Richard Holt

It’s fitting that ceramics professor Richard Holt organizes Towson University’s famous pottery sale — a campus mainstay for the past 40-plus years.

Holt himself had the opportunity to showcase and sell his own work at the very same event as a TU student in the mid-1990s.

“We’re very proud of the pottery sale,” says the Gaithersburg, Md. native, explaining how it benefits TU students who are responsible for everything from making the objects to setting them out and selling them.

Not only are students involved in a practical application of creating art (and making some money for themselves!) but they also experience the gratification and challenges associated with selling their pieces.

“It’s all about preparing students to make ceramics a viable part of their careers.”

For example, they learn that designing pottery with an eye toward functionality is important, especially if they want their pieces to be purchased.

“Students have to think about dimensions — does it feel right in the hand? They don’t want to make an awkward handle that nobody wants to pick up,” says Holt, who, along with his wife, potter Cat Audette Holt, has a thriving business selling Claymonster Pottery, which is both whimsical and useful.

Proceeds from the TU pottery sale are split between the artists (70%) and the ceramics program (30%). But the funds that go to the program are funneled directly back toward sending majors to local and national ceramics conferences and workshops.

“It’s all about preparing students,” says Holt, “to make ceramics a viable part of their careers.”