A pottery piece by Ceramics and Sculpture teacher Amedeo Salamoni, in collaboration with artist Heidi Kreitchet, has been selected for the 32nd Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National Exhibit in Lancaster, PA.

Since its founding in 1993, Strictly Functional Pottery National (SFPN) has served as the standard for functional ceramic exhibits. SFPN features some of the most talented ceramic artists from across the country. Juror David MacDonald selected 150 pieces from 150 artists for this show from the 877 works that were submitted. Works featured in the show include cups, mugs, pouring vessels, teapots, covered vessels, plates, sets, vase forms, and bowls.

Amedeo and Heidi submitted their piece Butterfly Vase for SFPN. "We are interested in creating work that expresses the exploration of line, space, and form," said Amedeo and Heidi in their artist statement. "These vessels become a visual vocabulary for communicating our on-going experience in ceramics. We are curious about constructing pieces with angles and planes that have multiple textures and hardness to them while enhancing the beauty of the clay’s natural finish by wood-firing the work."

"This interaction between the malleable, versatile clay is informed by my immediate reaction to the physical quality of the clay. The emotional, intuitive, and physical reaction to handling and manipulating the clay provides the pieces with passion, power, animation, and elasticity."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have been given the opportunity to view so many outstanding examples of the potter’s craft," David remarked in his juror's statement. "Having spent 60 years of my life making and teaching the art of pottery, I am greatly encouraged by the quality of the work that is being produced, and its variety and scope. This eloquently testifies to the fact that functional pottery is alive and thriving."

The show's opening reception is on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Lancaster Museum of Art from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The exhibit runs from Saturday, September 27- Saturday, November 9.

About Amedeo:

Amedeo Salamoni is a ceramic artist and teacher who resides in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. He has over 37 years of experience in the field of Ceramics. His current work is predominantly wood fired. He has had experience as a production potter in rural Georgia, where he worked for a family of folk potters, and working within Pennsylvania with salt glazed pottery. In addition to his extensive experience as an artist, He is a dedicated teacher with significant experience teaching at both the college and secondary levels. He has had his work published in several ceramics books and has been in numerous exhibitions. Amedeo published his book called Wood-fired Ceramics: 100 Contemporary Artists with Schiffer Publishing in 2013. He earned a Master of Fine Arts, Ceramics, from the University of Delaware, a Master of Art Education from Kean University, and a Bachelor of Art from Kean University. Amedeo currently teaches Ceramics and Sculpture and directs the Mollie Dodd Anderson and Walton Auditorium gallery spaces at George School

About Heidi:

Originally from Philadelphia, Heidi Kreitchet has been actively wood-firing ceramics for the past 25 years. Heidi received her BFA in ceramics from Northern Arizona University. Focusing on wood-firing, she credits Jim Lorio, Don Bendel, Jason Hess, Vic Bassman, Jo Anne Dekester, and Ted Adler for their expertise in wood-fired ceramics. From 2004 to 2006, Heidi was fortunate to assist renowned ceramic artist, Don Reitz, in Clarkdale, Arizona. She completed an MFA at Utah State University under the guidance of John Neely and Dan Murphy. In 2011, Heidi was asked by David Armstrong, Founder of the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) to establish AMOCA Ceramics Studio in Pomona, CA from 2011 to 2021.  From 2016 to 2021, she established R x R Gallery at her live/work unit located at The Pomona Packing Plant.