Clatsop Community College
1653 Jerome, Astoria OR 97103
For immediate release
Contact: Teri Sund (503) 338-2478 or Richard Rowland (503) 338-2449

Master Oregon potters Don Sprague and Patrick Horsley at the Art Center Gallery, Clatsop Community College

The Art Center Gallery at Clatsop Community College will be exhibiting the work of long time studio potters Don Sprague and Patrick Horsley, February 5 – March 2. There will be an opening reception for the artists Tuesday, February 6th at 6:00 at the Art Center Gallery. Sprague and Horsley will also be conducting a workshop on Wednesday, February 7, 1-9 p.m. in the Art Center’s pottery studio. The workshop will focus on wheel thrown and altered forms. Please contact Richard Rowland for further workshop information at (503) 338-2449.

Don Sprague and Patrick Horsley, both of Portland, will be exhibiting a collection of functional and non-functional ceramic forms, focusing primarily on non-utilitarian ware. Known for their wheel thrown and altered forms, they independently have developed strong reputations for creating extremely well crafted ceramics. They are highly regarded for their skills and techniques by both collectors and studio potters. Both Sprague and Horsley have enjoyed careers in ceramics that has spanned over three decades.
Sprague, whose interest and educational background lies in architecture, is highly influenced by the combination of functionality and aesthetics of form. Incorporating thrown elements with slab construction, he alters his work to reflect this interest. “Throughout my career my primary focus has been form and surface development, and I have tried to incorporate glazes and glazing techniques that enhance those concerns.”

Patrick Horsley’s work is also influenced by architecture. Looking to “the home, the temple, and the skyscraper,” he cites both primitive and contemporary structures as his source of inspiration. He considers his work primarily ceremonial rather then focusing entirely on function. The teapot, or the image of, has become a major focus of Horsley’s work. These teapots are most often non-utilitarian and meant to be viewed in profile. “The challenge of my work is to combine the many elements (handles, spouts, and lids) into a work that dances and presents a new view and image of a familiar form. My primary interest is in the making, the process, and the physical dance of making the pots.”

As well as being professional potters, Sprague and Horsley have been educators, teaching their well-practiced techniques to potters across the country. Both potters have exhibited their work throughout the United States and are included in museum, private and corporate collections around the world. Sprague and Horsley have also been included in publications such as Ceramics Monthly and American Crafts Magazine. Horsley has also been a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant.

Don Sprague and Patrick Horsley’s work can be seen at the Art Center Gallery, Clatsop Community College February 5-March 2. There will be an artist’s reception February 6 at 6 p.m.; both artists will be present. Sprague and Horsley will also conduct a workshop exploring building techniques. Funding to bring Sprague and Horsley to the college to conduct the workshop are provided by the Clatsop Community College Foundation. Both events are free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Teri Sund at (503) 338-2478 or Richard Rowland at (503) 338-2449.

Purple Teapot by Patrick Horsley

Blue Garden Lantern by Don Sprague.