010. Television.  

Swoope, Jan. “Get ‘bowled over’ by Empty Bowls Saturday.” Commercial Dispatch 31 Oct. 2010: 3C.  Print.  

Booth, Khristina. “Chances for Charity.” The Reflector 19 Oct. 19 2010: 7. Print.  

Catalog: 18th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National 2010: Cover photo, 17. Print.  www.strictlyfunctionalpotterynational.net. Web.  

Dispatch Staff, “Bowling for Charity.” Commercial Dispatch 27 Sept. 2010: 2A. Print.  Swoope, Jan. “Empty Bowls sets community bowl-making days.” Commercial Dispatch 12  Sept. 2010: 2A. Print.  

Daily Staff. “National artists featured in ‘Three Cups of Tea’.” Starkville Daily News 13 Sept.  2010: 1A. Print.  

Holen, Alisa. moderator: “Emerging Faculty, New Approaches to Teaching Clay.” NCECA  Journal 2010: V31. 75. Print.  

Swoope, Jan. “New kiln heats up ceramic arts.” Commercial Dispatch 22 Aug. 2010: 3C. Print.  Imes, Birny. “Friday Night on the Town.” Commercial Dispatch 17 Jan. 2010: 3A. Print.  Geller, Russ, prod. “WCBI Live at Five.” Functional Relationships and Mississippi Mud. CBS. WCBI,  Columbus, MS, 14 Jan. 2010. Television.  

Feeney, Larry. “An example of how The W enriches.” Commercial Dispatch 12 Jan. 2010: 3A. Print.  Swoope, Jan. “MUW, Arts Council join in ceramics, pottery exhibits.” Commercial Dispatch  10 Jan. 2010: 2C. Print.  

Elliott, Adele. “Soup Kitchen.” Commercial Dispatch 15 Nov. 2009, Lifestyles section: 1C. Print.  Swoope, Jan. “Hungry for Empty Bowls.” Commercial Dispatch 8 Nov. 2009: 3A. Print.  Geller, Russ, prod. “WCBI News Sunrise.” MUW Professor organizes Empty Bowls event for  community. CBS. WCBI, Columbus, MS, 5 Nov. 5 2009. Television.  

Swoope, Jan. “Empty Bowls event will benefit Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen.” Commercial  Dispatch 25 Oct. 2009: 3C. Print.  

 Swoope, Jan. “MUW hosts bowl making for Empty Bowls Event” Commercial Dispatch 15 Oct. 2009:  3A. Print.  

Geller, Russ, proc. “WCBI News at 10.” Y-Teens make bowls for MUW Empty Bowls Event. CBS.

 WCBI, Columbus, MS, 4 Oct. 2009. Television.  

 Catalog: Clay3 National Juried Ceramics Exhibition. Clay Space 2009: 13. Print.   Perkins, Anika Mitchell. “Holen Teaches the Art of Recycling.” Visions Magazine Fall 2009: 4. Print.   “The Gallery.”Clay Times, March/April 2009 v.15 #80: 50. Print.  

 Shirley, Carey. “New teacher wants to mold next generation.” Spectator Columbus, MS. 30 Oct.  2008 v.104 issue 3: 4. Print.  

Catalog: U of Iowa Faculty Exhibit. University of Iowa Museum of Art 2007:10. Print.  Holen, Norman. “Achieving Closure” Clay Times Sept/Oct 2007 v.13 #5: image 63. Print.   Catalog: 15th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National 2007: 14. Print. Web.  Stickney, Dane. “Exhibit focuses on process, not product.” Omaha World-Herald 25 Oct. 2007:   2c. Print.  

Baker, Sarah. “Sketchbook.” The Reader Omaha, NE. 31 Oct. 2007 v.25: 4. Print.   King, Kelly. “Three Artists Shape the Shapeless, use clay to reveal what makes us Human in Art  Gallery exhibit.” UNO Gateway Omaha, NE. 26 Oct 2007: 15. Print.   Catalog: Feats of Clay XX. Lincoln Arts, at Historic Gladding McBean. Lincoln, CA 2007:16. Print.   Stickney, Dane. “When the Garden Becomes Artwork.” Omaha World-Herald 8 Feb. 2007. C1. Print.   Baker, Sarah.“Sketchbook.” The Reader Omaha, NE. 18 Jan. 2007 v.13: 28. Print.   Deskins, Sally Brown. “Gallery Art Show proves quality, passion among UNO faculty.” UNO   Gateway Omaha, NE. January 2007: 16, 11. Print.  

 Krainak, Michael Joe. “Art Smart.” Omaha City Weekly, 17 Jan. 2007: 37-9. Print.   Poster: Clay Cup X, 2005. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. 

 

C O N F E R E N C E P R E S E N T A T I O N S  

 Demonstration Room at Indiana Clay Conference. Indianapolis, IN Fall 2021  Panel Discussion: “Life as a Maker” at the American Pottery Festival with Dan Anderson, Jan  McKeachie Johnston, and Ted Saupe. Sept. 2019  

 Panel Discussion: “State of Clay” at the Indiana Potters Conference, Fort Wayne, IN. Oct. 2019   Panel Discussion: “Women in Ceramics” with Maria Dondero at American Pottery Festival, Mpls, MN.  Topical Discussion: “Women in Clay” at American Pottery Festival with Maria Dondero. Minneapolis,   MN 2018  

 Topical Discussion Leader at NCECA. “Empty Bowls as Service Learning”. Kansas City, KS 2016  With Brenda Lichman, Wichita State University and Bethany Benson, Juniata College   Demonstration Room at National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 2014   Panel Discussion Moderator at NCECA Conference: “Emerging Faculty; New Approaches to Teaching  Clay.” Philadelphia, PA 2010  

 Topical Discussion Leader at NCECA: “Effective Critique Strategies”. Phoenix, AZ 2009  Graduate Presenter at NCECA Indianapolis, IN 2004/ San Diego, CA 2003  

 

W O R K S H O P S  

 New Harmony Clay Project. “Deviant Clay: Alt Firings without glazes”. New Harmony, IN. Aug. 2022  Workshop Assistant “Soda and Slip” with Brenda Lichman. Arrowmont School for Craft. June 2021  “Women in Craft” at Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford, UK. Feb. 2020  “Keeping the Funk in Functional” at American Pottery Festival, Mpls, MN. Sept. 2018   Kanai Peninsula College, Kanai, AK. Oct. 2016  

 University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. Oshkosh, WI. Sept. 2015  

 Fired Earth Studio, Appleton, WI. Sept. 2015  

 Brenau University, Gainsville, GA. April 2015  

 The Ceramics Center, Cedar Rapids, IA. Nov. 2014  

 Fired Earth Studio, Appleton, WI. Oct. 2014  

 Wichita State University, Wichita, KS. Aug. 2014 

 Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY. Nov. 2013  

 University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI. Sept. 2013  

 New Harmony Clay Project. “Raku”. New Harmony, IN. Aug. 2011  

 Oxbow School for the Arts, Saugatek, MI. Oct. 2010  

 Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI. Oct. 2010  

 Empty Bowls Workshops at East Mississippi Community College and Heritage Academy,   East Mississippi. Oct. 2010  

 Honors Forum Lecture “Finding Center”, MUW, Columbus, MS. Oct. 2009  

 McLennon Community College, Waco, TX. June 2009  

 Columbus High School, Columbus, MS. April 2009  

 Interdisciplinary Workshop with “Art of the Americas” course.  

 Mississippi University for Women. Fall 2009  

 Interdisciplinary Workshop on Native American pottery with Archeology Department.   The University of Iowa. Spring 2008  

 Visiting Artist at the University of North Texas, Denton. Summer 2008  

 Interdisciplinary Workshop with Art History in Greek Vase Painting.  

 The University of Iowa. Fall 2007  

Panelist “Beyond the Undergraduate experience” - Barbara Wilson Lecture Series.   University of Nebraska, Omaha. Spring 2007  

Slide Jam at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Omaha, NE. April 2007  

Slide Lecture at Janlyn Hanson White Gallery. Cedar Rapids, IA. February 2007  Slide Lecture at University of Nebraska, Omaha. Omaha, NE. January 2007 

 

W O R K S H O P H O S T I N G & P A R T I C I P A T I O N  

 Workshop Host for Seth Green at USI. Spring 2020 

 Workshop Host for Misty Gamble at USI. Spring 2019  

Workshop Host for Lars Voltz and Joyce St. Clair at USI. Wood firing Workshop. Fall 2018  Conference Attendance Utilitarian Clay VII Symposium, Arrowmont. Fall 2016  

 Workshop Host for Martha Grover at USI. Fall 2016  

 Workshop Host for Brenda Lichman and graduates from Wichita State University at USI. Fall 2015   Salt-Firing Workshop Host for David Rodenberg at New Harmony Clay Studio. Summer 2014   Workshop Host for Lenny Dowhie at USI. Spring 2014 

 Kiln Building and Wood Fire Workshop Host for Scott Ross at USI. Fall 2013   Workshop Host for Dr. Sweet U Akenzua-Ebeigbe of Nigeria at USI. Spring 2013   Workshop Host for Al Wadzinski workshop and exhibit at USI. Fall 2012  

 Workshop Host for Deborah Ball at University of Southern Indiana. Spring 2012   Workshop Host for Eva Kwong at University of Southern Indiana. Spring 2012   Workshop Host for Ian Childers and James Davis at the Mississippi University for  Women. Columbus, MS. Fall 2010  

 Workshop Host for Jake Allee at the Mississippi University for Women, Summer 2010   Workshop Host for Debbie Kupinski and Craig Clifford at the Mississippi University for Women.   Fall 2009  

 Technical Assistant for Christyl Boger Figurative Sculpture Workshop at the Santa Fe Clay Center.  Summer 2008  

 Workshop Host for Linda Christianson at The University of Iowa. Spring 2008   Workshop Host for Dean Adams and Daniel Murphy, five-day kiln building Workshop.  The University of Iowa. Fall 2007  

 Workshop Host for Pete Pinnell at University of Nebraska, Omaha. Spring 2007  Workshop Host for Bunny McBride at University of Nebraska, Omaha. Fall 2006   Workshop Host for Lisa Buck at University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. Spring 2005   High Elevation Wood Kiln Firing with Gerry Eskin. Aspen, CO. Winter 2004 

 Kiln Building Workshop with Randy Johnston & Donovan Palmquist.  

University of Wisconsin at River Falls. Summer 2002 

 Kiln Building and Wood Fire Workshop with Mike Weber. University of Northern Texas. Spring 2002  

 

P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E  

Organizer of Student Pottery Sale for USI Visiting Artist Fund 2012 - 2022 

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $11,500 raised. Aug. – Nov. 2018  

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $13,000 raised. Aug. – Nov. 2017  

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $13,000 raised. Aug. – Nov. 2016  

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $11,700 raised. Aug. – Nov., 2015  

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

USI, Evansville, IN. $10,400 raised. Aug.-Nov., 2014  

Nouvelle Cuisine Dinnerware created and donated as student engagement project. Fall 2014  Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $7,400 raised. Aug.-Nov., 2013  

 Wood Kiln Repair and Rebuild for USI. Summer/Fall 2013  

Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 USI, Evansville, IN. $7,000 raised. Aug.-Nov., 2012  

Presentation for Kiwanis Club presented for Becoming Evansville. July 2012  

Leadership EVV: created a curriculum and built a clay installation with children for the Evansville,  IN Bicentennial. Coincided with the opening of SCULPT EVV and clay CLAY EVV.  Summer 2012  

 Kiln Building for North Poseyville High School, Poseyville, IN Dec. 2011-Feb. 2012   Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

Columbus, MS. Over $8,000 raised. Sept.-Nov., 2010  

Wood Kiln Building with Jake Allee at the Columbus Brick Yard. Columbus, MS. 2010  Online Exhibition at Big Blu Box Recycling of Golden Triangle Recycling. Design 2   Cardboard projects. March 2010  

 Tennessee Williams Sculpture created for Tennessee Williams Foundation. Columbus, MS   Summer 2010  

 Empty Bowls Coordinator, Teacher, Studio Manager  

 Columbus, MS. Over $6,000.00 raised. Sept-Nov., 2009  

 Memorial Sculpture created for Macon Fire Department. Macon, MS. Summer 2008   Organizer of Student Pottery Sale/Fundraiser for Ceramics Society and  

 Crisis Center Food Bank. The University of Iowa. Fall 2007  

 Tour Host for UI Graduate and Undergraduate tour of Jun Kaneko Studios. Omaha, NE. Fall 2007  

 

R E L A T E D E X P E R I E N C E  

Residency at Red Lodge Clay Center. Two-Month residency, Red Lodge, MT. Fall 2022 Arrowmont Pentaculum invitational. Ten-day collaborative workshop. Winter 2020.  Residency acceptance at A.I.R. Vallauris. Vallauris France. Summer 2018. (unable to attend)   Utilitarian Clay Conference at Arrowmont School for the Arts, Gatlinburg, TN. Summer 2017   Wood Kiln Firing with Simon Levin. Gresham, WI Spring 2015  

Kiln Building with Gerry Eskin. Aspen, CO Summer 2006  

 Kiln Building Assistant with Donovan Palmquist, Master Kiln Builders 

Northfield, MN Summer 2005, Summer 2006  

Potters Apprentice with Clary Illian. Ely, IA Summer 2003, Summer 2004  

Fellowship Residency at the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Arts.  

Planned and built Gas Kiln on premises. Red Wing, MN August 2003  

President of the University of Iowa Ceramics Society. September 2002 – December 2003   Assistant Director at the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies.   Red Wing, MN September 2000 – April 2001  

Studio Potter at the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Red Wing, MN 1998 - 2001  Finishing Potter at the Red Wing Stoneware Company. Red Wing, MN May 1990 – March 1991  

 

M E M B E R S H I P S  

 International Ceramic Artists Network, (ICAN) 2017-present  

 Evansville Museum of Arts, Science, and History 2014-2020 

Arts Council of Southwest Indiana, 2011-present  

Potters Council 2007, 2010 - 2017  

American Association of University Women 2009 - 2011  

Columbus Arts Council 2008 - 2012  

Alabama Clay Council 2009 - 2011  

College Arts Association 2008 - 2012  

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts 2007  

National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 2001 - present  

Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies 2001 – 2008  

 

C O M M I T T E E S  

Arts Council of Southwest Indiana, Gallery Committee 2021-present 

USI Merit Committee Summer 2022-Spring 2023 

USI Faculty Senate Alternate Fall 2021-Present 

 USI Faculty Senate Fall 2018-Fall 2020 

 USI Faculty Affairs Committee 2017-2019 

 USI Art Dept. CAEP/NCATE Accreditation Committee 2017 - present  

USI Art Dept. NASAD Accreditation Committee 2015-2019 

USI Art Dept. Curriculum and Facilities Committees 2017 - present 

USI Faculty Senate (alternate for sabbatical) 2014-2015  

 USI Art Dept. Scholarships and Awards Committee (Chair) 2014-2020  

USI Art Dept. Contract Faculty Evaluation Committee 2014-present  

USI Art Dept. Core 39 Committee 2014-2015  

USI Art Dept. Art Club faculty advisor 2012-2014  

USI Art Dept. Visiting Professionals Committee 2012-present  

Arts Council of Southwest Indiana, Board of Directors 2012 – 2014  

Arts Council of Southwest Indiana, Gallery Committee 2012 – 2017  

Alhambra Theatre Board of directors, 2012 – 2013  

USI Art Club, Assistant Faculty Treasurer 2011 – 2015  

USI Art Club, Faculty Sponsor 2011 – 2015  

Columbus Arts Council Board, Gallery Committee 2009 - 2011  

Mississippi University for Women, Naming Committee. 2009-2010  

Mississippi University for Women, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. 2010-2011  Mississippi University for Women, National Association of Schools of Art and Design,  MUW NASAD accreditation preparation. 2009-2011

 

D O S S I E R  

Transcripts and letters available through:  

Educational Placement Office, The University of Iowa  302 Lindquist Center North 

Iowa City, IA 52242  

Telephone: 319-335-5353 FAX: 319-335-6083