Role Models

January 9-February 20, 2016

Opening Receptions at Florida CraftArt and the Morean Arts Center:
Saturday, January 9th  5:00-9:00pm

Sponsored by Beth Morean and Kathryn Boeckman Howd

Role Models is an exhibition that brings all that Florida ceramics has to offer to the forefront. Artists like Linda
Arbuckle, Christine Federighi, McKenzie Smith, and Bonnie Seeman have spent a significant
amount of their time making work in the state and mentoring others. Bede Clarke and Matt Long
have both moved on to other states to teach and make work–Bede in Missouri and Matt in
Mississippi. Both artists come back annually to fire kilns that are special to them. Bonnie
Seeman, who lives in Miami, was a student of Christine Federighi’s who developed a close
personal friendship with her mentor.

Seventeen artists currently working in Florida have been selected to participate in this exhibition.
Each  artist was asked to choose one person who mentored them and choose one person
whom they have mentored. Out-of-state connections play an important role as well. Many of the Florida artists have choosen craftspeople from elsewhere in the country: people they studied under in school, look to for
professional advice, or artists that they have mentored who have moved on to successful careers.
The exhibition will be a survey, with each artist showing one piece.

Role Models will be a touring exhibition. The Morean Arts Center and Florida CraftArt will showcase the work in St. Petersburg, FL in January and February 2016. It will then be installed in the Red Star Studios in Kansas City, MO during the time of NCECA and travel to Florida locations throughout the year.