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For week 16 of our Kansas sesquicentennial series, we're focusing on ceramist Ken Ferguson (1938-2004), former Professor and Chair of the ceramics department at Kansas City Art Institute for over thirty years.
"In 1981 Ferguson was voted one of the twelve greatest living potters in a readers' survey by Ceramics Monthly magazine. His students included many successful contemporary ceramists including Richard Notkin" [1], our juror for this year's Topeka Competition 30. "As a graduate student at Alfred University, resident potter and studio manager at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana, and through years of teaching, Ferguson mastered the craft of functional pottery, developing formidable skills on the wheel and in handling glazes that integrally informed his work." [2]
Every object has a story, and stories build history. To celebrate 150 years of Kansas statehood we're featuring 52 objects (or collections of related objects)—something new each week throughout the year—from the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library's 130-year-old special, and permanent collections, that represent our collective state history and cultural diversity.
Our collections are available for teachers, students, researchers and general interest, and we hope this online video program will provide insight into what's so "special" about Special Collections. Your library's commitment to collecting art and preserving local history makes it possible for users today and in the future to have immediate access to invaluable research material and cultural artifacts.
To make an appointment to see work by Ken Ferguson, or get help finding books and videos related to him and his work, call or stop by the Sabatini Gallery (785-580-4515). We're located on your right just beyond the Library rotunda entrance.
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wish you had shown a better close up of the opening platter.
in the book on him there is mention of a video done on
him. do you know where that can be found?
I would be happy to take a few close-up shots of the platter for you if you’d like. I did a search for video and found one titled, “2001: Clay Odyssey”, which is described as, “…the 50th anniversary celebration of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. This three day event includes demonstrations, stories, history and tributes to a fine place to work.” Many featured artists including Ferguson.
You could try and borrow it through Interlibrary Loan from your library. The OCLC number is 260824493..
I also found a place that sells a VHS video featuring Ferguson called “Woodstack ’95: A Conference on Wood-fired Ceramics “. Couldn’t find a library that owned it, but the website is axner.com/woodstack-95-a-conference-on-wood-fired-ceramics-vhs.aspx. If you send your email, I’ll send better images of the platter. -Heather Kearns, Associate Curator, Sabatini Gallery
Thanks for that info, Mo. -Hk