In this issue, we turn our attention to the structures through which knowledge is passed – our institutions of education, both traditional and nontraditional – and examine their alignment with the fundamental virtues of craft.
The graduate program has long been considered the pinnacle of formal ceramic education, but does it remain the most universal path? We must ask whether these institutions, in their current form, truly cultivate wisdom and where the value lies for our students. Are we teaching students to think, to see, to make – not only with their hands but with their entire being? Or have we prioritized theory unmoored from practice, critique untethered from understanding? Both Linda Ganstrom and Andrew Casto explore models of learning that integrate technical mastery with conceptual depth, deeply rooted in the impact of knowledge on our communities. The value, in the case of these two authors, is measured not in dollars but in the preparedness of students to meet the world with skill and resilience.
Beyond the walls of institutions, another path emerges – one of self-teaching, self-exploration, and relentless curiosity. As a professor myself, I have witnessed time and again that the greatest lessons are often learned not in lecture halls but in quiet solitude, in moments of failure, in the relentless pursuit of understanding. The potter who experiments in the studio, who questions, and who seeks knowledge from unexpected sources, embodies the true spirit of learning. Formal education may provide structure, but it is the unyielding curiosity of the individual that breathes life into knowledge. Author Osa Atoe truly embodies this vision in her article "Earthen Rainbow: Working with Wild Clay Terra Sigillata at Midrange."
In this month’s issue, we also mourn the loss of a great thinker, writer, and contributor to our ceramics community. We invite you to read the "In Memoriam for Charles G. Zug III," author of Turners and Burners.
Over the past few months, our website has experienced unexpected technical difficulties, and we deeply appreciate your patience and grace as we’ve worked through these challenges. First and foremost, I want to extend my sincere apologies for the delays and frustration caused by these recent issues. After many days of troubleshooting – and more than a few hair-pulling moments – Studio Potter has finally regained some functionality on our new platform. Our content publishing is back in business, though we are still working to build modules that support our full membership experience.
While we celebrate the return of our digital gathering space and the continued sharing of knowledge, we remain grounded in the realities of the world around us. Although we are currently releasing content originally scheduled for March – and all upcoming authors, including those planned for June, have been pushed back in our publishing calendar – this Pride Month, we still take time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledge the continued struggles many still face. The political climate across the country remains deeply challenging. At Studio Potter, we believe that creativity and community must go hand in hand with justice and care. We encourage you to read the works of our very own Grants for Apprenticeship Program manager, Dustin Yager, and our board vice president, Robbie Lobell, as well as the writings of Leopold L. Fouleum, Ayumi Horie, Adam Chau, Twig C., Micah Sweezie, Victoria Walton, Vipoo Srivilasa, and Matt Nolen. They, together with many other LGBTQ+ authors who have helped shape Studio Potter’s stories over the past fifty‑two years.
A true creative community doesn’t shy away from discomfort – it meets it with compassion, integrity, and the unwavering commitment to equity. It is not enough to find refuge in our shared love of ceramics; we must also be mindful of the broader social conditions that shape who feels safe, seen, and supported in our spaces.
As we move forward, let us balance gratitude with awareness, and celebration with responsibility. Thank you for standing with us and continuing to make Studio Potter a place where all voices are valued.
Randi O'Brien, editor and execuitive director