Myers Berg Studios, United States, …in plain sight, 2025, ceramic, maple, “Shaping Time: CU Ceramics Alumni 2000–2020,” CU Art Museum, Sept. 5–Dec.19, 2025. (Photo Rachel Sauer; © Myers Berg Studios)
From Sept. 5 to Dec. 19, the University of Colorado Boulder Art Museum and the CU ceramics program are hosting “Shaping Time: CU Ceramics Alumni 2000-2020,” a celebration of the program’s history, its faculty and the achievements of its alumni. The exhibition showcases the work of 30 alumni, focusing on themes of environment, domesticity and the rituals of home while exploring material connections through ceramics. The medium allows artists to shape, sculpt, carve, coil and mold clay, transforming the earth beneath their feet into works that leave lasting impressions in the gallery.
The exhibition opened on Sept. 4 with faculty Scott Chamberlin, Jeanne Quinn and Kim Dickey, honoring their contributions alongside former students, educators and exhibiting artists.
The art displayed represents the bond between artists and their passion while also highlighting the connection between CU Boulder students and alumni, bringing together graduates and current students.
Students who are a part of the Ceramics program at CU arrived at the gallery for the opening celebration. Many had studied under artist and exhibitor Amelia Lockwood before she left the CU Boulder art department after the spring 2025 semester. Lockwood has work on display in the show, including pieces created on the CU Boulder campus. Her previous students remarked how they were able to see the process of one of Lockwood’s works and witness the experimentation, formation and thought processes that led to the final project.
One of these previous students and exhibiting artists was Lindsay Pichaske.
“I loved my time at CU and couldn’t have asked for a better faculty. The most influential aspect of my time there was the culture of material exploration. I explored mixed-media materials beyond clay, developing a love of materiality that persists today,” Pichaske said.
In the gallery, each artist’s work has a plaque describing how CU’s art department and community influenced their lives and careers. While each artist’s technique and style reflect their personality and vision, the shared foundation of the CU Boulder community ties the works together.
“I studied both ceramics and photography while at CU Boulder. The introduction and journey through the ceramics program gave me an incredible amount of inspiration and momentum to continue with clay and art academically.” Artist and former student Amy Johnson said while reflecting on her time at CU.
The exhibit explores the ways environment, education and opportunity influence individuals at CU Boulder. Through their ceramic work, the artists reflect their experiences and connections to the campus.
“Keep doing what you love,” Johnson said as advice to all college students.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sofia Reitz at sofia.reitz@colorado.edu
