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    The National Teapot Invitational, now on display in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center art gallery, showcases the works of 27 ceramic artists from 14 states.

Courtesy of Media Services

"Blue Mobil Tower Teapot" by Michael T Schmidt

   Scott Lykens, assistant art professor, began planning the event in early December. It opened in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education’s Annual Higher Education Coordinating Board Meeting.

   "A good teapot is a better sculptural form, than a bad sculpture," Lykens said. "Teapots are considered one of the most difficult forms to master, as they are sculptural in content, and this show represents some of the finest teapots available by contemporary artists."

   The event features local artists such as Jim Larken of Hot Springs' Foxpass Pottery and artists from far away like Tyler Golden of the Watershed Center of Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, Maine.

   "I think it is neat that there is a national exhibition here. (The teapots) were pretty and nice. I liked them," senior Amanda Haught said.

   Associate professor of English Erin O’Neill frequently visits the art gallery, and found the teapot exhibition to be interesting.

   "They were much more engaging than I thought they would be," she said.

   The teapots range from the traditional to the outrageous. If you wish you could have one for yourself then you are in luck. Most of the teapots on display are for sale.

    "Functional ceramics by world renowned artists can be sold for a reasonable price," Lykens said.

   The National Teapot Invitational will be on display in the art gallery until March 13. The free exhibit is open to the public. For more information on the exhibition contact Lykens at 460-1238 or lykenss@uamont.edu.

Media services contributed to this article.

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