New Book Display: Sticks, Stones, Clay, and Bones

Complementing the new Offit Gallery exhibition Foundational Touchstones, by 2024 Myers awardee Aimee Ehrman, Sticks, Stones, Clay and Bones: Embodying Tradition and Learning explores the relationship between art and embodied processes, with inspiration from John Dewey and many women writers, including ceramicists. They lend voice and perspective on aesthetics, learning, and teaching, especially from the vantage point of the studio, the potter, and Teachers College, known to house one of three remaining gas kilns in the borough of Manhattan. Thrown on to “the wheel” is resilience, showing why and how it is manifested through the art of ceramics made both by individuals and amongst a community.

The ceramics curriculum at the Morningside campus of Teachers College dates back to 1906, with classes taught by assistant instructor Mary Hanckel, specialist in clay. Charles B. Upjohn taught ceramics from 1916-1940, in addition to other artist teachers: Morton Abler, J. Sheldon Carey, Martin Chodos, Mabel D’Amico, John E. Herbert, John S. Leary, Robert Lowe, William Mahoney, Ella Ordorfer, and R. Warren Robison. Alumna Mabel D’Amico, wife of Victor D’Amico, wrote her dissertation on Ceramics in Education (1944), elaborating on the unique contributions to ceramics in education and the critical need for teaching ceramics. 

The Ceramics Art Studio, located in the basement of Macy Hall, is a well-equipped, well-utilized space for students and others to create art. Firing works in a kiln, whether gas or electric, renders their permanency in form. We balance this form – art that becomes fixed – with fluidity of thought and human experience, new understandings and differing interpretations, as we navigate through education, life’s challenges, and impressive structures with long histories.

At Everett Cafe, you'll find a new book collection every few weeks that relates to current events, education, or learning environments.

Poster Image by Ashley Wang, Library Associate / Art and Design