A new exhibition in the Penn State Abington art gallery showcases pieces created by students during courses taught by faculty in collaboration with professional artisans at the Moravian Pottery and TileWorks in Doylestown, Bucks County.  

Students explored the history and production of tile making and, by experimenting with traditional tools and equipment, they created their own tiles and mosaics.

Their experience was enhanced through storytelling, lectures by the curator, and the Henry Mercer Legacy Artist program. The TileWorks produces handmade tiles and mosaics in the style of Henry Mercer, the acclaimed archaeologist and ceramicist and a leader of the American arts and crafts movement. 

“The students had access to all the staff, who worked with them and taught them these incredible techniques. It is an amazingly rich space, and it’s so beautiful to work there,” said Yvonne Love, associate professor of art. 

Love and Chris Bonner, associate teaching professor of art, co-taught the courses, which came to fruition thanks to relationships the duo formed in the art community years ago.

Bonner was a master mold maker at the TileWorks for more than a decade before he began teaching at Abington, and a colleague from that period, Katia McGuirk, became executive director of the site a few years ago.  

The TileWorks-based class is open to art majors and minors as well general education students at all levels. About 10 to 12 students enroll in the process-oriented course each spring. 

The success of the students in this immersive experience extends beyond the exhibit in the campus art gallery. Three students received Student Engagement Grants from the university to fund summer internships, another student was hired part time to glaze tiles, and two other students honed their professional skills volunteering at the national Tile Fest. 
 
The course also strengthened the existing connection with the working history museum, which is located about 30 minutes north of Abington, by building a partnership that will offer continued engagement for students and the entire campus community.  

The gallery runs through October 13.

Read more about these student artisans and their creations on Penn State Abington’s website.

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