MFA University of Tennessee Knoxville
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Ken Shipley is Professor of Art at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, USA. He has worked in ceramics for over 30 years and began his career as an apprentice to both Charles Counts in Rising Fawn, GA and Bill Ashley in Chattanooga, TN. Ken’s work covers many aspects of ceramics, from production pottery to large one of a kind vessel pieces, both wheel thrown and hand built. He uses high fire reduction, salt/soda, wood fire, and electric kilns. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. |
Ken Shipley's work has been exhibited regionally, nationally, and internationally. In spring of 2017 he was awarded a Professional Faculty Development Assignment for a teaching/residency at La Meridiana School of Ceramics in Certaldo, Italy for spring 2018. He received a grant along with his wife Melody, ‘Honoring 911 through Art and Art Therapy’ which was accomplished in Sept. 2017 and continues to be shown on the APSU campus with plans to show the exhibit at venues in Clarksville, Ft. Campbell, and Nashville. Some of his most important work to date is the establishment of a project called ‘10,000 Bowls.’ Inspired by making thousands of bowls donated first to ‘Empty Bowls of Clarksville,’ then to Manna Cafe and to the Food Pantry on the APSU campus, he is making the ‘10,000 Bowls’ for Homelessness and Homeless Awareness locally with hopes to expand regionally and beyond.
Ken was recently awarded the High Impact Practice award at APSU for his efforts in developing a Study Abroad course and carrying over 55 students to a ceramic workshop in Italy for the last six years. The award also covered his work with the ‘10,000 Bowls’ project by including his ceramic students to assist in the creation of the bowls.
Ken was recently awarded the High Impact Practice award at APSU for his efforts in developing a Study Abroad course and carrying over 55 students to a ceramic workshop in Italy for the last six years. The award also covered his work with the ‘10,000 Bowls’ project by including his ceramic students to assist in the creation of the bowls.