Ceramics exhibition to feature career work of Charlie Olson and his students

January 22, 2013

Crossman Gallery is filled with colorful and diverse ceramic art. It is also filled with memories - more than 44 years' worth.

From Jan. 24 - Feb. 20, the work of UW-Whitewater ceramics professor Charlie Olson will be on display in an exhibition of pieces dating back to his high school days.

"The earliest piece is from 1969. Choosing which ones to select and writing artist statements was a fun experience," Olson said. "I wanted my students to know about the battles I fought in creating the work and what drives an individual to make something."

Olson, who retired in 2012, has invited nearly 30 of his former students to submit their work to stand alongside his own.

Many of these alumni have gone on to graduate school and are still practicing their craft. Most are teaching ceramics in colleges and universities across the United States.

"Charlie has been an incredible mentor to thousands of students," said Chanda Droske, class of 2012. "I'm excited to be invited to showcase my work and for the campus to see the diversity of people who have graduated from the UW-Whitewater art program."

The opening reception is Thursday, Jan. 24, from 5 - 7 p.m. This is the 43^rd year UW-Whitewater has hosted an annual ceramics exhibition. Crossman Gallery is free and open to the public.

Artists who have been invited to participate include Jason Brabender, Jenni Brant, Jason Briggs, Karl Borgeson, Jeff Campana, Greg Cochenet, Katheryn Corbin, Chanda Droske, Jimmy Eddings, Ben Fiess, Michael Gross, Kathleen Guss, Jesse Hull, Jared Janovec, Chuck Johnson, Michael Kern, Diane King, Colin Matthes, Dan McGuire, Katie Miller, Sarah Mizanin, Lauren Simon Neese, Jessica Nimm, William Pariso, Brett Roberts, Stephen Robison, Brock Rumohr, Amanda Salov, Michael Schmidt, Nick Toebaas, Dan Van Tassel and Jennifer Yunker.

For more information, visit Crossman Gallery's website.