Six Hastings College students and their ceramics instructor Jerome Dubas joined 6,000 other students and artists at the 59th annual National Council for the Education of Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference, with the theme “Formation,” in Salt Lake City, Utah, earlier this semester.
Students attending the conference included Anna Bultman of Waverly, Nebraska; Brooke Gaughan of of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lily Krahulik of Lyman, Nebraska; Breanna Brennfoerder of Edgar, Nebraska; Alexis Linnebach of Olathe, Kansas; and Melinda Montaya of Hampton, Nebraska.
“Formation” as a conference theme invited attendees to dig deep into the historical and cultural significance of ceramics worldwide. Conference organizers noted the event explored formation through exhibitions and presentations by diverse creators and culture workers involved in pottery, sculpture, design and installation, and performance. It also offered a glimpse into the future of ceramics, from integrating other materials to new and different tools.
While at the conference, the group attended lectures by prominent ceramicists, witnessed demonstrations, attended many galleries throughout the city that were exhibiting ceramic work and visited ceramic equipment and supply vendors. In addition to exploring the city during open time, the group watched the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform as they broadcast their Sunday service.
“By attending the conference, students realize they’re a part of an international community that uses clay as their primary medium of expression,” Dubas said. “Their experience is enriched by listening to lectures, viewing demonstrations, visiting museums that showcase ceramic art and making connections with other ceramicists.”
The NCECA conference engages and sustains a community for ceramic art, teaching and learning. It is committed to advancing creativity, fostering equity and leading through service.
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Discover more at hastings.edu.
