"Presently we are working with porcelain and terra sigillata at both low and high fire temperatures. We have also returned to soda firing and wood firing. Our direction is focused in both sculpture and utilitarian ceramics. Historical and contemporary use of visual language and utilitarian objects are two main sources for our research. Working within the context of sculpture and the utility of ceramics allows us to communicate more than purely the use of the object. However, the use of the object is often our primary focus. Objects of use and domesticity have a common language, which a large and diverse audience can appreciate and relate to. The sense of humanity that a well thought out handmade object can obtain is not found in objects that can be purchased at Walmart or produced by the machines of industry (unless they are created by a designer who understands something more than how fast and cheap they can be produced or how easy the shape will be to ship). Thoughts about the user of objects are often negated for practical reasons that result in objects that have no life or value of their own but fit very well into our disposable society. A major objective of ours is to create tactile qualities in these objects that offer an intimate relationship with the user and provide the objects with an inherent value that gives them a life of their own. Generating a pleasurable experience when being used and viewed creates new challenges with each object made. Visual balance by using proportional perspectives, physical balance within the weight and pivot points of the piece and the tactile qualities are among the most important issues we address to achieve these goals. Ultimately, we want the objects to be used.
In viewing our work we also want certain ideas to be conveyed. Over that last few years one concept that has dominated our work incorporates forms and surfaces related to diatoms and viruses as seen under the microscope. Stephen’s brother is a genetic virologist and has been somewhat of an influence on this direction. Information obtained by him and by our own research has enlightened us about use and abuse of this science. The forms and surfaces of the viruses have been a great source for abstraction but what they can do for or do to our world is fascinating and frightening to us. Genetic virology is not always going to be understood by the viewer, or by us for that matter, but we don’t feel that to be crucial for the work to be appreciated. To some degree the viewer will always bring their own opinions (sometimes educated and sometimes ignorant) to a piece of art and at times we find those insights to be enlightening. The duality of our work exists within its function of utility and also its ability to communicate information based on conceptual concerns."
Kathleen Marie Guss
BSE: Art Education, 1995, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
BSE: Elementary and Middle School, 1992, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Stephen Scott Robison
MFA: 1994, University of Iowa, Iowa City
MA: 1992, University of Iowa, Iowa City
BFA: 1990, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Selected Individual and Group Exhibitions
2004
“Synergism”, Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
Scheduled for the NCECA and Tangents conferences spring of 2004
2003
“100 Teapots”, Baltimore Clay Works, Baltimore, Maryland
“Cup: The intimate Object II”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Fort Wayne, Indiana
“MSU Faculty Collects; MSU Faculty and Their Inspirations”, Montana State University, Helen E. Copeland Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Cup Exhibition”, Shelburn Craft Center, Shelburn, Vermont
“Kathleen Guss and Stephen Robison”, Solo Show, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Just Bowls”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Karl Borgeson and Friends”, Crossman Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
2002
“From the Kitchen to the Table”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Art for Living”, Artisans Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia
“Guss and Robison: New Work”, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
“Utilitarian Ceramic National”, traveling show
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana
Southeastern University, Hammond, Louisiana
Louisiana College, Pineville, Louisiana
“Prevailing Winds”, Young and Constantine Gallery, Wilmington, Vermont
“Hand Crafted”, Rocky Mount Arts Center, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
“Materials: Hard and Soft”, Center for the Visual Arts, Denton, Texas
2001
“Sul Ross State University Ceramic Invitational”, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
“A View of Contemporary Ceramics”, Chester Springs Studio, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
“Mug Shots 2001”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Guss, Roberts and Robison”, Baylor University Art Gallery, Waco, Texas
2001
“Feats of Clay”, Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, California
“National Juried Cup Show”, Gallery 138, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
“Ceramics 2001”, The Guilford Handcraft Center, Guilford, Connecticut
“Archie Bray Foundation, Scholarship Benefit Show”, Helena, Montana
“The Functional Teapot”, Ryan and Maclean, Helena, Montana
2000
“Peripheral Focus”, Bradford Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
“Art for Life”, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
“Invitational Alumni Exhibition”, Crossman Gallery, University of Wisconsin
“Faculty Exhibition”, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
“Ceramics for Food”, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana
1999
“Inaugural Exhibition”, The Renaissance Center; Dickson, Tennessee
“Ritual of the Table” Odyssey Gallery; Asheville, North Carolina
“Earthly Treasures”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“Candlesticks”, Native Soil Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
Alumni Ceramic Exhibition, University of Iowa, Alumni Center Gallery, Iowa City, Iowa
"Baskets", Native Soil, American Pottery Traditions, Evanston, Illinois
“Archie Bray Foundation Benefit Auction", Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana
"The Mark of The Maker", Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
Faculty Exhibition, Leu Art Gallery, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
“The Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts National Ceramic Competition”, Florence, Alabama
"Lets Dance", Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
1998
"Artforms", Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
"Crossroads in Clay", Miiddletown Fine Arts Center; Middletown, Ohio
"Best of Tennessee Crafts", traveling show
The Parthenon Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee,
The Carroll Reece Museum, ETSU, Johnson City, Tennessee, The Clarksville Museum; Clarksville, Tennessee,
The McMinn Living Heritage Museum; Athens, Tennessee,
The University Museum; UT-Martin, Martin, Tennessee,
The Creative Arts Guild; Dalton, Georgia
"The Chef John Folse Utilitarian Ceramics Competition", Ameen Art Gallery; Nicholls State University; Thibodaux, Louisiana
"Belmont University Faculty Art Exhibition", Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1998
"28th Annual Ceramics Invitational Exhibition, Featuring Wood Fired Ceramics", Crossman Art Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
"Dinner Works", Louisville Visual Art Association; Water Tower Gallery; Louisville, Kentucky
"Crossroads in Clay", Middletown Fine Arts Center; Middletown, Ohio
1997
"Wood fired Invitational", University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri
"The Box", Bonna-Keanne Gallery; Portland, Oregon
"Anything That Pours", Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
"The Clay Cup", Southern Illinois University; Carbondale, Illinois
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
“All Fired Up”, Boise State University; Boise, Idaho
“The 87th Annual Water Tower Show”, Louisville, Kentucky
1996
“The Festive Table”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
“Holiday Exhibition”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“4th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National”, Market House Craft Center; Epharta, Pennsylvania
1995
“Holiday Exhibition”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“Steeped in Clay”, Art Space; Lima, Ohio
“Teapot Invitational”, Cone Ten Gallery; New Orleans, Louisiana
“Summer Exhibition”, Kavish Gallery; Ketchum, Idaho
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
“Woodstack Exhibition”, University of Montana; Missoula, Montana
“Bray Clay”, MJL Impressions; Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Minnesota Hot Dish”, Northern Clay Center; St. Paul, Minnesota
"Eight in Clay", Bebe Kazar Gallery; Whitefish, Montana
1994
“ABF Resident Show”, Myrna Loy Center; Helena, Montana
“2nd Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National”, Market House Craft Center; Epharata, Pennsylvania
“Functional Ceramics- 25th Invitational Exhibit”, Crossman Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
1993
“MFA Thesis Exhibition”, University of Iowa Museum of Art; Iowa City, Iowa
“Four Off the Wall”, Clapp Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
“Haystack Assistants Show”, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; Deer Isle, Maine
“Eclectic Nature”, Eve Drewelowe Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1992
“Muscatine Art Center Biennial”, Muscatine, Iowa
“Silver: New Forms and Expressions III “, traveling show
Union Art Gallery; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Newport Art Museum; Newport, Rhode Island,
Walter Anderson Museum of Art; Ocean Springs, Maryland,
National Ornamental Museum; Memphis, Tennessee,
Fortunoff; New York, New York
Newport Art Museum; Newport, Rhode Island
“Teapots and Tequila Cups”, Eve Drewlowe Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
“The Influence of Chunghi Choo”, Waterloo Museum of Art; Waterloo, Iowa
1988
"Metals Exhibition”, Southern Illinois University; Carbondale, Illinois
1987
“Midwest Metals Exhibition”, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
“Metaphors”, Cudahy Gallery; Milwaukee Museum of Art; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gallery Representation
Appalachian Center for Crafts Gallery, Smithville, Tennessee
Art Works, Bozeman, Montana
Contemporary Crafts Gallery, Portland, Oregon
Danforth Gallery, Livingston, Montana
J. Allan Gallery, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Lill Street Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, Michigan
Ellison Bay Pottery, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Public Collections
Baylor University, Museum of Art, Waco Texas
University of Iowa, Museum of Art, Iowa City, Iowa
University of Wisconsin, Crossman Gallery, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Selected Private Collections
Daniel Jacobs, Richmond Virginia
Janet Mansfield, Sydney, Australia
Emmy Lou Harris, Nashville, Tennessee
Koko Taylor, Chicago, Illinois
Robert Taunt, Helena, Montana
Janet Koplos, New York, New York
Gary Portnoy, New York, New York
Awards
2001
Purchase Award, “Feats of Clay”, Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, California
“National Juried Cup Show”, Gallery 138, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Third Place, “Ceramics 2001”, The Guilford Handcraft Center, Guilford, Connecticut
1998
Second Place, "The Chef John Folse Utilitarian Ceramics Competition", Ameen Art Gallery; Nicholls State University; Thibodaux, Louisiana
1987
Purchase Award, “Metaphors”, Cudahy Gallery; Milwaukee Museum of Art; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Merit Award, “Midwest Metals Exhibition”, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Stephen Robison, Teaching Experience
2002-Present: Head of Ceramics, Sculpture and Metalsmithing, North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, Michigan
2000-2002: Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics; Department of Crafts, School of Art, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia
1999-2000: Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics and 3-D Design; School of Art, The University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri
1997-1999: Head of Ceramics; School of Art, Belmont University; Nashville, Tennessee
1996 - 1999: Instructor; Throwing and Hand building; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1994-1996: Instructor; Beginning through Advanced Ceramics; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994-1995: Instructor; Painting and Drawing; Helena Fine Arts Center; Helena, Montana
1992-1994: Instructor; Beginning Ceramics; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1990: Adjunct Instructor; Advanced Metals; University of Iowa, Iowa City
Stephen Robison Professional Experience
2003: “Artists Invite Artists”; Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, Maine
1996-1999: Resident Artist in Ceramics; Tennessee Technological University,
Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1994 - 1996: Resident Artist in Ceramics; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994-1995: Studio Technician; Archie bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1991-1994: Teaching Assistant; Beginning through Advanced Ceramics; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1993: Studio Assistant; Ceramics; Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; Deer Isle, Maine
1992: Studio Assistant; Ceramics; Penland School of Crafts; Penland, North Carolina
1991-1992: Studio Assistant; Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts; Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Kathleen Marie Guss Teaching Experience
2001-2002: Adjunct Instructor in Ceramics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
1996-1999: Resident Artist in Ceramics, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1998: Arts Outreach: Tennessee Elementary, Middle and High Schools, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996-1998: Sixth Grade Clay Workshops, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996 -1998: Hand building Instructor, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Ceramics Instructor, Baxter Elementary School, Baxter, Tennessee
1996: Art Instructor, Broad Water Center, Helena, Montana
1996: Ceramics Workshop Instructor, Helena Public Schools, Helena, Montana
1994: Teaching Internship, Ceramics and Painting, Jefferson High School, Jefferson, Wisconsin
1992: Teaching Internship, Sixth grade, Park Lawn Elementary School, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Workshops Conducted
2004: “Soda Firing”, one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
2004: “Boxes Flasks and Teapots”, one-week workshop, Greenville Museum, Greenville, South Carolina
2003: “Surface Work”, Vermont State Craft Center, Frog Hollow Craft School, Manchester, Vermont
2003: Ceramics Workshop, VSA Spring Arts Festival, Charlevoix and Emmet County Schools, NCMC, Petoskey, Michigan
2003: Arts in the Schools, Lincoln Elementary, Petoskey, Michigan
2002: Three day work shop, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Atlantic Beach Pottery, Jacksonville, Florida
2001: Sit and Spin, Stand and Turn; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1999: Traditional and Non-traditional Tile Setting, two-day workshop, Furniture Society Conference, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1999: Utilitarian Pots, four-day workshop, Austin Peay University, Clarkesville, Tennessee
1999: Slips, Surface, Slabs, and Turning; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996 - 1999: Sixth Grade Clay Workshops; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1998: Slips, Surface, Slabs, and Turning; two-day workshop, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin
1998: Thrown and Hand built Forms; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Tea Pots; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Soda Firing; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University; Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Winter Wood-Firing; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Exploring the Teapot; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Raku Workshop; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Week of Mud; one-week workshop, University of Wisconsin; Whitewater, Wisconsin
1993: Summer Ceramics Workshop for High School Students; Four-week workshop, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Lectures Conducted
2004: “The Box”, Greenville Museum, Greenville, South Carolina
2002: Slide Lecture; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
1999: "The Contemporary and Historical Use of Ceramics in Furniture", Furniture Society Conference, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1998: “Curatorial Education”, lecture, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin
1995: Slide Lecture; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994: Slide Lecture; Holter Museum; Helena, Montana
1992: “Ceramics” Slide Lecture; Center High School; Iowa City, Iowa
Curatorial Experience
1998
"Put a Lid on It, A Show About Containment"
Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
Belmont University; Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
University of Wisconsin, Green Bay; Lawton Gallery; Green Bay, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater; Crossman Gallery; Whitewater, Wisconsin
Belmont University; Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
1997
"Anything That Pours" Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
Feature Articles, Reviews and Publications
2002
“500 Teapots”, by Kathy Triplett, Lark Books
2001
“Ceramics 2001”, Ceramics Monthly, September, review, photos, pp. 68-69
1999
“Robison and Guss”, by Ward Doubet, Clay Times, Cover Article July/August Issue, photos, pp. 10-13
1998
"A Partnership in Clay", by Clive Clintonson, Ceramics Monthly, September, feature article, photos, pp. 64-67
1996
"Steeped in Clay", Ceramics Monthly, March, review, photos, pp. 46
Authored Publications
2001
“Bede Clarke’s Investment in Teaching and Art”, Ceramics Art and Perception, Issue #43
1999
“Hoggama Experience”, Ceramics Technical, photos, Issue 8
1998
"Put a Lid On It", Ceramics Monthly, photos, November, pp. 44-45
"Anything That Pours", Ceramics Monthly, photos, January, pp. 48-50
In viewing our work we also want certain ideas to be conveyed. Over that last few years one concept that has dominated our work incorporates forms and surfaces related to diatoms and viruses as seen under the microscope. Stephen’s brother is a genetic virologist and has been somewhat of an influence on this direction. Information obtained by him and by our own research has enlightened us about use and abuse of this science. The forms and surfaces of the viruses have been a great source for abstraction but what they can do for or do to our world is fascinating and frightening to us. Genetic virology is not always going to be understood by the viewer, or by us for that matter, but we don’t feel that to be crucial for the work to be appreciated. To some degree the viewer will always bring their own opinions (sometimes educated and sometimes ignorant) to a piece of art and at times we find those insights to be enlightening. The duality of our work exists within its function of utility and also its ability to communicate information based on conceptual concerns."
Kathleen Marie Guss
BSE: Art Education, 1995, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
BSE: Elementary and Middle School, 1992, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Stephen Scott Robison
MFA: 1994, University of Iowa, Iowa City
MA: 1992, University of Iowa, Iowa City
BFA: 1990, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Selected Individual and Group Exhibitions
2004
“Synergism”, Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana
Scheduled for the NCECA and Tangents conferences spring of 2004
2003
“100 Teapots”, Baltimore Clay Works, Baltimore, Maryland
“Cup: The intimate Object II”, Charlie Cummings Gallery, Fort Wayne, Indiana
“MSU Faculty Collects; MSU Faculty and Their Inspirations”, Montana State University, Helen E. Copeland Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Cup Exhibition”, Shelburn Craft Center, Shelburn, Vermont
“Kathleen Guss and Stephen Robison”, Solo Show, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Just Bowls”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Karl Borgeson and Friends”, Crossman Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
2002
“From the Kitchen to the Table”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Art for Living”, Artisans Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia
“Guss and Robison: New Work”, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
“Utilitarian Ceramic National”, traveling show
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana
Southeastern University, Hammond, Louisiana
Louisiana College, Pineville, Louisiana
“Prevailing Winds”, Young and Constantine Gallery, Wilmington, Vermont
“Hand Crafted”, Rocky Mount Arts Center, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
“Materials: Hard and Soft”, Center for the Visual Arts, Denton, Texas
2001
“Sul Ross State University Ceramic Invitational”, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
“A View of Contemporary Ceramics”, Chester Springs Studio, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania
“Mug Shots 2001”, Artworks Gallery, Bozeman, Montana
“Guss, Roberts and Robison”, Baylor University Art Gallery, Waco, Texas
2001
“Feats of Clay”, Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, California
“National Juried Cup Show”, Gallery 138, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
“Ceramics 2001”, The Guilford Handcraft Center, Guilford, Connecticut
“Archie Bray Foundation, Scholarship Benefit Show”, Helena, Montana
“The Functional Teapot”, Ryan and Maclean, Helena, Montana
2000
“Peripheral Focus”, Bradford Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
“Art for Life”, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
“Invitational Alumni Exhibition”, Crossman Gallery, University of Wisconsin
“Faculty Exhibition”, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
“Ceramics for Food”, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, Louisiana
1999
“Inaugural Exhibition”, The Renaissance Center; Dickson, Tennessee
“Ritual of the Table” Odyssey Gallery; Asheville, North Carolina
“Earthly Treasures”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“Candlesticks”, Native Soil Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
Alumni Ceramic Exhibition, University of Iowa, Alumni Center Gallery, Iowa City, Iowa
"Baskets", Native Soil, American Pottery Traditions, Evanston, Illinois
“Archie Bray Foundation Benefit Auction", Archie Bray Foundation, Helena, Montana
"The Mark of The Maker", Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
Faculty Exhibition, Leu Art Gallery, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
“The Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts National Ceramic Competition”, Florence, Alabama
"Lets Dance", Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan
1998
"Artforms", Tennessee Arts Commission Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee
"Crossroads in Clay", Miiddletown Fine Arts Center; Middletown, Ohio
"Best of Tennessee Crafts", traveling show
The Parthenon Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee,
The Carroll Reece Museum, ETSU, Johnson City, Tennessee, The Clarksville Museum; Clarksville, Tennessee,
The McMinn Living Heritage Museum; Athens, Tennessee,
The University Museum; UT-Martin, Martin, Tennessee,
The Creative Arts Guild; Dalton, Georgia
"The Chef John Folse Utilitarian Ceramics Competition", Ameen Art Gallery; Nicholls State University; Thibodaux, Louisiana
"Belmont University Faculty Art Exhibition", Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1998
"28th Annual Ceramics Invitational Exhibition, Featuring Wood Fired Ceramics", Crossman Art Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
"Dinner Works", Louisville Visual Art Association; Water Tower Gallery; Louisville, Kentucky
"Crossroads in Clay", Middletown Fine Arts Center; Middletown, Ohio
1997
"Wood fired Invitational", University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri
"The Box", Bonna-Keanne Gallery; Portland, Oregon
"Anything That Pours", Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
"The Clay Cup", Southern Illinois University; Carbondale, Illinois
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
“All Fired Up”, Boise State University; Boise, Idaho
“The 87th Annual Water Tower Show”, Louisville, Kentucky
1996
“The Festive Table”, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
“Holiday Exhibition”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“4th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National”, Market House Craft Center; Epharta, Pennsylvania
1995
“Holiday Exhibition”, Pewabic Pottery; Detroit, Michigan
“Steeped in Clay”, Art Space; Lima, Ohio
“Teapot Invitational”, Cone Ten Gallery; New Orleans, Louisiana
“Summer Exhibition”, Kavish Gallery; Ketchum, Idaho
“Resident Artist Exhibition”, Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
“Woodstack Exhibition”, University of Montana; Missoula, Montana
“Bray Clay”, MJL Impressions; Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Minnesota Hot Dish”, Northern Clay Center; St. Paul, Minnesota
"Eight in Clay", Bebe Kazar Gallery; Whitefish, Montana
1994
“ABF Resident Show”, Myrna Loy Center; Helena, Montana
“2nd Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National”, Market House Craft Center; Epharata, Pennsylvania
“Functional Ceramics- 25th Invitational Exhibit”, Crossman Gallery; University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
1993
“MFA Thesis Exhibition”, University of Iowa Museum of Art; Iowa City, Iowa
“Four Off the Wall”, Clapp Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
“Haystack Assistants Show”, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; Deer Isle, Maine
“Eclectic Nature”, Eve Drewelowe Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1992
“Muscatine Art Center Biennial”, Muscatine, Iowa
“Silver: New Forms and Expressions III “, traveling show
Union Art Gallery; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Newport Art Museum; Newport, Rhode Island,
Walter Anderson Museum of Art; Ocean Springs, Maryland,
National Ornamental Museum; Memphis, Tennessee,
Fortunoff; New York, New York
Newport Art Museum; Newport, Rhode Island
“Teapots and Tequila Cups”, Eve Drewlowe Gallery; University of Iowa, Iowa City
“The Influence of Chunghi Choo”, Waterloo Museum of Art; Waterloo, Iowa
1988
"Metals Exhibition”, Southern Illinois University; Carbondale, Illinois
1987
“Midwest Metals Exhibition”, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
“Metaphors”, Cudahy Gallery; Milwaukee Museum of Art; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Gallery Representation
Appalachian Center for Crafts Gallery, Smithville, Tennessee
Art Works, Bozeman, Montana
Contemporary Crafts Gallery, Portland, Oregon
Danforth Gallery, Livingston, Montana
J. Allan Gallery, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Lill Street Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
Pewabic Pottery, Detroit, Michigan
Ellison Bay Pottery, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Public Collections
Baylor University, Museum of Art, Waco Texas
University of Iowa, Museum of Art, Iowa City, Iowa
University of Wisconsin, Crossman Gallery, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Selected Private Collections
Daniel Jacobs, Richmond Virginia
Janet Mansfield, Sydney, Australia
Emmy Lou Harris, Nashville, Tennessee
Koko Taylor, Chicago, Illinois
Robert Taunt, Helena, Montana
Janet Koplos, New York, New York
Gary Portnoy, New York, New York
Awards
2001
Purchase Award, “Feats of Clay”, Lincoln Arts, Lincoln, California
“National Juried Cup Show”, Gallery 138, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Third Place, “Ceramics 2001”, The Guilford Handcraft Center, Guilford, Connecticut
1998
Second Place, "The Chef John Folse Utilitarian Ceramics Competition", Ameen Art Gallery; Nicholls State University; Thibodaux, Louisiana
1987
Purchase Award, “Metaphors”, Cudahy Gallery; Milwaukee Museum of Art; Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Merit Award, “Midwest Metals Exhibition”, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Stephen Robison, Teaching Experience
2002-Present: Head of Ceramics, Sculpture and Metalsmithing, North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, Michigan
2000-2002: Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics; Department of Crafts, School of Art, Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, Virginia
1999-2000: Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics and 3-D Design; School of Art, The University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri
1997-1999: Head of Ceramics; School of Art, Belmont University; Nashville, Tennessee
1996 - 1999: Instructor; Throwing and Hand building; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1994-1996: Instructor; Beginning through Advanced Ceramics; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994-1995: Instructor; Painting and Drawing; Helena Fine Arts Center; Helena, Montana
1992-1994: Instructor; Beginning Ceramics; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1990: Adjunct Instructor; Advanced Metals; University of Iowa, Iowa City
Stephen Robison Professional Experience
2003: “Artists Invite Artists”; Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, Newcastle, Maine
1996-1999: Resident Artist in Ceramics; Tennessee Technological University,
Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1994 - 1996: Resident Artist in Ceramics; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994-1995: Studio Technician; Archie bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1991-1994: Teaching Assistant; Beginning through Advanced Ceramics; University of Iowa, Iowa City
1993: Studio Assistant; Ceramics; Haystack Mountain School of Crafts; Deer Isle, Maine
1992: Studio Assistant; Ceramics; Penland School of Crafts; Penland, North Carolina
1991-1992: Studio Assistant; Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts; Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Kathleen Marie Guss Teaching Experience
2001-2002: Adjunct Instructor in Ceramics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
1996-1999: Resident Artist in Ceramics, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1998: Arts Outreach: Tennessee Elementary, Middle and High Schools, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996-1998: Sixth Grade Clay Workshops, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996 -1998: Hand building Instructor, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Ceramics Instructor, Baxter Elementary School, Baxter, Tennessee
1996: Art Instructor, Broad Water Center, Helena, Montana
1996: Ceramics Workshop Instructor, Helena Public Schools, Helena, Montana
1994: Teaching Internship, Ceramics and Painting, Jefferson High School, Jefferson, Wisconsin
1992: Teaching Internship, Sixth grade, Park Lawn Elementary School, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Workshops Conducted
2004: “Soda Firing”, one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
2004: “Boxes Flasks and Teapots”, one-week workshop, Greenville Museum, Greenville, South Carolina
2003: “Surface Work”, Vermont State Craft Center, Frog Hollow Craft School, Manchester, Vermont
2003: Ceramics Workshop, VSA Spring Arts Festival, Charlevoix and Emmet County Schools, NCMC, Petoskey, Michigan
2003: Arts in the Schools, Lincoln Elementary, Petoskey, Michigan
2002: Three day work shop, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
2002: Hi Fire Sigillata, two-day workshop, Atlantic Beach Pottery, Jacksonville, Florida
2001: Sit and Spin, Stand and Turn; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1999: Traditional and Non-traditional Tile Setting, two-day workshop, Furniture Society Conference, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1999: Utilitarian Pots, four-day workshop, Austin Peay University, Clarkesville, Tennessee
1999: Slips, Surface, Slabs, and Turning; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1996 - 1999: Sixth Grade Clay Workshops; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1998: Slips, Surface, Slabs, and Turning; two-day workshop, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin
1998: Thrown and Hand built Forms; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Tea Pots; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Soda Firing; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University; Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Winter Wood-Firing; Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1997: Exploring the Teapot; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Raku Workshop; one-week workshop, Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
1996: Week of Mud; one-week workshop, University of Wisconsin; Whitewater, Wisconsin
1993: Summer Ceramics Workshop for High School Students; Four-week workshop, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Lectures Conducted
2004: “The Box”, Greenville Museum, Greenville, South Carolina
2002: Slide Lecture; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
1999: "The Contemporary and Historical Use of Ceramics in Furniture", Furniture Society Conference, Appalachian Center for Crafts, Smithville, Tennessee
1998: “Curatorial Education”, lecture, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin
1995: Slide Lecture; Archie Bray Foundation; Helena, Montana
1994: Slide Lecture; Holter Museum; Helena, Montana
1992: “Ceramics” Slide Lecture; Center High School; Iowa City, Iowa
Curatorial Experience
1998
"Put a Lid on It, A Show About Containment"
Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
Belmont University; Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
University of Wisconsin, Green Bay; Lawton Gallery; Green Bay, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater; Crossman Gallery; Whitewater, Wisconsin
Belmont University; Leu Art Gallery; Nashville, Tennessee
1997
"Anything That Pours" Tennessee Technological University, Appalachian Center for Crafts; Smithville, Tennessee
Feature Articles, Reviews and Publications
2002
“500 Teapots”, by Kathy Triplett, Lark Books
2001
“Ceramics 2001”, Ceramics Monthly, September, review, photos, pp. 68-69
1999
“Robison and Guss”, by Ward Doubet, Clay Times, Cover Article July/August Issue, photos, pp. 10-13
1998
"A Partnership in Clay", by Clive Clintonson, Ceramics Monthly, September, feature article, photos, pp. 64-67
1996
"Steeped in Clay", Ceramics Monthly, March, review, photos, pp. 46
Authored Publications
2001
“Bede Clarke’s Investment in Teaching and Art”, Ceramics Art and Perception, Issue #43
1999
“Hoggama Experience”, Ceramics Technical, photos, Issue 8
1998
"Put a Lid On It", Ceramics Monthly, photos, November, pp. 44-45
"Anything That Pours", Ceramics Monthly, photos, January, pp. 48-50
