[DYS]FUNCTIONAL Opening Reception!

[DYS] FUNCTIONAL features over 25 artists exploring the crossover between functional and sculptural ceramics and was juried by Austin Coudriet, Clay Studio of Missoula Resident. 

The Juror:

Austin Coudriet was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2019 he earned his BFA with a dual emphasis in sculpture and ceramics from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. There he focused on fabricating large ceramic sculptures and expanding his skills in the wood shop.

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Austin is currently a long term artist in residence at the Clay Studio of Missoula located in Missoula, Montana. Here he is able to pursue his passions of teaching, and working as a studio artist. He divides his studio practice between creating large scale sculptures intended for public art installations, and graphic pinch pots.

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In 2021 Austin completed a two year residency at the Clay Art Center in Port Chester, New York. There, he helped grow the community studio by: firing kilns, mixing glazes, working in the gallery, running workshops and lectures, and performing routine maintenance on studio equipment. During the start of the pandemic, Austin moved back to Nebraska for six months, where he was offered a fellowship position at the LUX Center for the Arts.

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In 2019 Austin help found a ceramic collective group called Mud Ties. He is currently leading both the Social Outreach and the Social Media team.

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 ‘…Mud Ties is committed to making space for emerging artists and connecting them to the greater clay community regardless of gender expression, race or marginalized identity…’