Gary Beaumont, Ceramic Artist

Jan. 8 - 

Gary Beaumont:

Artist Statement: For me ceramic art is magical...taking earth materials, combining them in unique ways, and creating something artistic. 

 

Ceramic speaks directly to what it means to be human. I often think about early people sitting around a fire, discovering how heat made clay turn hard, and then shaping this clay into useful containers. Most importantly, they made their pots interesting to look at by adding color and texture and imagery. 

 

My goal is similar...To carefully create pieces, so that when people see them they say, "Wow. I.'ve never seen anything like this." In this way, my art offers people in this "fast food" culture a reason to stop and notice how something looks and feels...Something that conveys a sense of the spirit of humanity.

 

Education:

Bachelor's of Science, Communications (R-TV), University of Illinois, 1971 

Master's of Arts, Speech Communications, University of Illinois, 1974

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Experience:

I have had a life-long interest in art, starting my college career in architecture. However, my time in college spanned 1966 through 1972 which was a tumultuous time. Somehow, I decided that architecture was no longer important, and in 1969, decided to switch my major to communications. 

 

Still, I took advantage of local educational opportunities to study ceramics over the years. In the mid-1970, I took all of the ceramic courses available to me at the University of Illinois and learned to throw from Don Pilcher. Then after a family and a 35-year career at the university, I retired and started a second career as a ceramic artist. First, I entered with  Michael Schwegmann in his studio in Champaign, Illinois. Then, I successfully completed studio ceramics coursework from Tammie Rubin at the University of Illinois. 

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Schedule-2020--Featured Artists

(Opening receptions from 6-8,unless otherwise notes)

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Jan. 8 - Feb. 22 - Gary Beaumont

Feb. 26 - Mar. 28 - TBD

May 13 - June 20, Kelley Tomlinson

June 24 - Aug. 8 -  Bryce Culverhouse

Aug. 12 - Sept. 25 - John Puffer

Oct. 14 - Nov. 20 - Debbie Matthew

Nov. 23 - Jan. 2, 2021 - Member Artists/Guests

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Please check back for detailed updates. 

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