Patterns: Wendy Olson Solo Exhibition at Gallery 120

Inver Hills ceramics instructor exhibition • Now through Monday, September 23, 2024

Patterns, an exhibition by Wendy Olson, ceramics faculty at Inver Hills Community College, is showing now through Monday, September 23, 2024, at Gallery 120. Art shows and exhibitions are hosted at the Gallery 120 brick-and-mortar location in the atrium of the Fine Arts building on the Inver Hills campus in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Wendy Olson artist/instructor bio

Wendy Olson began teaching ceramics at Inver Hills in 2001. She earned an M.F.A. in Ceramics from Kent State University in 2000 and a B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1996.

Wendy’s previous teaching experience includes serving as an adjunct instructor of Advanced Figure Drawing at UWRF, an adjunct instructor of Three-Dimensional Design and Introduction to Art at North Hennepin Community College, and a teacher of record of Beginning Ceramics at Kent State.

She has showed her work at UWRF, a permanent collection (1996), and the Weisman Art Museum, “Snake Charmer” (2004). Her published work includes a plate image in “500 Plates Platters, and Chargers” (2008), plate images in “Ceramics For Beginners: Surfaces and Firings” (2010), and a feature article in Madison Originals Magazine (2012).

“I’m passionate about teaching ceramics,” Wendy said, regarding her teaching philosophy. “I introduce students to a broad view of ceramics from utilitarian pottery to contemporary sculpture. I try to learn more about my students’ interests to help them make connections that they can use in their studio work.”

During Wendy’s 24 years of teaching at Inver Hills, she has had many rewarding experiences. She considers her students and colleagues the best part of teaching at the college.

“The diversity of age and backgrounds in my classes creates a dynamic teaching environment where students share ideas,” she said, adding that she appreciates how Inver Hills is surrounded by nature and also has an active community garden.

When she’s not teaching or creating works of art, Wendy loves to read. She likes that the Inver Hills Library does a great job of supplying her with quality books every semester. Her other hobbies include beekeeping, gardening, and knitting.

Education

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Fine/Studio Arts–Ceramics Major, Kent State University–Main Campus
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Fine/Studio Arts–Painting Major, University Of Wisconsin–River Falls

Learn more about taking ceramics courses at Inver Hills by contacting:

Wendy Olson
Art Faculty, Ceramics
Inver Hills Community College
651-450-3893
WOlson@inverhills.edu

Artist statement

pattern

: something designed or used as a model for making things
a dressmaker’s pattern.

: an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form.

: a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable characteristics of a person, group, or institution.

This body of work was made over my year long sabbatical exploring form and surface. In the months leading up to this year of exploration, I became sick, and I was sent to a rheumatologist who told me that figuring out which of the many autoimmune disorders was not a direct science and that we needed to look at the patterns of symptoms.

I began reflecting about my life and the patterns in it. My grandmother worked in a clothing factory when I was growing up, and I was always interested in the designs on the different left-over fabrics she had at her house. I also have fond memories of her helping me make patterns to sew garments, a skill that translated well to slab-built ceramics. The use of pattern designs inspired the start of my sabbatical work.

I made patterns to create slab-built forms, I carved design patterns into the surfaces of my work, and eventually, began using underglaze transfer patterns. The underglaze transfer patterns are seen on all the work in this show. I designed them by drawing the patterns, and then making a screen of it, and then I silk screened underglaze onto rice paper to make my patterns used on this work.

The designs on this work is truly is a combination of applying a fabric-like pattern to the clay surface, a form of meditation, and it is a coming together of my past into my future.

Patterns gallery

WHAT: Patterns

WHO: Wendy Olson

WHEN: Now thru September 23, 2024

WHERE: Gallery 120

Closing reception at Gallery 120: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Time TBD

Fine Arts Building
Inver Hills Community College
2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
General: 651-450-3000
Gallery 120: 651-450-3101

Learn more about Patterns at Gallery 120 by contacting:

Janell Hammer
Gallery 120 Coordinator
Art Department 2D Art CLA
651-450-3101
Gallery 120 on Facebook
Gallery 120 Online

Learn more about the A.F.A. in Art at Inver Hills by contacting: