Ceramics
Clay
| Jul. 25, 2011 |
2 Comments
Master ceramist Don Reitz, 81, considers himself a teacher's teacher. So he's given future Arizona State University art students an extraordinary gift: four acres of his property near Sedona, including a studio and gallery, eight kilns, and works by himself and other artists, all donated to the university's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, its School of Art, and the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center. A residency program at the "Reitz Ranch" is in development.
"Don has been so committed to teaching all his life, and he wanted to give students an opportunity to learn outside the classroom environment," says his longtime friend Peter Held, curator of ceramics at the CRC. "Developing a mind" is key to his teaching philosophy, Reitz says: "I envision not only ceramists working here, but poets, writers, painters, and sculptors, to share and exchange ideas that will expand their vision of the arts."
In other ASU news, the Windgate Charitable Foundation has awarded a major grant to the Art Museum to fund a traveling exhibition of its distinguished craft collection, along with new acquisitions and a curatorial fellowship in contemporary craft.
Joyce Lovelace is American Craft's contributing editor.
Comments
August 2nd, 2011
I was so fortunate to have worked with Don back at the University of Wisconsin. Not only a master with clay but without a doubt he was one of the two best teachers I ever had. I used teaching methods I learned from Don for the rest of my career. Don was always generous with students. This gift of his to ASU doesn't surprise me one bit.
Posted By Vernon Brejcha
August 2nd, 2011
Don was a significant inspiration to me during Grad School at the Chicago Art Institute in the early 70's. The process of salt firing- the intimate relationship between the elements - made for a poetry experience with materials and time. Don had a way of bringing that connection out in you. Soon after, I opened a gallery space and drove up from Chicago to see Don in Wisconsin. We had a great time selecting pieces for this exhibition. His enthusiasm was contagious and his generosity boundless. It was an honor to share time with Don this past winter season at the ranch along with eight others as we prepared work for a wood kiln firing. Again, Don's generosity of knowledge and experience, propelled us forward. What a joy it was for Don to have so many turn up from ASU for the opening of that kiln and to participate in the celebration of his, yes once again, generous gift to the University.
Posted By Joan Baron
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