Artist: Paul Donnelly
Paul Donnelly, MISSOURI
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Paul Donnelly, Professor of Ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute, is a studio potter who uses slip cast and wheel thrown components to create decorative pottery that often serves a specific purpose. His practice explores notions of architecture and how work functions as a system within our personal space and everyday lives. He often uses digital technologies to prototype, design and decorate pieces while also striving to reveal evidence of the handmade within his work.
He received his BFA from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and his MFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in New York.
His work has been featured in numerous publications such as Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated and Ceramics Art & Perception. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally and participated in residency programs at The LH Project in Joseph, OR, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine.
I am interested in functional pottery because of its long history and close proximity to humankind. Through use and display, pots will impart meaning that will change during the user’s relationship with the work. The objects we interact with on a daily basis can conjure experiences in our lives, often becoming an article of sentiment. The pieces that I produce are inspired by both architectural and natural settings. I intend to exploit the beauty of ceramic materials as a means to draw comparisons to these ideas without replicating them directly or realistically. Most of the works that I make are created as systems to coordinate how the object operates by itself or within a larger arrangement of components. Investigation into design and function is a really important aspect of my practice. The works that I create are intended for a specific function or made for a particular purpose. I am interested in using a variety of forming techniques such as wheel throwing, hand-building, slip-casting in conjunction with 3d modeling to create work. Often times I utilize these techniques within the same piece as a means to blur the concepts and associations to individuality and mass
production. I like finding a balance within my work where the evidence of the "hand"; is at times present and other times fleeting yet all of the pieces speak of one of the potter’s greatest strengths...individuality.
EDUCATION
2008 Masters of Fine Arts, New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
1997 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Concentration in Ceramics, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 Utility, Plinth Galley, Denver, CO
2016 Featured Artist, Red lodge, Red Lodge, MT
2015 A Sense of Place, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
PD + RH, Mudfire Galley, Decatur, GA
2013 Confluence, Red Star, Kansas City, MO
2011 Systems of Utility, University of St. Mary’s, Leavenworth, KS
2010 Lay of the land, Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art, Kansas City, MO
Inferred Landscape, Flotsam + Jetsam Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2005 New Work: Resident Artist Solo Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2004 Featured Gallery Artist, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
2003 New Works, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2002 Featured Shop Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
1997 Solo Exhibition, Bates Gallery, Edinboro, PA
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2020 Future Memories, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Clay & Life, Eutectic Gallery, Portland, OR
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR Design, Iowa City, IA
2019 Lip, Body, Foot, ROY G BIV Gallery, Columbus, OH
Cup The Intimate Object XV, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
16 th annual Ceramics Invitational, Abel Contemporary, Belleville, WI
Yunomi Invitational, AKAR Design, Iowa City, IA
Cup Show, Abel Contemporary, Belleville, WI
Objects of Desire, Red Lodge Art Center, Red Lodge, MT
Raucous Party, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA
Gifted Offerings, Eutectic Gallery, Portland, OR
2018 44 th Annual Pottery Show & Sale, The Art School at Old Church, Demarest, NJ
Kiln to Kitchen, Eutectic Gallery, Portland, OR
Water, Abel Contemporary, Belleville, WI
La Mesa, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
Cup The Intimate Object XIIII, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, FL
2017 Ready to Ware, Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City, MO
14 th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Abel Contemporary, Belleville, WI
La Mesa, NCECA, Portland, OR
Simple Cup Show, Seward Park Clay Studio, Seattle, WA
Teapots VIII, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
Cups 2017, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
Splendid Table, Sage Community Arts, Sheridan, WY
Belger Holiday LookBook, Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City, MO
The Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics, Zanesville Museum of Art
Zanesville, Oh
Cup The Intimate Object XIII, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Gainesville, Fl
2016 Belger Holiday Book, Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City, MO
Hand Crafted, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Cerbera Gallery, Kansas City, Mo
13 th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Artisan Gallery, Belleville, WI
Contemporary Clay, Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum, Cullowhee, NC
Summer Workshop Series Exhibition, Belger Crane Yard Studios, Kansas City, MO
KCUP Spring Invitational, NCECA Expo Center, Bartle Hall, Kansas City, MO
Nevica Project, Cerbera Gallery, Kansas City MO
Support Structures, Marxhausen Gallery of Art, Seward, NE
Red Hot Shop, Sherry Leedy Contemporary, Kansas City, MO
La Mesa, NCECA, Kansas City, Mo
100 Cups, The Clay Studio, NCECA Kansas City, MO
100 Cups, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
James Renwick Alliance Benefit, James Renwick Alliance, Bethesda, MD
Every Semester: Collecting KCAI Ceramics, Belger Art Center, Kansas City, MO
2015 Invitational Exhibition, Carbondale Clay Center, Carbondale, CO
One and Only, Artspace, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan, WI
The clay studio 40 years, the clay studio, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Cups: Hundreds of Cups, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
The Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics, Zanesville Museum of Art, Zanesville, Oh
KCUP: Urban Crafted, Lil Street Art Center, Chicago, Ill
Artistic Intersections, Z gallery, Providence, Rhode Island
Dallas Pottery Invitational, The Gallery at AVC, Addison, TX
Green Spaces, Clay Art Center, Port Chester, NY
Cup The Intimate Object XI, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Decatur, GA
La Mesa, NCECA, Providence, Ri
NCECA EXPO 2015, Clay Studio, Providence RI
12 th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Artisan Gallery, Belleville, WI
The Crafted Table, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Pattern and Texture, Carbondale Clay Center, Carbondale, CO
Plate, Mudfire Galley, Decatur, GA
Let There Be Light, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, Ill
Dot Dot Dot, The Armory Center, Providence RI
2014 The Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics, Zanesville Museum of Art, Zanesville, Oh
Earthly Treasures, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
Kansas City Urban Potters, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Winterfest, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
Let There Be Light, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, Ill.
Paper / Plate, Lawrence Art Center, Lawrence, KS
11 th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Artisan Gallery, Belleville, WI
Dad’s Hat, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia PA.
Cup The Intimate Object X, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Decatur, GA
Taming Nature, Pritzlaff Center, NCECA, Milwaukee, WI
Taming Nature, Red Star Studios, Kansas City, Mo
Art in the urban Garden, Lillstreet Art Center, Chicago, Ill.
Midwest Educators & Students, Lillstreet Art Center, NCECA, Milwaukee, WI
The Clay Studio: 40 Years, Wisconsin Center, NCECA, Milwaukee, WI
Featured Online Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Warm and Fuzzy, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Material Attraction : Diverse Reaction, Jacoby Arts Center, Alton, IL
Dallas Pottery Invitational, The Gallery at AVC, Addison, TX
Clay Prints, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne IN
La Mesa, Nceca, Milwaukee WI
Guerilla Mug Assault, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
For the House and Garden, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
2013 Coffee, Tea or 2, Terra Incognito, Oak Park, ILL
Earthly Treasures, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
10 th Annual Ceramics Invitational, Artisan Gallery, Belleville, WI
Clay Prints, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne, IN
Craft (M) Art, Schulman Project, Baltimore, MD
New, Four: Kansas City Art Institute Faculty Biennial, H&R Block Space.
2012 Earthly Treasures, Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, MI
Guerilla Mug Assault, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
DeLuce Clay National, Northwest State University, Maryville, MO
Second Biennial CUP Invitational Exhibit, Lawrence Art Center, Lawrence, KS
Innovation Creation : Ceramics Invitational, University of Central Missouri, MO
Our Cups Runneth Over, Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, MA
Line, Schaller Gallery, St. Joseph, MI
La Mesa, Nceca, Seattle, WA.
2012 Yunomi Invitational, AKAR Design, Iowa City, IA
Watershed Kilngod Exhibition, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, Md
Cups and Coffee, Nceca, Seattle, WA
Eye Candy, Alfred Ceramics Museum, Alfred University, Alfred NY
2011 In My House, Duncan McClellan Gallery, St. Petersburg, Fl
Gifted, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.
Focus: Cups & Coffee, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Interpreting The Cup, Crimson Laurel Gallery, Bakersville, NC
Kansas City Clay, Red Star Studios, NCECA Expo Gallery, Tampa, FL
La Mesa, Nceca, Tampa, FL.
For the Table, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
The Dinning Room Project: The Table, Paragraph Gallery, Kansas City, MO
The Dinning Room Project: Art, Food and The Ritual of Eating, Epsten Galley at the Kansas City Jewish Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, KS
2010 Gifted, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
La Mesa, Nceca, Philadelphia, PA.
Pioneers, The Ceramic Shop, Philadelphia, PA
New Wave, Mark A Chapman Gallery, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Of this Century, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Clay@Penn 2010: Declarations, Fox Gallery, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA
2009 Cups, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
New Kids On the Block, Red Star Studio, Kansas City, MO
La Mesa, Nceca, Phoenix, Arizona.
2008 Gifted, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.
The Bountiful Table: Works for the Table, Red Star Studio, Kansas City, MO
Alfred International, Alfred 2008 MFA in Beijing, CAFA, Beijing, China.
MFA Thesis exhibition, Fosdick Nelson Gallery, NYSCC, Alfred, NY.
Sip, Slurp, Gulp, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM.
In Progress, NCECA, Pittsburgh, PA.
2006 Le Mesa. NCECA, Portland, OR.
Inspired Utility: Exceptional Ceramic Vessels, MLAC, Haverford, PA
The Elegant Table. Peters Valley Craft Center, Layton, NJ
Past & Present: Resident Artist of The Clay Studio, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
The Academy of Notre Dame Annual Art Exhibition, Villanova, PA
2005 Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Philadelphia, PA
Cups, Cups, Cups, Santa Fe Clay, Santa Fe, NM
One & Only: gifts made by hand, Artspace, John Micheal Kohler Arts Center,
Sheboygan, WI
NCECA Clay National, NCECA, Baltimore, MD
Exchanging Views, Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis, MN
The Clay Studio 30 th Anniversary Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
The Clay Studio: Thirty Years, NCECA, Baltimore, MD
American Craft Council Craft Show, Baltimore, MD
Teapots, Cosmopolitan Club, Philadelphia, PA
2004 Common Ground, Leedy Voulkos Art Center, Kansas City, MO
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, Philadelphia, PA
Clay at Penn, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Collaborations II, Wexler Galley, Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Clay Studio Resident Artist, Clemson University,
Our Cups Runneth Over: Functional & Sculptural Cup Exhibition, The Society of
Arts & Crafts, Boston, Mass
This Splendid Table: Fantastic Dishes for Food, Kentucky Museum of Arts &
Design, Louisville, KY
American Craft Council Craft Show, Baltimore, MD
From The Garden: Forms, Images, and Ideas, Northern Clay Center,
Minneapolis, MN
San Angelo National, San Angelo Museum of Fine Art, San Angelo, TX.
Resident Artist: The Clay Studio, Appalachia Center for the Crafts, Smithville, TN
100 Tea Pots II, Baltimore Clay Works, Baltimore, MD
2003 Cup: The Intimate Object II, Charlie Cummings Clay Studio, Fort Wayne, IN
Craft Forms 2003, Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA
Sixth Annual Invitational, Fifth Element Gallery, Portland, OR
Made In Clay, Greenwich House Pottery, New York, NY
American Craft Council Craft Show, Baltimore, MD
Collaborations in Clay, Wexler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
SOFA, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
George E. Ohr National Arts Challenge, Ohr - O’keefe Museums, Biloxi, MS
Tea for Two / Table for Two, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Winterfest, Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore, MD
Mastery in Clay, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Faculty & Staff Exhibition, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
New Wave, L.B.I. Foundation for the Arts and Sciences, Loveladies, NJ
2002 Our Cups Runneth Over, The Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, MA.
Resident Artist of The Clay Studio, Gallery of American Craft, Millville, NJ
GCC Foundation Art Exhibit, Gloucester County College, Sewell, NJ
5 to Ciclco de Conferencais y Seminario Sobre La Ceramica, University of Puerto
Rico, Puerto Rico.
2001 La Grand Buffet, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.
Resident Artists, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA.
Then and Now, University City Arts League, Philadelphia, PA
Two Views of the Cup, Vermont Clay Studio, VT.
2000 Ceramics USA 2000, University of North Texas, Denton, TX.
The Associate Artist, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
A Night In Havana, The painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
Conestoga Ceramics, A Continuing Tradition, Chester Springs Studio, Chester Springs, PA.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2018 Artist in Residence, Kansas City Urban Potters, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
Kansas City Urban Potters Workshop, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts,
Newcastle, ME
2017 – Present Advisory Board Member, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
2017 Artist in Residence, LH Project, Joseph, OR
2016 Visiting Artist & Summer Faculty, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY
2015 Visiting Artist & Lecturer, Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY
Visiting Artist & Lecturer, Oregon Collage of Arts and Crafts, Portland, OR
2014 Founding Member, Kansas City Urban Potters, Kansas City, MO
Visiting Artist & Lecturer, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Visiting Artist & Summer Faculty, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY
Visiting Lecturer, Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY
Visiting Lecturer, Confluence, Red Star, Kansas City, MO
Artist in Residence, AIA coordinator, Artistic Intersessions, Watershed Center for
the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
Lecturer, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
Exhibition Organizer, Taming Nature, NCECA, Milwaukee, WI
2013 -2016 Onsite Conference Liaison, NCECA, Kansas City, MO
2013 Visiting Lecturer, University of Arkansas, Red Star, Kansas City, Mo
Digital Analog, Panel Moderator & presenter, NCECA, Houston, TX
2012 Artist in Residence, The Pottery Workshop, Jingdezhen, China Visiting Lecturer, The Pottery Workshop, Jingdezhen, China
Visiting Lecturer, University of St. Mary’s, Leavenworth, KS
2011 Visiting Lecturer, Epsten Galley at the Kansas City Jewish Museum of
Contemporary Art, Overland Park, KS
2010 Visiting Lecturer, Kansas State University, Manhattan KS
2009 Artist in Residence, Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, ME
Visiting Artist and Lecturer, Druery University, Springfield, Mo
2001 – 2006 Artist in Residence, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
2000 – 2006 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Studio Technician – Serve as primary support staff for the graduate school of
fine arts ceramics program.
1999 – 2000 The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Studio Technician – Managed high volume firing schedules, repaired electric
and gas kilns, mixed glazes, recycled clay, maintained school appearance, and
assisted students with projects.
Visiting Artist Aid – Hosting international artist during their stay at The Clay
Studio. Assisted artist with materials, kiln firings, artwork, housing, and their
introduction to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2018 – Present Professor, Ceramics, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2015 – 2018 Associate Professor, Ceramics, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2010 – 2015 Assistant Professor, Ceramics, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2008 – 2010 Special Instructor, Ceramics, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2006 - 2008 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Division of Ceramic Art, School of Art and Design,
NYSCC, Alfred University
Fall 2006 - ART 305 Ceramic pottery I, Sanam Emami
Spring 2007 - ART 306 Ceramic Pottery II, Linda Sikora
Fall 2008 - ART 304 Ceramic Color & Surface, Andrea Gill
2005 L.B.I. Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, Loveladies, NJ
Visiting Artist, weeklong ceramic workshop intended to help students define and
develop their aesthetic abilities.
2002 – 2006 Gloucester County College, Sewell, NJ.
Adjunct Professor – Teach beginning pottery techniques using the wheel and
hand-building methods.
2002 Perkins Center for the Arts, Moorestown, NJ.
Ceramics Instructor – Taught adults advanced pottery techniques using the
wheel and hand-building methods.
2001 – 2006 University City Arts League, Philadelphia, PA
Ceramics Instructor – Teach adults advanced pottery techniques using the wheel
and hand-building methods.
2001 L.B.I. Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, Loveladies, NJ Visiting Artist and Lecturer, “Making Your Mark” – weeklong ceramic workshop
intended to help students define and develop their aesthetic abilities both visually
and physically.
2001 – 2006 The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA. Ceramics Instructor – Teach advanced pottery techniques using hand-building
and wheel thrown techniques.
2001 Community Arts Center, Wallingford, PA Ceramics Instructor – Taught adults advanced pottery, helping students to
expand their vocabulary of techniques.
COLLECTIONS
Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art at Alfred, Gloryhole Collection
The Dinnerware Museum, Ann Arbor, MI
Belger Arts Center, Kansas City, MO
Rosenfield Collection, Dallas TX
American Art & Clay Company, Indianapolis, IN
LH Project, Joseph, OR
Ron Gallas Cup Library, Northfield, MN
PUBLICATIONS
2017 Contemporary Clay, A Survey of Contemporary American Ceramics, WCU Fine Arts
Museum
2017, 100 Artists 1000 cups, The Clay Studio, Naomi Cleary
Jan/Feb 2016, “Blending Histories”, Pottery Making Illustrated, Paul Donnelly, Rain Harris
Issue 100, 2015, “Taming Nature”, Review, Ceramics Art and Perception, Anthony Marino
Designing for Function, Ceramics Arts Daily Video Library, 2 disc DVD
March, 2014, “A Foundation in Contrast”, Ceramics Monthly, Glenn R Brown
NCECA Journal, Volume 34, “Digital Analog”, Panel Introduction, p94.
2011, Best of 500: Contemporary Practice Singular Works, Lark Books.
February 2011, “Lay of the Land: George Timock, Cary Esser, and Paul Donnelly” (review),
Ceramics Monthly, Glen R Brown.
November 2010, “Get a Handle on Handles”, Pottery Making Illustrated, Anne Chrietzburg.
November 2010, “The Necessity of Invention”, Pottery Making Illustrated, Anne Chrietzburg.
October 2010, “Architectural Aspects of Clay at Sherry Leedy”, KCUR.org, Laura Spenser.
October 24, 2010, “Art institute’s Feats of Clay” The Kansas City Star, Elizabeth Kirsch.
September 28, 2010, “Beautilitarian: Paul Donnelly”, Review.org, Steve Brisendine
October 4, 2010, “A Potter Extends the Practicality of a Cup & Saucer Set”, Ceramic Arts Dailey.
2010, “Of This Century” Exhibition Catalog, Jeff Guido.
Winter 2008, “Ceramic Art At Alfred” PPP Sourcebook.
January 2008, “The MFA Factor Volume Four” Ceramics Monthly.
2006, 500 Pitchers, Lark Books.
April, 2006, Portfolio, American Craft Magazine.
March 2005, “Clay Studio Celebrates 30 Years”, Art Matters.
2004, Making Marks, Robin Hopper, Krause Publications.
January 2004, “The Clay Studio’s Resident Artist Program”, Ceramics Monthly.
May 2004, “Emerging Artist 2004”, Ceramics Monthly.
April 2003, “Pot of Bold”, Philadelphia City Paper.
Jan - Feb 2003, “Our Cups Runneth Over”, Clay Times.
Grants & AWARDS
2016, Rocket Grant, Charlotte Street Foundation, Kansas City, Mo
2015, First Place, The Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics, Zanesville Museum of Art
Zanesville, Oh
2011, Faculty Development Grant, Kansas City Art Institute, Kansas City, MO
2005, Amaco-Brent Purchase Award, NCECA Clay National