Project Onward’s Ceramic Studio is experiencing a remarkable period of growth and creativity. This summer, the studio has seen many of its artists fully embrace ceramics, with about seven of them now working exclusively in this medium. This shift reflects the studio’s nurturing environment, which encourages artists to explore and develop their unique talents.
New Artists and Innovations
The studio continues to attract fresh talent, including the inventive Alita Van Hee, whose ceramic sculptures have already begun to make waves. Another standout artist is Swen Swihart-DeCoster, a multidisciplinary creator and botanist. Swen recently crafted an exquisite necklace featuring ceramic cicadas, currently on display at the Brushwood Center in Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods, until the end of the month. The piece has been met with widespread admiration, showcasing the innovative spirit that thrives within Project Onward’s community.
Expanding with Support from the Virginia A. Groot Foundation
A pivotal moment in the studio’s development came through the generous support of the Virginia A. Groot Foundation, whose funding played a key role in the creation and expansion of Project Onward’s Ceramic Studio. This vital contribution has provided artists with the resources and space they need to explore ceramics and push the boundaries of their creativity. The Foundation’s commitment to supporting artistic growth has been instrumental in fostering the studio’s current momentum.
Introducing New Programs
In addition to nurturing individual talent, Project Onward’s Ceramic Studio is also expanding its programming. This August, the studio will launch a new ceramic workshop, an initiative introduced by Liel, the studio’s ceramics manager. Workshops like this have proven successful in other settings, and this one promises to be a valuable addition to the studio’s offerings, providing both creative opportunities for participants and a new revenue stream.
Leading the workshop is John Behnke, a long-time visual artist with Project Onward. John has previously led workshops for various organizations, and his expertise is now being channeled into guiding participants in creating ceramic birds. His enthusiasm for this project is contagious—so much so that his ceramic bird sculptures have become highly sought after. One of his pieces, an owl donning an argyle sweater, has garnered particular attention.
