Last night I went to the opening reception for the Feats of Clay student art exhibit at the Ann Felton Multicultural Center at Onondaga Community College, Syracuse, New York.  It is located in Ferrante Hall beneath Storer Auditorium.

I was invited by my friend Bobbi Rock Petrocci who teaches art at Christian Brothers Academy.   I guess I expected to see a lot of student grade work, but noooooooooo!  This ceramic artwork is exquisite!  The quality is really breathtaking, as you can see from all the pictures I took.  But you should really have a look for yourself.  Because there are nuances in the glazes that the camera cannot capture.  And of course, everything is dimensional.

The work comes from many area high schools, and it is not like one school dominates over the rest.  So amazing!  So much to see – hand built works, pottery wheel creations, slab sensations, etc.

I did six weeks of student teaching  with Robert von Hunke at Fayetteville-Manlius High School over twenty years ago.  He, along with fellow retire-ry Peter Valenti (formerly of East Syracuse-Minoa High School) created Feats of Clay twenty-nine years ago.  Much like an Olympics for ceramic students, they participate/compete in several events creating clay items, throwing clay – each school working as a team.   This year’s competition will take place Friday, May 6, 2016 from 9:45 am – 1:00 pm  at OCC.

It has grown exponentially to include this art exhibition, which is currently on display until the same day.  Individual area ceramists as well as the IPA (Independent Potter’s Association) awarded students prizes for their work.

These awards included the best in teapots, hand building, wheel thrown and wall pieces.  Clayscapes pottery offered an award too.  See the complete list of winners on their website – here.

The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or by appointment by calling (315) 498-7220.