“We (Ceramics) are one of the best kept secrets in metro Detroit in that we have a very good ceramics studio that equals that of the surrounding universities. . . people don’t seem to know about it.” Steven Glaser, HFC ceramic instructor

The Ceramic Department will be having their 3rd Annual Fall Pottery Boutique November 20-22, 2014, 10 am- 8 pm. Steven Glaser is proud of the contribution that the students, community contributors and instructors have made in the past to make the Boutique a success. The Boutique will be displayed in the Sisson Gallery in the Fine Arts Building. Glaser describes the ceramic department at Henry Ford College as a Detroit-Dearborn best kept secret.

The works of current and formers students are exhibited and all of the items are for sale. According to the ceramic instructor, Steven Glaser, the ceramics studio has all of the equipment you would expect to find at major professional venues and teaching institutions. “We have 15 potter’s wheels, a slab roller, 4 electric kilns, 2 gas kilns, and a fair amount of work space.
Last year, the arts pieces were varied and numerous which included tiles, vases, pottery and multiple creative interpretive objects. The art work reflected a variety of backgrounds, ages and training. Some of the artists focus on specific types of ceramics, such as pottery.

The idea for the art show as it is known developed after ceramic students had an art booth in Wyandotte 2011. After this display of their work they were invited to display their work in Howell Michigan. Following these experiences the students asked if they could have a larger event. Glaser agreed to support the idea with the assurance from the students of putting in the work required that goes with setting up such an event. The show also invited outside artist to participate in the show as well. Twelve outside artist/groups displayed their work.

Art Promotions and Opportunities

The ceramics department has launched careers, business and work for the students coming through the program. This is the third year for the ceramic show. In 2013, Glaser said the sales were up 60% from2012 year.

One of the former students, Erin Hoekzema had pottery works at the 2013 show. She opened up her own business followings 2012 year’s show. Another student Victoria in the 2013 show was encouraged to do the same after seven of her eight tile pieces sold at 2013 year show. She was really pleased to have such a positive response at her first showing. She described her ceramic work as textured

Centurium Frost

Centurium Frost, a former student has also worked as a technician for the ceramics department after being a student. During the 2013 season his focus theme was Detroit Mugs. In 2013 Frost featured the logos of different genre on his works . Frost has a BFA in fine arts from Center for Creative Studies and an associate’s degree in fine arts from HFC. He said he went back and forth from CCS and the former, HFC but was able to enhance his skills more fully because HFC was more affordable. According to Frost when it came to the affordability of his training at HFC he said “My father said I was going to continue in school but he was not going to spend all of his (fathers) money on schooling.”

Steve aka Glaser

Steven Glaser, known by Glaser by his students, He has been at HFC for 11 years. When asked to differentiate ceramics from sculpture and other art forms, he said “Ceramics is anything that works with clay. Pottery is usually just the making of ceramic vessels, but (it) is only one portion of ceramics.” He pointed out that with ceramics you can have commercial ceramics such as slip cast for moles; you have ceramic such as tiles; and there is sculptural ceramic where people do sculpture with clay.” During the discussion the many forms and directions were described. He also described what is called industrial ceramics where clay is the coatings for various industrial and engineering needs. Glaser feels all the latter is creative.

In summary,” Ceramic works is interpretative, creative and seems to be unique to the person doing the work.” Steve Glaser The best way to find out what all the talk is about is to attend the Boutique November 20-22, 2014. The Admission is free and there are over three dozen Potters participating.

Photo: Erin Hoekzema, former HFCC student, Steve Glaser, HFC Ceramic Instructor, Nick Nelson, former HFC
instructor, Photo by Mia Estes