Pamela Bullard
Tennessee Craft, in partnership with the Tennessee Arts Commission, announces the Master Artist/Apprentice Program pairings for 2020. Pamela Bullard, resident of Chattanooga, will be mentored by Carrie Anne Parks in clay.
The mission of the MAAP is to encourage and invest in the continuation, advancement, and creation of Tennessee craft by recognizing the value of the master craft artist and apprentice relationship as a way to preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
"The Master Artist/Apprentice Program provides a wonderful professional opportunity on an annual basis for three emerging artists to refine their work under the concentrated guidance of seasoned professional artists," says Tennessee Craft Executive Director Jennifer Justice. “It is exciting to see the beautiful growth and relationships that evolve from artists working closely together. Every year new professional artists and apprentices are selected in diverse media. The program culminates in a vibrant exhibition at the Commission’s gallery.”
Meet the Artists:
The 2020 apprentices selected are WOOD: William "Bill" Bleau (Arlington), mentored by Master Rick Cannon (Memphis); CLAY: Pamela Bullard (Chattanooga), mentored by Carrie Anne Parks (Chattanooga); and FIBER/TEXTILE: Mirrah Johnson (Silver Point), mentored by Master Rena Wood (Smithville/Cookeville). Bios of all the master artists can be read at https://tennesseecraft.org/programs/maap/
Chattanooga-area clay artist Pamela Bullard has been chosen to work with master clay artist Carrie Anne Parks. Ms. Bullard said she is excited about advancing the narrative elements of her work. “I wish to develop sculptural forms to integrate within wheel thrown vessels in hopes of creating a framework to develop more sophisticated oxide and underglaze techniques. By continuing to develop wheel thrown and carving techniques, I hope to create more advanced vessels to explore the nuance that can be achieved with layered underglaze application.”
The partnership between Tennessee Craft and the Tennessee Arts Commission provides Tennessee artists with relevant and alternative educational experiences, promotes and facilitates fine craft as a viable career path for Tennessee artists, fosters deliberate mentoring, and creates professional development opportunities for emerging Tennessee craft artists, said officials.