Artist: Amanda Pennington
Amanda Pennington, INDIANA
Artist Statement:
I create functional pottery that balances simple forms with geometric designs. Color, line, and pattern drive my surface designs through the use of resists and colored glazes. I pull inspiration from 1960s and 1970s clothing and interior decor.
Artist Bio:
Amanda Pennington received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Ceramics from Western Kentucky University (WKU) in May of 2016. Prior to graduation, Amanda worked as the summer clay intern at the Appalachian Center for Craft and as a ceramic technician at WKU. Following graduation, she continued her involvement in the craft school community by working as an Educational Assistant at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, as well as assisting at Penland School of Crafts. Amanda is the co-owner of Yellow Door Ceramics Studio, a community clay studio offering classes, memberships, and private events in Indianapolis, IN.
Yellow Door Ceramics Studio, Indianapolis, IN August 2021-Present
Co-Owner
• Created a community pottery studio with co-owner Felissa King in
Midtown Indianapolis, opened November 2021 • Facilitate operations for 20 monthly studio members, 60 six-week course students, private events, private lessons, and weekly one-night classes • Oversee marketing, business financials, customer service, local and online sales, hire teachers, plan events, manage clay and supply orders, studio upkeep, mix glazes and fire electric kilns • Teach two or more weekly beginner to intermediate level wheel-throwing courses
Eagle Finance Company, Indianapolis, IN 2017-2021
Loan Officer
EXPERIENCE
Yellow Door Ceramics Studio, Indianapolis, IN August 2021-Present
Co-Owner
• Created a community pottery studio with co-owner Felissa King in
Midtown Indianapolis, opened November 2021 • Facilitate operations for 20 monthly studio members, 60 six-week course students, private events, private lessons, and weekly one-night classes • Oversee marketing, business financials, customer service, local and online sales, hire teachers, plan events, manage clay and supply orders, studio upkeep, mix glazes and fire electric kilns • Teach two or more weekly beginner to intermediate level wheel-throwing courses
Eagle Finance Company, Indianapolis, IN 2017-2021
Loan Officer
• Handle incoming calls and communicate effectively with clients of diverse backgrounds • Balance multiple tasks to ensure prompt, thoughtful, and high-level customer service resulting in the store’s Google Review rating of 4.9/5 stars • File loan paperwork in a timely, organized manner • Foster relationships with clients through handwritten letters following major life events
Penland School of Arts and Crafts, Bakersville, NC 2017-2018
Studio Assistant
• Assistant to the Workshop Instructor during the eight-week fall concentration and two-week summer workshop • Act as the liaison between the Ceramic Studio Coordinator and the Workshop Instructor • Organize and schedule efficiently: Handle student paperwork, track material costs, resolve complaints, enforce studio clean-up, fire electric and soda kilns
EDUCATION
BFA, Ceramics, Western Kentucky University (WKU), Bowling Green, KY 2016
Study Abroad Harlaxton College, Grantham, England, Spring 2013 through WKU 2013
AWARDS
Potter College Student Awards Ceremony 2015 • Nominated as the - - Outstanding Student in Visual Arts, WKU Art Department
Jack E. Lunt Art Department Merit Scholarship 2014
WKU World Topper Study Abroad Scholarship 2013
WKU Regents Full Tuition Scholarship 2011-2015