Art Clay Senior Instructor
Teresa Ooton Preston

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Location: Hutchinson, KS	Contact Information: Email: prestonte@hutchcc.edu
Art Clay Classes Offered: Introductory Level One Certification Senior Level Certificaiton Specialty	Areas of Specialty: Fine Silver, Silver, Gold, Brass & Copper Fabrication Casting Forging

Biography: I have been a certified art techer for 31 years. I began teaching students at the junior high level, moving to high school and presently teaching college students, art history and jewelry design. I hold an MFA in Design, specializing in jewelry and sculpture. I have traveled internationally for twenty–one years: South America, Africa and Europe. My soul is connected to West Africa. I have spent a total of twenty–nine weeks studying with the Bauole, Senufo, Bambera and the Ashanti, learning to create their art using their traditional techniques. My work reflects my interest in other cultures and historical art forms.
Philosophy: Throughout history and in every culture man has created art from an innate need to decorate ourselves and the environment around them. My work is inspired by my interest in traditional cultures, art history and forms found in nature. I have worked in metal for many years: fabrication, forging and casting. Art Clay Silver opened up a whole new avenue for me to use in craeting my work. I now have a new art form to introduce to my students.
Awards / Degrees: My work has been published in The Register: Wichita Quarterly Magazine twice, Vol.24:61-64 and Vol.114:50-51, 81, and back cover. My work has been in six juried shows including three cash awards, Prairie Arts Show – regional juried exhibition, Rice County Cultural Society, Sterling, KS and two purchase awards. Hutchinson Art Center – juried art fair, Hutchinson, KS

Art Clay Senior InstructorTeresa Ooton Preston