Internationally respected ceramic artist Peter Callas visited Meredith College on April 7, 2014, at the invitation of Associate Professor of Art Warner Hyde. Callas presented a lecture and was available for demonstrations of his work throughout the afternoon.
Callas spent many years in Japan working with multiple masters and Japan’s National Living Treasures. He also had a 30-year collaboration with Peter Voulkos, the most recognized ceramic artist of the 20th century.
“Peter is an engaging and exciting artist,” said Hyde. “This is a one of a kind opportunity for our campus.”
Hyde and Callas have a joint show with Mike Weber at the Elder Gallery in Charlotte, N.C. The show, titled Respect opened on April 4 and runs through April 26. Hyde is exhibiting, lecturing, and giving a gallery talk for the exhibition.
Hyde’s students had another unique opportunity this semester. Hyde and his students fired a Japanese kiln in Seagrove, N.C. They were hosted by Takuro and Hitomi Shibata, of Shigaraki, Japan, at StarWorksNC ceramics.
This process prepared the students for Callas’ campus visit.
“We fired a noboragama wood kiln, with four chambers, loaded with about 400 works, continuously for three days straight,” Hyde explained.
Hyde said the students enjoyed meeting prominent ceramic artists who came to watch them fire the kiln. Though it was a lot of work “they said it was one of their favorite experiences,” Hyde said.
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