Garth Johnson, who received his BFA in studio art from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1997, has been appointed Curator of Artistic Programs at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, Pa. He will begin in January 2014.
A well-respected studio artist, writer and educator, Johnson is currently associate professor at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, Calif.
He will oversee exhibitions, artist residency programs and artistic aspects of the new strategic plan for The Clay Studio.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that Garth Johnson is joining our team,” says Christopher R. Taylor, president of The Clay Studio. “He is a highly respected thought leader in the field with a wealth of knowledge, extensive networks and deep experience in contemporary craft.”
Johnson, selected through a national search, is actively involved in the contemporary craft community. In addition to serving as a board member at-large for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), Johnson has written a book on recycled craft, exhibited nationally and internationally, and given lectures and workshops around the globe, including a TEDx talk on creative reuse. He also runs the popular alt-craft site http://www.extremecraft.com
"I'm deeply honored to be joining the team at The Clay Studio,” Johnson said. “For the past 40 years, The Clay Studio has made an enormous impact on Philadelphia, but also nationally and internationally. I'm incredibly excited to be joining such a creative and vibrant community."
Johnson received his MFA from Alfred University in 2000 and has taught at Georgia State University, Columbus State University and Golden West College.
His first book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, was published by Quarry in 2009. He has given numerous lectures and workshops around the globe, including at the Red Lodge Clay Center in Billings, Mont., University of California¬–Berkeley, the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and Stedefreund in Berlin.
Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio is Philadelphia’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to the education and promotion of the ceramic arts and is one of the world’s leading institutions in the field. The Clay Studio offers a unique venue for arts enthusiasts through its artist residencies, galleries, studio space, school, educational programs and outreach initiatives.