The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition

The National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition

NCECA offers an exciting opportunity to see and hear what is going on in the ceramic field. Jim and I always enjoy seeing and being a sponsor of the K-12 Ceramic Exhibition which is an important part of NCECA every year. In its 20th year it has grown from a small show to one of national stature featuring work of students from across the country. In a time when we watch funding for the arts disappear it is reassuring to see that this show is thriving. The 2017 show was one of the best ever. Each successive year confirms that when good teachers and their students come together with the common goal of excellence in ceramic art, great things happen.

A beautiful full-color catalog is printed for the K-12 Exhibition. Each of the exhibiting students' work is presented in the catalog.

This exhibition is one of the most popular at every NCECA. This year students could sign up for critiques of their work by professionals. Anne Bailey is pictured here with Nancy Ernst (left), a director of the K-12 Show, and Joy Jones (right). Joy is an art teacher from Wyoming whose student won an $80,000 scholarship to KCAI!

As always, it is about the convening of hearts and minds that make the show possible. The strong commitment from the ceramic art teachers, the tireless work of the volunteers from the K-12 Exhibition team, the support of the NCECA Board, and the generosity of the sponsors all contribute to making the show a reality. Of course, the inspiration and creativity of the students to actually make the work, apply for the show and eventually send their piece is to be commended. Every exhibitor deserves recognition for getting into the show. The 2017 show was juried by the nationally known potter, Julia Galloway, and there were over 1400 applicants for the limited number of spaces. The broad spectrum and quality of the work is an indication that ceramic art is alive and well in the United States. Here are a few of our selections for cash prizes from Bailey Pottery Equipment.

- Anne Bailey

Student: Lesly C /Grade:12 Title: Trog School: Little Elm H. S. - Little Elm, TX Teacher: Christopher Melia



Student: Lauren B /Grade:9 Title: Bowl Set School: Shorecrest Preparatory School - St. Petersburg, FL Teacher: Aaron Sober


Student: Teresa B / Grade:12 Title: Stacked Hexagons School: Prestonwood Christian - Plano, TX Teacher: Martha Underriner


Student: Cassie W /Grade:12 Title: Emilie School: Pembroke Hill H.S. - Kansas City, MO Teacher: Connie Creek


Student: Kat H /Grade:8 Title: Pueblo School: Francis Parker - San Diego, CA Teacher: Steve Cook


Student: Gloria M /Grade:12 Title: The Big Bad Wolf School: Arroyo Valley H.S. - San Bernardino, CA Teacher: Keith Brockie

Student: Brady L /Grade:11 Title: The Darkness School: Rancho H.S. - Las Vegas, NV Teacher: C.A. Traen

Student: Isaiah J /Grade:11 Title: Muhammad Ali The G.O.A.T School: Pleasure Ridge Park H.S. - Louisville, KY Teacher: Tammy Podbelsek

Student: April J /Grade:12 Title: Amadeus School: Lakeridge H. - Lake Oswego, OR Teacher: Michael Helle



Student: Jessica J /Grade:11 Title: Large Closed Form School: Shorecrest Preparatory School - St. Petersburg, FL Teacher: Aaron Sober


Student: Joshua S /Grade:12 Title: Broke Down Apartment School: St Johns Country Day - Orange Park, FL Teacher: Pamela Ayres

Congratulations to these Bailey Award Winners, all the students whose work was selected for the exhibition, as well as their inspiring teachers. 

If you are interested in learning more about how to get your students work in this exciting show click here



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