USU Ceramics Alumni Exhibition 'Scenius' Celebrates 25 Years of Creative Innovation, Community

LOGAN, Utah — The Department of Art + Design will host its annual Ceramics Alumni Exhibition. This year’s exhibition, “Scenius,” will feature work from USU faculty and student alumni, and will be March 17-31 in the Tippetts & Eccles Galleries.

The term “scenius” was coined by musician and record producer Brian Eno and refers to the extraordinary creativity and ingenuity that can emerge from communities, places or “scenes.”

Graduate students Nikita Nenashev and Caroline Roberts are the curators behind “Scenius.”

“We knew we wanted to put on an exhibition at USU to highlight the ceramic program and its rich history,” Roberts said. “As a graduate student, it was a unique chance to deepen my involvement with the program and learn new skills in the process of organizing and curating the show.”

For the past 25 years, faculty members John Neely and Dan Murphy have cultivated such an environment within USU's graduate ceramics program. This exhibition highlights this pivotal period in the program's history and explores the unique qualities that define USU's “scenius.”

“One of the pots that made me fall in love with ceramics was a teapot John had made. Although it's been years since I last saw it, I can still clearly picture how it looked and felt in my hands,” Roberts said. “I’ve met so many people that have had similar experiences or have been deeply influenced by the work and research of both John and Dan. To have the opportunity to put this show together with their support and guidance has meant a great deal to me. I feel an immense sense of pride to be one of their students.”

The diversity and versatility of the works in this exhibition reflect the growth of USU’s renowned ceramics program over the last 25 years.

“The studio itself is filled with inspiration, from works by visiting artists to pieces by former students and faculty, creating a constant flow of creative energy,” Roberts said. “Rather than adhering to a set standard or concept, students have been encouraged to explore and develop their ideas, methods and techniques organically. This freedom has allowed the work to evolve in a way that reflects both individual innovation and the collective influence of a vibrant, supportive community.”

This exhibition will take place during the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts’ annual conference, one of the most anticipated events in the ceramic art community. This year, the conference will be in Salt Lake City.

“At a time when ceramic art programs across the country are facing cutbacks, downsizing or even closure, I saw this exhibition as a timely opportunity to highlight the immense value of community-driven creativity in university art programs,” Roberts said. “It’s a celebration of how collective talent and collaboration fuel innovation and continue to push the boundaries of the field.”

Stop by the Tippetts & Eccles Galleries to view the collaborative and innovative works from the USU ceramics community. The gallery is free and open to the public and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday through the run of this exhibition. For more information, visit the website.