‘Ceramics at the Laundry’: New Book on Ceramics at HSU 1970-2020

Press release from the Morris Graves Museum of Art:

Just in to the MGMA Museum Store is Ceramics at the Laundry-Ceramics at Humboldt State University 1970-2020, a publication of the John Natsoulas Press. The anthology recounts the history and influence on the artists that were part of the ceramics movement at HSU (now Cal Poly Humboldt) through the writings of two prominent professors, Lou Marak and Keith Schneider, as well as the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts gallery director, John Natsoulas.

“The Laundry” as it came to be known, was a functioning commercial laundry facility next door to the campus and through the persistence of Professor Reese Bullen, was purchased for the intent that it would serve as a temporary ceramics studio and there would be no upgrades to the building. Today, after “over 50 temporary years, the ceramics studio is still in the laundry building and, true to their word, no major improvements have been made.” -Lou Marak

“Many great artists trained at Humboldt, and they found their voices in this unique environment…The enormous influences of this almost spiritual space will certainly continue, even as the building itself is replaced by campus apartments and a parking structure in 2027. Despite the major transitions gripping both the university and the art department, this legacy of the Laundry remains as an inspiration for new generations of artists.” -John Natsoulas

With historical photographs paired with biographies of artists through the years, Ceramics at the Laundry-Ceramics at Humboldt State University 1970-2020 is a thorough recount of the history and impact of a space intended to be temporary yet had a long-lasting influence of the many artists that worked within its walls.

Visit the MGMA Museum Store and pick up a copy for $40.

The Morris Graves Museum of Art, located at 636 F Street, Eureka is open to the public noon-5p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for seniors (age 65 and over), military veterans, and students with ID; children 17 and under free; Families with an EBT Card and valid ID receive free admission through the Museums for All initiative, Museum members are free. Admission is always free for everyone on the first Saturday of every month, including First Saturday Night Arts Alive!, 6-9 p.m. and Mini Masters at the MGMA.