IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5-16-05 CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SILVER CITY—A workshop on the campus of Western New Mexico University featuring Don Sprague, a master potter, from Portland, Ore. is scheduled from May 23 through May 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The workshop will focus on the function and alternative variations on the wheel. A free public lecture and slide show is scheduled on Thursday, May 26, beginning at 7 p.m. at the WNMU Besse-Forward Global Resource Center Auditorium.

“This is the first time Don Sprague’s workshop will be held on this campus. His work can be seen locally at the Blue Dome Gallery in historic downtown Silver City,” said WNMU Fine Arts Professor Claude Smith. “Don’s strong undergraduate background in architecture gives him the ability to create new vessel forms and give them a new spin.”

Sprague is well known for his mastery of the throwing especially large forms, altering them, and assembling pieces in a nontraditional approach, adds Smith.

Sprague attended Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., from 1964 to 1970 and received a bachelor of architecture degree in 1970. He has taught ceramics since 1973 and is currently a ceramics instructor at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Ore.

Collections of Sprague’s work have been featured at the Smithsonian Institution Renwick Gallery in Washington D.C. in 1975 and 2000. His artwork has garnered Sprague numerous awards and has been shown at exhibits across the nation and internationally.

The free public lecture and slide show on May 26 will feature a discussion on Sprague’s inspiration, life as a potter in a neighborhood who has lots of artists and potters, and his place in the pottery world.

The workshop qualifies for two college credit hours (Art 480: CRN3214). The fee for the workshop is $172, plus fees.

The Blue Dome Gallery will display an exhibit of Don Sprague’s work during the summer. The opening will be Friday, May 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The show will run through the month of July. Sprague is expected to be present at the exhibit opening. The public is invited to attend.

For more information or to register, please contact Professor Smith at the Expressive Arts Department at (505) 538-6501 or Rebecca Estrada of the Extended University at (505) 538-6149.

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CAPTION --Pictured is Master Potter Don Sprague of Portland, Ore. working in his studio. Sprague will offer a workshop May 23 - 27 on the campus of WNMU. A free public lecture and slide show is scheduled on May 26 at 7 p.m. in the WNMU Besse-Forward Global Resource Center Auditorium.

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