Formation, the theme of the 59th conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), will gather thousands of ceramic artists, educators, and enthusiasts for exhibitions, workshops, and discussions in and around Salt Lake City, March 26 - 29, 2025.

Inspired by Bikini Kill's anthem "Rebel Girl," this exhibition is a call to action for female-identifying artists to celebrate their unsung heroes and foster camaraderie. In a world where the contributions of female-identifying artists are often overlooked, this exhibition aims to create a space where their voices are not only heard but celebrated.

In collaboration with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 59th Annual Conference, this exhibition features work by a diverse group of female-identifying artists, each paying homage to their female-identifying heroes. What sets this exhibition apart is its unique approach to curation. Instead of traditional selection methods, artists were invited to participate in a chain reaction of inspiration. It began with one artist inviting another, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and recognition as that artist invited another until there was a total of 14 participating people. To ensure maximum diversity, there were four lead-artists with varied backgrounds. They invited their unsung hero, who then invited their unsung hero. The four lead artists are Rebekah Bogard, Stephanie Hanes, Sana Musasama, and Lydia Thompson.

The art world has historically marginalized female-identifying artists, perpetuating a culture where their work is undervalued and underrepresented.  Despite progress, galleries and museums still exhibit a disproportionate amount of male artwork. “It might seem like women are earning more attention from museums, but the volume of acquisitions of work by women peaked all the way back in 2009” (Halpern and Burns 2022).  This exhibition seeks to challenge these norms by providing a platform for female-identifying artists to explore subjects often dismissed as "off-topic,” trivial, or taboo.  Marginalized groups have long offered invaluable viewpoints that are often overlooked or silenced in mainstream discourse. Their experiences, struggles, and triumphs contribute richly to the fabric of our society, yet they frequently remain invisible.

As quoted from the National Museum of Women in the Arts, “Female artists represent just 2% of the market. The truth is that women have never been treated equally in the art world, and today they remain dramatically underrepresented and undervalued in museums, galleries, and auction houses.”

In addition to showcasing artwork, the exhibition cultivates a supportive community where female-identifying artists feel empowered to express themselves authentically. By fostering an environment free from ridicule and judgment, we can rebuild a world where the female-identifying voice is celebrated and respected.

“Rebel Girl” addresses the dynamic and ongoing process of formation as an action, engagement, and analysis within the context of gender equality in the art world. Formation as action is exemplified in how the show was built, one artist nominating another.  By championing the inclusion of female-identifying artists, this exhibition reconfigures our understanding of cultural identity, continuity, and change amidst current political challenges. As the political landscape threatens to revert to past inequalities, "Rebel Girl" stands as a testament to the determination and resilience of women in art.

This exhibition provides a platform for female-identifying voices to be heard, seen, and celebrated, shining a spotlight on the diverse perspectives, acknowledging their significance in shaping culture.

ARTIST BIOS

Adero Willard is a California-based ceramic artist known for her rich, layered surface designs. She earned her BFA from Alfred University, her MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and is an assistant professor of ceramics at California State University Sacramento.

Anna Calluori Holcombe is an internationally exhibiting ceramic artist with work featured across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. A 1997 NCECA Fellow, she has been a member of the International Academy of Ceramics since 2001 and received a Fulbright award to Turkey in 2013.

Cathy Lu creates ceramic sculptures that manipulate traditional Chinese imagery to explore cultural authenticity and identity. She earned her MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, has participated in residencies at the Bemis Center and Archie Bray Foundation, and is a Professor of the Practice in Ceramics at Tufts University.

Io Palmer is a multidisciplinary artist exploring class, labor, and societal excess through ceramics, textiles, and video. Originally trained as a ceramicist, she has exhibited widely, received multiple grants and fellowships, and is a Professor of Art at Washington State University, Pullman.

Joy Okokon is a Nigerian artist whose ceramics practice examines the decline of traditional Nigerian hairstyles and their cultural significance. She holds an MFA in Visual Studies from Missouri State University, has exhibited internationally, and received the 2022 Outstanding Student Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center.

Kim Dickey is an internationally recognized ceramic artist whose work is held in major collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Crystal Bridges Museum. She earned her MFA from Alfred University, has exhibited extensively, and has been a Professor of Ceramics at the University of Colorado Boulder since 1999.

Kristy Moreno is a Philadelphia-based ceramic artist whose work has been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally. She earned her BFA from California State University, Chico, completed residencies at the Archie Bray Foundation and Cerámica Suro in Guadalajara, and has been featured in Juxtapoz and Los Angeles Times.

Lydia C. Thompson is a mixed-media artist whose work is deeply rooted in African and African American cultural traditions. She earned her MFA from Alfred University, has received honors including a Fulbright-Hays Grant and Windgate Distinguished Fellowship, and is a Professor of Ceramics at UNC Charlotte.

Rebekah Bogard is a ceramic artist known for her intricately crafted sculptures exhibited across the U.S. and internationally. She earned her MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, completed residencies at the Bemis Center, and is an Associate Professor of Ceramics at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Sana Musasama is an activist and ceramic artist whose work explores themes of healing, trauma, and social justice, particularly regarding survivors of sex trafficking. She earned her MFA from Alfred University, received the 2022 NCECA Life Honorary Membership Award, and has work in collections at The Mint Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design.

Stefani Threet is a Philadelphia-based ceramic artist inspired by her time living in Oaxaca, Mexico. She is the founder of The Independent Makers of Philadelphia and Ceramic Concept, a storefront highlighting ceramics by women, artists of color, and local makers.

Stephanie E. Hanes is a Canadian-born artist whose sculptural ceramics investigate materiality and conceptual form. They earned an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, won the Toby Devan Lewis Fellowship, and have exhibited internationally in Italy, France, Canada, and the U.S.

Stephanie Kantor is a Philadelphia-based artist whose ceramic installations explore historic objects, cultural traditions, and identity. She earned her MFA from the University of Colorado Boulder, completed residencies at The Clay Studio and Belger Crane Yard Studios, and has exhibited internationally at Salon Acme in Mexico City and the Nerman Museum.

Yolanda Spears is a Washington, D.C.-based ceramic artist and founder of Down2Earth Pottery LLC, a brand focused on joyful, functional ceramics. She discovered her passion for clay while studying photography at the Corcoran School of Art and now creates handcrafted pieces that bring beauty into everyday life.