Heidi Kreitchet received her BFA in ceramics from Northern Arizona University, focusing on wood-firing, where she credits Don Bendel, Jason Hess, and Ted Adler for their expertise in wood-fired ceramics. From 2004 to 2006, Kreitchet was fortunate to assist renowned ceramic artist Don Reitz in Clarkdale, Arizona. By watching and absorbing Reitz’s skillful, hand building techniques, Kreitchet was inspired to push her own ideas with clay. She then completed an MFA at Utah State University under the guidance of John Neely and Dan Murphy. In 2011, Kreitchet was asked by David Armstrong, Founder of the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) to start AMOCA Ceramics Studio in Pomona, CA. Kreitchet has passionately built a ceramics studio in Southern California providing classes, memberships, workshops, and outreach to the community. This past year Kreitchet was invited to be on the Advisory Board for The Reitz Ranch Center for Ceramic Arts.
Mark Rigsby is an Associate Professor at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, where he teaches studio art and serves as the Museum Director for the Department of Art & Design. He received his BFA in Ceramics and Painting from Auburn University in 1991 and his MFA in Ceramics and Sculpture from the University of Alabama in 1997. In graduate school Rigsby began research in the ancient techniques of wood-fired ceramics and kiln construction. This research continues to inspire his work today. He has worked in clay for over 25 years.
Rigsby's studio work focuses on creating ceramic sculpture, as well as utilitarian wood-fired and soda-fired stoneware and porcelain. His work has been exhibited in national and international juried exhibitions across the country, some of which include: the Workhouse Clay National in Lorton, VA, the San Angelo Ceramics National, in San Angelo, TX, the American Craft Council Show in Atlanta, GA, and the Smithsonian Fine Craft Exhibition in Washington, DC. More of his work can be viewed online at rigsbyceramics.com .