Dylan Eakin, a 2013 University of the Ozarks art graduate, is showcasing his artwork throughout December at the River Valley Arts Center in Russellville, Ark.
Eakin, originally from Lamar, Ark., graduated from Ozarks in May 2013 and has spent the past few months as a resident ceramist at the Pottery Northwest Ceramics Studio in Seattle, Wash.
"After graduation, I was accepted as a resident ceramicist at Pottery Northwest, a clay studio in Seattle, to explore and develop my sculpture along with a number of other residents," Eakin said.
The exhibit at the River Valley Arts Center is a result of Eakin’s sculpture winning a local collegiate art competition while he was still a student at Ozarks. He won the Best of Show category for his ceramic sculpture bust, "Looking Up."
"My show at the arts center was the grand prize for the collegiate competition that took place earlier this year," Eakin explained. "It’s given me a wonderful opportunity to expand my presence in Arkansas. The gallery includes the highlights of my ceramics career as a student at Ozarks."
Eakin credits Ozarks Assistant Professor of Art Dawn Holder for preparing him to pursue a career in a field he loves.
"The guidance of Ozarks Professor Dawn Holder was the best thing that could have happened to me," Eakin said. "She gave me the resources and the knowledge to push myself, expand my body of work, and taught me how to seek out workshops and residencies that would have the greatest and most positive impact on my work."
Eakin will remain in Seattle as a resident ceramicist for two years and is weighing his options for work, subsequent residencies or graduate school.
The arts center is located at 1001 E B Street in downtown Russellville.
2013 graduate Dylan Eakin and Assistant Professor of Art Dawn Holder stand next to Eakin’s sculpture "Looking Up," which is one of the featured artworks currently on display at the River Valley Arts Center in Russellville.
Topics: Art