Artist: Andrew Avakian
Andrew Avakian, MONTANA
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My hand built terra cotta vessels bring the richness of public architectural form into homes and individual, intimate environments. Architecture, design, abstract painting and color theory are some current ideas driving my work. Ornamentation, pattern, textures, and contrasts result from the use of different materials in building. These play a role in the layering form, texture and color in my work. Underglaze colors, terra sigillata, glazes and sandblasting add depth and a sense of passing time, age and experience.
EDUCATION
2011-2013 Post Baccalaureate, Ceramics program, University of Florida
2001-2005 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, cum laude
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2017
Visiting Artist Demonstrations, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
Introductory Ceramics, 10 week class, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT
2016
Open Studio, 5 week class, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT
2015
Beginning Ceramics, 10 week class, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT
Independent Study, 8 week class, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC
Hand building 101, 8 week class, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC
2014
The Architectural Vessel, hands on workshop, Ceramic Designers Association of Virginia, Virginia Beach, VA
The Architectural Vessel, hands on workshop, Claymakers Studio, Durham, NC
The Architectural Vessel, hands on workshop, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC
2013
Sandblasting made easy, hands on workshop, Odyssey Clayworks, Asheville, NC
Beginning Throwing, Screen-printing Class instructor, Reitz Union Craft Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Altered Forms Demo, Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center, Gainesville, FL
2012
Beginning Throwing Class Instructor, Reitz Union Craft Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017
Visiting artist, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID
2016-2017
Resident Artist, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT
2015
Gallery Assistant, The Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT
Responsibilities include: setting up and taking down exhibitions, helping with sales gallery and events
Featured Guest Artist, presenter, Clemson University, Clemson SC, March 6-8
2014
“Form and Surface Forum”, Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg TN, Invitational
2013-2015
Resident Artist, Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts, Asheville NC
2012
Museum Demonstration Coordinator, organization and oversight of ceramics demos, The Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville, FL, October 2011
2010
Resident Artist, Cub Creek Foundation, Appomattox, VA (Summer Session)
2008-2009
Studio Assistant, Claymaker’s Studio, Durham, NC
Responsibilities included: organizing glaze room and warehouse storage, carpentry
2006-2007
Resident Artist, Cub Creek Foundation, Appomattox, VA
2006
Studio Assistant, Cub Creek Foundation Director John Jessiman, Appomattox, VA
Responsibilities included: mixing clay, loading/unloading kilns, oversight of wood firings
2005
Studio Tech, Western Carolina University Ceramics, Cullowhee, NC
Responsibilities included: mixing clay, loading and firing student work
Assistant to the Museum Director, Martin Dewitt, WCU Fine Arts and Performing Center,
Cullowhee, NC
Responsibilities included: assisting in installing work, liaison to visiting artist Joel Myers
SELECTED EXHIBITONS
2016
“30 X 5: Americano Invitational”, AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA
‘’Redefining the Vessel”, Mobilia Gallery, Cambridge, MA, Invitational
“The American Pottery Festival”, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN, Invitational
“Yuomi 2016”, AKAR Gallery, Iowa City, IA, Invitational
“Bloom”, the Clay Studio of Missoula, Missoula, MT, Invitational
“Small Works from a Big State: Montana Clay in Kansas City”, Community Christian Church Steeple of Light Gallery, Kansas City, MO, Invitational
“Cub Creek Foundation” Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL, Invitational
“February Featured Artist”, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, IL
“John Jessiman: A Life in Clay”, Atrium Gallery, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Invitational
“January Featured Artist”, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2015
“Gallery Artists”, Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland, ME
“Montana Clay Exhibition,” Paris Gibson Square Museum, Great Falls, MT, Invitational
ACC Show Atlanta, Emerging Artist, Cobb Galleria, Atlanta, GA
“7 in 7 out”, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL, Invitational
2014
“Gallery Artists: A Group Exhibition,” Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland, ME
“Odyssey Clayworks, A Collective Perspective,” Asheville Arts Council gallery, Asheville NC, Invitational
“Cup: The Intimate Object 10”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL, Invitational
“Any Way you Wanna Shake it: An Artful Investigation of the Salt & Pepper Shaker”, The ARTS Center of
Clemson, Clemson, SC, Invitational
“Southern Hospitality”, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore MD, Invitational
2013
“Cup Show Invitational,” Susan Maasch Fine Art, Portland MA, Invitational
“Strictly Functional Pottery National”, Market House Craft Center, Lancaster PA, juror Jim Connell
“Cup: The Intimate Object 9”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL, Invitational
“Variations in Clay,” Icehouse Gallery, Macintosh FL, Invitational
“Beyond the Brickyard,” Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT, Juror Andrea Gill
“Currents,” Focus Gallery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Juror Kathy King
2012
“Cup: The Intimate Object 8”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL, Invitational
“Source Material: An exhibition on Water and the Ceramic Cup,” Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, NC, Invitational
“Cub Creek Tenth Anniversary Exhibition”, Leeds Gallery, Earlham College, Richmond IN, Invitational
2011
“Trading Places,” W.A.R.P. Haus Gallery, Gainesville, FL, Invitational
2010
“Cub Creek Coe College Exhibition,” Sinclair Galleries, Cedar Rapids, IA, Invitational
2009
“Birth of a Notion,” Quirk Gallery, Richmond, VA, Invitational