ESU professor’s work accepted into International Academy of Ceramics

Elaine Henry, associate professor of art and chair of ESU's Department of Art, shows off one of her porcelain sculptures that earned her acceptance into the International Academy of Ceramics.

A body of work that draws its inspiration from a trip to China has won acclaim for a member of Emporia State University’s art faculty. Elaine Henry, associate professor of art and chair of ESU’s art department, received notification that her porcelain sculptures have earned her acceptance into the International Academy of Ceramics.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Academy of Ceramics is the main organization representing the interests of ceramists worldwide. Its membership consists primarily of individual makers, supported by writers and critics, museum and gallery curators and private collectors.

As a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, Henry will attend and exhibit her work during the organization’s general assembly in Xi’an, China in September, 2008.

Henry created a series of nearly life-size sculptures from photographs she took during a sabbatical to China in fall 2005. “I wanted to capture the expression of strength in the faces of the Chinese women I watched during a tai chi class,” she explained. Each sculpture features a garment of ceramic tiles woven with nylon cord draped over the shoulders.

Henry’s work will be among the art on display during the annual ESU Faculty and Emeritus Faculty Exhibition, Nov. 5 through Dec. 4 in the Norman R. Eppink Gallery in King Hall on the ESU campus. An opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5.

Last Updated February 1, 2008>