Most people try to avoid getting their hands dirty on a Monday morning, but ceramicist Mary Wilhelm is making a compelling case for doing the exact opposite.
The Western Illinois University Department of Art and Design, alongside WIU Ceramics, will host Wilhelm for a two-day visiting artist demonstration Sept. 21-22.
The interactive event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days in Room 111 of the Heating Plant Annex on the WIU Macomb campus.
The demonstration is free and open to both the university community and the general public.
Wilhelm’s ceramic work balances whimsical charm with intricate surface design.
Her pottery pieces feature vibrant floral embellishments, playful polka dots, and warm, earthy color palettes. Incorporating textured carvings, gold luster accents and stylized motifs—such as sculpted birds and pastel blossoms—her vessels bridge the gap between functional stoneware and narrative sculpture.
During the multi-day showcase, attendees will get an insider’s look at Wilhelm’s hands-on process, from initial clay shaping to detailed surface embellishments. Whether stopping by between classes or spending a morning immersed in studio art techniques, visitors can observe how raw clay transforms into finished art.
For more information on the visiting artist series, contact the WIU Department of Art and Design.
