Palisade is home to a diverse range of talents, ranging from athletics to academics. However, the arts are also a huge part of Bulldog pride and accomplishments. Seniors Rowan Ferguson and Brittany Villa Valenzuela certainly emanate this sense of pride, especially since qualifying in this year’s conference for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA).
NCECA is a well known national art competition, focusing on the historical and cultural significance of ceramic mediums. This year’s show is held from March 26-29th in Salt Lake City, Utah. Entitled Formation, the theme of the 59th annual conference sparks organic manipulation of natural materials transforming into functional objects. NCECA ultimately allows students to exhibit and present their pieces professionally to creators involved in pottery, sculpture, design, and installations.
Ferguson has been mastering the art of ceramics for several years now, with the help from Palisade’s fantastic art teacher and ceramic artist, Lori Raper. He experiments with unique forms and takes inspiration from international cultures. His submissions included a raku fire moon jar and a casserole dish. “I think winning an opportunity to have this exhibition is cool as a senior because it wraps up the skills that I gained through the program here at Palisade since freshman year,” says Ferguson. This is his first time submitting to NCECA and describes it as “pretty cool to be immersed in it.”
“Seeing something turn from clay to something functional, and being able to combine multiple pieces together is so cool,” admits Valenzuela. Considering her heart and passion for ceramics, Valenzuela’s qualification for a pitcher, was certainly deserved and equally, embodies this mission statement of NCECA. “I feel very honored. I don’t really think I’m that great at ceramics, especially compared to Rowan,” concludes Valenzuela.
Both artists have an insane amount of talent and grit that drives them to create masterpieces, from scratch, or clay. Congratulations to Ferguson and Valenzuela for qualifying into this year’s NCECA conference.
