Artist: Michelle Summers
Michelle Summers, MONTANA
Each piece
A story
Journeys of navigation
Elements of a world I wish to see more of
Expression and a lense to share
Hopes of sparking connection
Depth of intention and care
to skillfully craft creations for a long shelf life of intriguing interaction
The soul coming through the hand
I make with a spirit of revolution and fervor
Because objects teach us
The world has no more room for discardable novel nothings.
I work to one day be a Master Object Teacher
To create object relationships that endure us
to Cherish
That Nourishe
To invoke great joy
gratitude
feeling
Objects hold power
I ask of you all
Create with the intention to elevate the experience of living
To inspire
Materialize thoughtfully
and honor these gifted materials
EDUCATION
2014
MFA, Ceramics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
2005
BFA, Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, NY
2001
Coursework, Portland Community College, Portland, OR
ARTIST RESIDENCIES
2018
Long-Term Resident, Holter Museum, Helena, MT
2015-17
Long-Term Resident, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
2014-15
Anonymous Potter, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2016
Digital Debut, Belger Crane Yard Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri
2007
Curious Cabinet, Feed Gallery, Bloomington, IN
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2017
Archie Bray at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, Washington
Second Year Archie Bray Fellowship Show, Holter Museum, Helena, Montana
NCECA Bray Resident Show, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon
2016
Archie Bray at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, Washington
Archie Bray Fellowship Show, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana
Archie Bray Residency Show, Belger Gallery, Kansas City, Missouri
2015
Archie Bray at the Kolva-Sullivan Gallery, Spokane, Washington
Resident Artists Exhibition, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2014
Winter Ware, Circa Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Plate, Mudfire Gallery, Decatur, Georgia
Cup: The Intimate Object X, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, Florida
Brown Study, UMN MfA Group Thesis Show, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Immersive Stages, NCECA, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2013
Drink This, The Workhouse International Ceramic Cup Show, Lorton, Virginia
Laundry Fresh, Quarter Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2012
Winter Ware, Circa Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minty Fresh, Quarter Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Friends with Benefits, Quarter Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2011
Cups of Fire, National Competition, Clay Gallery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
One and Only, John Michael Kohler, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Fresh Works, Quarter Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2007
Impressions, Angie Newman Johnson Gallery, Alexandria, Virginia
PUBLICATIONS
2016
Ceramics: Contemporary Artists Working In Clay, By Kate Singleton
2013
Michelle Summers Interview, DPI Magazine, March 2013, Vol 167
Exposure, Ceramics Monthly, February 2013, Vol 61, Number 2
2011
MFA Factor: University of Minnesota, Ceramics Monthly, October 2011
AWARDS/GRANTS
2013
Graduate Travel/Research Funding, University of Minnesota
2011
Best of Show: Drink This, The Workhouse, Lorton, Virginia
RELATED EXPERIENCE
2016-19
Ceramics Instructor, Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, MT
2015
Ceramics Instructor, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2015
Instructor of Ceramics & Art Appreciation, Concordia University, St.Paul, MN
2011-14
Teaching Assistant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
2013
Instructor of Intermediate Ceramics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
2008-11
Community Ed. Ceramic Instructor, Portland Community College, Portland,OR
2007-11
Ceramic Lab Tech, Portland Community College, Portland, Oregon
2005-06
Ceramic Instructor and Head of Dpt., Buck’s Rock Camp, New Milford, CT