For ten years, Professor Robert L. Wood at Buffalo State College has run a ceramics programs dubbed the “Western New York Clay Olympics”. This fun event takes place at the college’s Upton Hall 128, tomorrow, May 16, and is open for the public to come and watch.
Wood says, “In order to keep it to a scale in a manageable size, we decided to invite alumni who are teachers.” Those alumni are Matt Sagurney of Kenmore East, Ann Perry-Smith of Lancaster, Brett Coppins of Lewiston-Porter, and Scott Losi of Pioneer. These four teachers and high schools have participated in this event during its ten-year run, typically involving around 35 students.
“They’re just sort of fun events that build camaraderie among the students participating. It’s a way for these kids to share their love and enthusiasm for the medium,” says Wood.
The students compete in teams, using clay and clay forming methods. The overall team point winner receives a trophy created by last year’s winner. The contests are timed and include things like forming the most mugs in a certain amount of time, using no hands to put clay on a spinning wheel, the best kiln god, and the tallest and widest vessel form.
The day kicks off with a demonstration by Bethany Krull, an alumna and nationally recognized ceramic artist. Krull will demonstrate her working techniques from 9:15 to 10:15AM. Every year the guest artist gets to be the judge of the competition, so this year Krull will get to decide the winner.
The competition runs from 10:30-12:15, then a break for lunch and tallying, and after, awards are presented at 1:15 in the Upton Gallery. The Upton Gallery will then have an exhibition of student artwork from the participating schools from May 16-23. “I think that the exhibition shows that there is some really strong work being done at the high school level,” says Wood.
Friday, May 16
9:15AM
Buffalo State College
Upton Hall 128
Photo: An image from inside the Upton Gallery featuring ceramic artwork.